How To Properly Install A CO₂ Laser Tube: Step-by-Step Guide

We had a customer from India call us last week.
He just got a new CO₂ laser tube and said:
“Looks simple enough… but I don’t want to mess it up. Any tips?”

Truth is, installing a CO₂ laser tube is straightforward—if you know what you’re doing. But small mistakes? They can ruin alignment, burn optics, or even kill the tube early. That’s why we put together this step-by-step guide. Not theory. Just what works in real workshops.

Step 1 – Check the New Tube Before Anything Else

Unbox it carefully. No rush here.
Look for cracks in the glass.
Make sure the output window’s protective cap is still there.
Check if you’ve got all the parts—brackets, wires, rubber pads. Missing something? Stop and fix that before moving on.

Step 2 – Get the Tube in Place

Slide it into the same spot where the old one was.
Negative end (the output side) faces your first mirror.
Logo side facing up—easy for future checks.
Support the tube at two points, about a quarter of its length from each end. Too close to the edges or middle? That’s asking for trouble.

Step 3 – Align the Beam

This is where precision matters. Misaligned beam means:

• Weird engraving results

• Damaged lenses

• Power drop you can’t explain

Use a red dot pointer or alignment paper. The beam should hit the center of the first mirror. Not “close to the center.” The center.

Step 4 – Lock It Down (But Gently)

Tighten the clamps, but don’t overdo it. Glass cracks easily.
Rubber pads help keep it steady and absorb vibration.
You want it fixed in place but not under stress.

Step 5 – Hook Up the Power

Power off the machine. Always.
Connect high-voltage and ground wires to the right terminals.
Low-voltage control wire goes to the low-voltage terminal on your laser power supply.
Run the cables neatly. Match the + and – terminals. They’re labeled—no guessing.

Step 6 – Connect the Cooling

Water cooling keeps your tube alive.
Connect IN and OUT water pipes according to the markings.
Follow “low in, high out” so air bubbles get flushed out.
No leaks, no loose joints.
Check the flow before you even think about firing up the laser.

Quick Pre-Start Checklist

• Tube stable and positioned right?

• Wires tight and correct?

• Cooling system working, no leaks?

• Optics clear and aligned?

Do a low-power test first. If everything checks out, you’re ready.

Why Listen to Us?

At Puri Laser, we’ve been building CO₂ laser tubes for 16+ years. Cutting, engraving, marking—you name it, our tubes are in machines around the world.

• Lifespan: up to 10,000 hours

• Stable beam, consistent power

• OEM / ODM customization

• Fast global shipping and support

We’ve seen every installation mistake in the book. This guide is how you avoid them.