A new sealed 1 kW CO2 laser from Coherent Inc. (Santa Clara, CA; www.coherent.com) (Nasdaq: COHR) is reportedly the most compact product available at this power level. The DIAMOND E-1000 measures less than 1497 mm x 471 mm x 384 mm, including its integrated power supply. A host of high performance features make the laser well suited for use in small machines or space-sensitive applications involving cutting, perforating and drilling of paper, plastic films, plastics, glass, carbon composites and even thin metals. The sealed DIAMOND E-1000 requires no external gas supply and the only connections to the laser are a power cord and a water hose, making this lightweight, high performance laser easily to mount on a moving robot arm.
Its sealed design eliminates costly external laser gas, and service of the gas blower required to support the external gas supply. The ability to bring the compact laser head into close proximity to the workpiece also eliminates the costs and complexity associated with long beam delivery systems.