Cx-10 Carbon-Dioxide Laser

A new 120W CO₂ laser from Coherent offers a 30 percent better power/volume ratio than most competitive lasers in this class, enabling the construction of more compact laser-based systems for space-constrained, industrial applications. Additionally, the Cx-10 offers a unique combination of performance and reliability features to deliver both superior processing results and lower total cost of ownership. Specifically, the Cx-10 delivers a shorter pulse fall time than other waveguide CO₂ lasers at this power level, which translates directly into a smaller heat affected zone (HAZ) on the work piece, as well as increased throughput speeds.

According to the company, exceptional power stability further ensures process uniformity and repeatable results, which is especially important in thin film processing applications. Reliability in the Cx-10 is enhanced through an integrated RF power supply and a modular RF board which also facilitates field serviceability.

Cx-10 lasers are intended to service a range of high-volume marking, cutting and engraving applications, employing a variety of materials, including acrylics, cardboard, ceramics, polymer films, thin metals, laminates, leather, paper, rubber, natural stone, textiles, wood and PCBs. The laser is liquid cooled and available at four different standard wavelengths, enabling its output to be matched to yield optimum results for specific materials. These wavelengths include 10.6 µm, which is suitable for most organic materials, 10.2 µm for improved processing of the polypropylene films used widely in food packaging, 9.6 µm for efficient cutting of the thin films used in flat panel display (FPD) fabrication, and 9.3 µm for applications with polycarbonate (PC) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), such as marking plastic bottles.

Furthermore, all Coherent C/Cx-series lasers, with output powers from 20W to 120W, utilize a common platform in terms of mounting and output beam position. This enables system builders to rapidly retool their products with virtually no redesign.