LIMO Lissotschenko Mikrooptik GmbH, Dortmund, Germany, has introduced the LIMO1300-F200-SL808/9xx-EX1472, a 1.3 kW diode laser that has wall-plug efficiency of 30 percent, (including cooling). A comparison with systems in the same power class: A typical CO2 laser has an efficiency of approximately six to eight percent and a fiber laser has an efficiency of 20 to 25 percent.
Thanks to the efficient fiber coupling through high-end beam shaping, the new system offers excellent wall-plug efficiency. In addition the system is practically maintenance-free, thanks to the passive cooling that dispenses with micro channels. This means that the diode laser significantly lowers the operating costs for energy and maintenance.
"This is an extremely compact solution for cutting and welding that is easy to integrate and practically maintenance free", said Dipl.-Ing. Peter Bruns, director of application and technical service. "The user can implement it for thermal conduction welding and deep penetration welding of metals. In addition, for the first time it can be used as a competitive alternative for laser fusion cutting of stainless steel, aluminium and titanium, as well as for laser frame cutting of structural steel and copper."
It is easy to get started with this economical diode laser, LIMO says, because the user can also use standard process heads for the diode laser. Additional unique selling points facilitate the change: Defective fiber-optic cable can be replaced without readjustment. In addition, industrial standard beam delivery systems (LLK-B fiber connectors including breakage and plug monitor) are used. When machining aluminium materials, higher process speeds are achieved than are achieved with well-known radiation sources because a wavelength at which the aluminium absorbs the most power is used intentionally.
Additional advantages include a variety of interfaces to PLC and field busses of all types (Ethernet, CAN, Profibus) and CE-conformant configuration of safety-relevant interfaces.
