CO₂ Laser Not Firing? 5 Fixes to Try Before You Panic

Let's kick things off with a power-packed start. A stable power supply is the lifeblood of your laser machine. Check those power cables for signs of wear or loose connections. A swift visual inspection and a firm tightening of any loose ends might just be the jumpstart your machine needs.

What to check:

• Is the chiller powered on?
• Can you see water flowing?
• Are there any error lights or audible alarms?

If in doubt, turn off the chiller and laser, then power them back on. A hard reset often clears sensor-related issues.

Most CO₂ lasers come with built-in safety interlocks. If the lid isn’t closed or the sensor isn’t aligned properly, the machine will silently refuse to fire.

What to check:

• Is the lid completely closed?
• Can you press and hear a “click” from the door switch?
• Is the magnet or trigger aligned correctly?

If the machine moves but doesn’t fire, this is often the issue.

Sometimes it’s not the hardware—it’s the software. Look at the controller screen or LightBurn to make sure everything is communicating properly.

Quick checks:

• Can you jog the laser head in LightBurn?
• Are you set to the correct layer (Line, Fill, or Line+Fill)?
• Is your power or speed accidentally set to zero?

Also, double-check that the job is being sent to the correct device profile.

No fan noise? No red light on the laser power supply? You might have a power issue.

Steps to take:

• Safely open the panel and inspect all power connections
• Check for burn marks, disconnected wires, or odd smells
• If the fan in the power supply isn’t spinning, it could be dead

Always power off and unplug the machine before working inside.

In rare cases, the issue could be physical damage to your optics or tube. Look for:

• Cracked or burnt mirrors
• A dead laser tube (no faint glow even when firing at 100%)
• Broken high-voltage leads or loose connections

If your mirrors are dirty or misaligned, your beam may be firing—but never reaching the material.