Scottsdale, AZ--A carbon dioxide (CO2) laser produced by Universal Laser Systems Inc. emits 400 W and yet is air-cooled. Unveiled at the 2006 Awards and Recognition Association International Awards Market trade show (Las Vegas, NV; March 1 to 4, 2006), the new laser is based on direct air cooling, eliminating the need for chillers, fluids, and plumbing.
Two models are available: the XL-9200 has a 36- x 24-in. processing field, while the XL-12000 is configured with a 48- x 24-in. processing field. Both accommodate a broad range of materials and are designed to meet demanding industrial applications.
The XL series CO2 lasers have automatic detection of installed options, which ensures quick and error-free machine setups. An advanced beam indicator precisely identifies the point of laser impact on the material's surface. A further advantage is Universal's patented High Power Density Focusing Optics™, a lens option that reduces the focused spot size.
Users can store and run thousands of jobs on the system's 40-GB hard drive without connection to a host PC and change, store, or restore any job parameter on the fly. Users can preview job files on the included color LCD screen as well as display the status of each job as it is running. The control panel also provides an interface for system settings and diagnostics.
The XL series can be configured with 10 to 400 W of air-cooled laser power, notes Chris Risser, engineering manager at Universal Laser Systems.