Page 1 of 7 PRC CO ² -LASER PRESENTATION GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS - Embedded PC104 Electronics with exchangeable software allowing very easy integration of customer specified functions: such as eg. specific interface functions, variable gas consumption, gas pre-warnings, etc. - Each laser source is equipped with a PC104 controlled status and alarm diagnostic panel, allowing simple and clear status indications. - High-speed start-up system : allows repeated start-up of the laser source in less than a minute and a half. - Precise and high stability power control circuit with a tolerance of less than 0.5 %. - Tripple low simmer circuit allowing several minimum power settings for the different pulse modes. - Standard pulse modes : C.W., Gated Pulse, Super Pulse and Hyperpulse (registered by PRC) (see enclosed diagram), with independ control of laser power, pulsing frequency and duty cycle pulse duration). - Output Coupler Purging with customer supplied clean and dry air (or Nitrogen) in order to avoid any external contamination of the output coupler window, as well as for additional cooling of the output coupler.
Page 2 of 7 GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS (CONTINUATION) - Free choice of incoming working voltage for all PRC laser sources : most frequent voltage levels are standard available and have to be specified following the country of distination. - Linear polarization : 45 standard (No more need for an ECQ or Polarizer module, so less external optics!!). Different polarization angles optionally available. - All laser sources are mounted in one single enclosure. Thus requiring less floor space. However, for larger quantities, they can also be supplied in a customized enclosure that fits better into or onto the OEM-machine. - Several interface possibilities available inside the laser source, allowing customized interfacing possibilities to any CNC-control or machine. - All lasers are standard available with a high-quality laserdiode pointer for easy alignment of external beam transport, as well as simple positioning on the work table with closed shutter. This allows to show where the impact of the CO 2 laser beam will be, in turn increasing security. - Maximum power is always at least 10 % higher than the specified rated output power, which allows reliable cutting parameters without any risk of the laser source being overloaded. The above also contributes to a very long meantime between maintenances (6.000 to 10.000 hours). - All laser models are equipped with a dynamic power control, ranging from zero to rated output power. Therefore, the lasers are performing as efficiently commanding high power or low-power. - Automatic vacuum leak check function.
Page 3 of 7 SPECIFIC CHARACTERISTICS - Standard gas low pre-warning : when a laser gas cylinder is almost empty (pressure drop), a warning signal is given (may also be given through the interface on the CNC screen) without the laser source being turned off. In this way, empty gas cylinders can be replaced during production, without having to switch off the laser.!! No more production loss when replacing an empty gas cylinder!! - Patented manual gas override function. The laser gas consumption can be adapted manually (by the end user in production), so that the laser even can operate with contaminated gases or with a vacuum leak. - All PRC lasers are standard equipped to operate on three separate gases or on premix gas. Every laser has its own internal gas mix unit. - Furthermore, the gases do not have to be of the highest purity. See PRC gas specifications, which of course means major savings for the end user. - All laser source models are equipped with an Oil-free and maintenancefree Turbo Flow II Compressor (patented by PRC), eliminating any contamination of the laser gas circuit and in turn resulting in no contamination of the internal laser optics or plasma tubes. This reduces the maintenance cost to a minimum and the optics life is considerably increased ( 8.000 to 10.000 hours).
Page 4 of 7 SPECIFIC CHARACTERISTICS (Continued) - PRC LIGHTVAR RESONATOR on all models with only 4 internal optics!! The PRC Lightvar resonator, which does not require any watercooling results in a very high thermal stability. Tests carried out at the EHT University in Zürich did not show any measurable expansion in case of temperature rise of more than 40 C. Since the resonator is not water-cooled, the stability is entirely independent of the water cooling temperature, as well as of the purity of the water cooling circuit. Also the mode, power and pointing stability are entirely independent of the water temperature. Therefore, there is no need for a special chiller cooling unit with very tight temperature tolerances. In the resonator part, the water cooling only serves to take away the heat from the mirrors. A temperature control of 2 C is sufficient here!! - The temperature-independent resonator structure allows mounting or replacing of resonator mirrors without any need for resonator retuning or realignment!! - All laser models can be delivered with customer-specified beam diameters, to achieve the best processing results with particular focus lenghts. - Most laser models can be delivered with different mode structures. The mode structure can even be modified afterwards in the field!! - PRC lasers can be delivered in a standard enclosure or in a customized enclosure (for larger quantities) which can be designed in cooperation with the OEM. - Furthermore: PRC is the only supplier world-wide offering dual beam lasers.
Page 5 of 7 PRC LASER PERFORMANCE ADVANTAGES - Enhanced reliability of processing parameters and quality thanks to accurate control of power stability, mode stability and pointing stability. - Extension of laser application possibilities and flexibility thanks to the availability of higher power levels and extended pulsing capabilities, with full and independend control of laser power, pulsing frequency and duty cycle allowing to penetrate into a wider application field. - Increased processing speeds due to a better mode quality and higher power levels. - Faster piercings in stainless steel, aluminium, brass, etc. by means of the superpulse mode (peak pulse powers up to three times the rated output power). - Improved processing of reflective materials in the hyperpulse mode (peak pulses superposed onto C.W.-mode). WARRANTY All laser models are covered by a warranty without limitation of running hours (see PRC warranty terms).
Page 6 of 7 THE EXTREMELY EASY MAINTENANCE CONTRIBUTES TO AN ENHANCED RELIABILITY & CONSIDERABLE REDUCTION OF MAINTENANCE COST - Only the vacuum pump oil and filter, and water filter, have to be replaced over a period of 5.000 hours. No other service is required, within this period of time. - Only at 5.000 hours, a small preventive maintenance has to be performed (+/-1 day of work). - Only every 10.000 hours a standard maintenance will be done ( 1~2 days of work) - Very long life of internal laser optics : 8.000 to 10.000 hours. - The PRC laser enclosures are designed to allow easy access to and allow easy replacement of the parts, thus reducing the possible downtime to a minimum. - All PRC lasers have an entirely modular structure, which further contributes to easy maintenance. - The internal laser optics ( only 4 pieces) can be cleaned or replaced mostly without any need for laser retuning!! So less downtime. - No expensive special beam shaping optics => less maintenance cost! - No need to return the laser ever to the manufacturer for repairment, everything can be done on-site, in the field. PRC SERVICE SUPPORT - Worldwide service network. - Full technical support by trained personnel. - Laser applications know-how and support for OEM-customers and endusers. - Interventions in most countries within 24~48 hours.
Page 7 of 7 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS WHY CHOOSING FOR PRC LASERS? 1. Better performances - Better processing results thanks to accurate power and mode stability control ( 0.5 %). - Guaranteed rated output power with a maximum power reserve of at least 10 % higher. - Extension of laser application possibilities. - Extreme Pulsing performance and Enhanced pulse modes, improving application results. - Best performance and flexibility for all laser applications. 2. Enhanced reliability - Totally oil-free TURBO FLOW II Compressor. - Resonator structure immune to temperature fluctuations. - Longer meantime between maintenance. 3. Flexibility - Customized interfacing by PRC. - Customized beam characteristics. 4. Customer support - Full technical support by PRC worldwide. - Applications know-how and support. - Quick interventions. 5. Reduced operating and maintenance cost - Cheaper laser gases and reduced gas consumption. - Reduced electrical consumption (DC excitation fi 50 % less than RF excitation). - Considerably enhanced laser optics life. - Considerably longer meantime between maintenance. WORLDCLASS CUSTOMER SERVICE