Ypsilanti, MI - Trotec has launched a new line of CO2 laser sources from US-based manufacturer Iradion Laser Inc. The patented laser source delivers high reliability, engraving quality and longevity. The resonator body, where the laser radiation is generated, is made of 100% ceramic.
The laser sources have been optimized for Trotec laser systems to maximize CeramiCore technology's benefits. Trotec is an international provider of advanced laser equipment for a range of applications, while Iradion is a manufacturer of OEM laser sources with 15 years of experience in developing and manufacturing laser source technology.
"We've tested Iradion laser sources stringently and extensively for a number of years. We wanted to assure ourselves that CeramiCore technology is a perfect match with Trotec laser systems. Above all, the power stability of the laser sources throughout their lifetime impressed us," explains Stephan Fazeny, head of R&D at Trotec.
CeramicCore Technology
Usually all-metal or glass laser sources are used for laser processing. CeramiCore technology totally redefines the basic laser source concept. The ceramic design gives better benefits than metal or glass lasers, says the company's release.There are no aluminum welds or seals, which leak over time. Two ceramic half shells are fused together to form the resonator during manufacturing and fired at over 800 degrees Celsius. The burning process effectively cleans the interior surface immaculately, removing any impurities.
Furthermore, all of the optical elements and the electrodes are mounted on the outside of the resonator, and the gas is excited through the ceramic body. This means that there are no interior metal surfaces that could damage the gas mixture's equilibrium. The result is a pure gas composition over the lifetime of the laser source. These enhancements mean a longer lifetime of the ceramic laser source compared to traditional sources.
Ceramic lasers can be operated at much greater pressures, resulting in faster pulse speeds, which are critical for high speed engraving and marking applications. Laser users can benefit from high engraving quality at speeds up to 140 in./sec.