Q:Can the capability and lifespan of a laser be affected by temperature control or improper maintenance?
To function, carbon dioxide (CO2) and solid-state lasers require fluid cooling. Without adequate cooling, power stability, precision, and the overall lifespan of the laser’s life suffer. Some industrial machines use open-loop cooling, wherein tap water flows through the system and down the drain. This practice is environmentally unacceptable and quickly proves costly—even within a two-year timeframe. More sophisticated designs employ closed-loop cooling.
Closed-loop cooling utilizes a heat transfer fluid and a liquid-to-liquid or liquid-to-air heat rejection system. Closed-loop cooling systems offer significant long-term cost savings over open-loop cooling. A liquid-to-air recirculating chiller is a more adaptable solution that offers precise temperature control. A high-quality recirculating chiller—like the new PolyScience DuraChill® chiller with advanced usability features—benefits a laser system in several ways, namely by improving the power stability and efficiency, beam profile, mean time between failures (MTBF), and overall lifespan.
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A:Not only is thermal stability a critical design objective for industrial lasers, but it is vital to the growth of the laser industry.
In laser systems with recirculating chillers, thermal problems rarely stem from poor equipment or design flaws. More likely, the culprits are operator error and neglected maintenance. Maintenance problems are understandable. In a busy production environment, laser technicians are focused on throughput, not monthly maintenance procedures.
Fluctuating temperatures greatly impact a laser’s capabilities and lifespan, as well as production outcomes and customer satisfaction. PolyScience’s new chiller technologies specifically target maintenance-related issues. The DuraChill® line incorporates innovative features including DynamicFilter™ a self-changing air filter, a front-fill reservoir, and an Ultraviolet (UV) antibiological light system. Together, these technologies create a more reliable chiller that laser OEMs can confidently integrate into all their systems.
Polyscience Durachill® Recirculating Chiller
PolyScience’s new chiller technologies specifically target maintenance-related issues in the laser industry. The DuraChill® line incorporates innovative features including a self-changing air filter, a front-fill reservoir, and an ultraviolet light fluid sanitation system. Together, these technologies create a more reliable chiller that OEMs can confidently integrate into all their systems.
