The Critical Role of Laser Servicing & Maintenance!
- Matt Brown
- Aug 14
- 3 min read
A Technician’s Perspective
I’ve lost count of the times I’ve opened a laser and found the insides corroded, slimy, and smelling like an old fish tank. Algae on the pipes. Fungal growth in the tank. Brown water where clean, clear water should be. The truth is, the warm water in a laser’s cooling system is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, fungi, and corrosion.
The damage this causes is often more expensive to repair than buying a whole new laser — thanks to the excessive prices many suppliers and manufacturers charge for parts. I’ve seen quotes of $10,000 for a handle and $15,000 for a YAG rod. It’s madness, especially when most of this could have been avoided with regular servicing, proper water changes, and annual calibration.
And yet, I still get calls from people who were sold a laser and told, “You don’t need servicing” or “Just replace the handle and you’ll be fine.” That’s not just bad advice — it’s dangerous. Those shortcuts ruin machines, put clients at risk, and lead to bills that can cripple a business.
Why Servicing Isn’t Optional
Lasers are high-performance machines. If you skip servicing:
Parts wear out silently until something fails.
Output drifts off, risking burns or ineffective treatments.
Internal damage happens — sometimes so bad it can’t be fixed.
An unserviced laser isn’t just unreliable — it can be unsafe for you and your clients.
Cooling Systems: The Lifeblood of Your Laser
The cooling system keeps your laser from cooking itself. The “blood” in that system? Water — and not just any water. It must be demineralised or distilled, always.
Use tap water or anything with minerals in it, and you’re asking for:
Corroded metal fittings.
Plastic tubing breaking down from deposits.
Algae, bacteria, and fungus thriving in the system.
Rule of thumb: change your laser water at least every 3–6 months. Fresh, clean water keeps the system efficient, odour-free, and running for years. Ignore it, and you’ll be paying for repairs — or replacing the machine entirely.
Advanced Additives & pH Control
Zenith has developed a specialist water additive technology designed specifically for professional laser cooling systems. This additive provides:
Bacteria protection – stopping microbial growth before it starts.
Fungus protection – preventing fungal spores from contaminating tubing and tanks.
Multimetal corrosion inhibitors – protecting copper, aluminium, brass, and stainless steel simultaneously.
pH levels in a laser cooling loop need to be neutral (around pH 7), but here’s the catch — aluminium can start corroding at slightly lower pH levels. That means generic coolants or DIY additives often fail because they’re not engineered for the unique multimetal environments inside lasers. Zenith’s additive is formulated to protect against this, giving your system maximum life and reliability. Its also safe in all filter systems! #MAGIC
What’s Inside Your Cooling System
Most professional lasers use:
Copper or aluminium heat exchangers for quick cooling.
Silicone or medical-grade PVC tubing to carry water.
Brass or stainless-steel fittings to fight corrosion.
But even the best materials won’t survive without care. Heat, water, and air exposure will corrode and contaminate any system that’s left unchecked.
Calibration: Your Safety Net
A laser’s display might say it’s delivering 1.5 Joules, but unless it’s been calibrated, you could be getting much more — or much less. That’s a recipe for poor results or even skin damage.
Proper calibration uses specialist tools like:
Energy meters to measure actual pulse output.
Spectrometers to confirm the wavelength is correct.
If you notice weaker results, strange skin responses, or have to work harder to get the same outcome, it’s likely overdue for calibration — maybe way overdue.
Annual Calibration: Law and Logic
In many parts of New Zealand, it’s the law: lasers must be calibrated by a professional at least once a year. Even if it’s not a legal requirement where you are, it’s just smart business. It protects your clients, your staff, and your investment.
Bottom line: treat your laser like the precision instrument it is. Service it regularly, change the water, use the right additives, and get it calibrated every year. Ignore those basics, and you’re rolling the dice on safety, results, and the life of your machine.
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