Santa Clara, CA, June 26, 2003. Coherent has introduced a high-power, diode-pumped solid-state UV laser for commercial applications, the Paladin 355-4000. Designed for integration into PCB laser direct imaging (LDI) systems and computer-to-plate (CTP) printing systems, the Paladin 355-4000 lowers the cost of ownership for end-users, compared to systems using high-power argon-ion lasers. Specifically, a typical user will save $15,000 to $30,000 per year on electric utility costs.
The Paladin 355-4000 is the first quasi-CW solid-state UV laser specially developed for demanding OEM applications. It provides 4W of power at 355 nm with mode-locked pulses at 80 MHz. The Paladin 355-4000 features longer lifetime, easier operation and lower cost of ownership than high-power argon-ion lasers. Moreover, the Paladin's compact and modular design makes it easy for OEMs to integrate it into next-generation products.
"Typically, argon-ion lasers sacrifice lifetime and efficiency in order to achieve high power in the UV. But with a diode-pumped, solid-state laser such as the Paladin, you get high-power UV without compromising lifetime," said Torsten Rauch, product line manager at Coherent.
Added Greg Niven, marketing director for Coherent's Graphic Arts and Laser Direct Imaging (LDI) Business Units, "The Paladin 355-4000 not only features outstanding lifetime, it's easier to operate and allows users in both CTP and LDI industries to maintain established processes. In the reprographics industry, the Paladin's UV output allows printers to use traditional Computer-to-Plate (CTP) plates, which cuts costs in half compared to the special thermal or visible digital plates-and printers will not have to completely overhaul their currently installed plate workflow. The Paladin 355-4000 will also enable direct digital imaging of flexographic plates, eliminating the messy and hazardous black-mask step for other digital flexo plates."
To assure the long lifetime and consistent performance of the Paladin 355-4000, Coherent uses the same field-proven aluminum-free diode technology found in its successful AVIA product line. In addition, the company manufactures each laser using its proprietary Permalign technique to further assure long, reliable operation in industrial environments.
For more information, visit www.coherentinc.com .
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