Novanta v40 User Manual page 18

WATER-COOLED CONNECTIONS
Laser cooling fittings
If your integrated laser application uses metric cooling tubing, we recommend the installation of tubing
adaptors to convert the laser's WATER IN and WATER OUT fittings from 1/2-inch tubing to 12-mm met-
ric tubing. These tubing adaptors are available from many tubing and fitting manufacturers.
If, for any reason, you must remove and then reinstall the threaded WATER IN and WATER OUT cooling
fittings on the laser, do not overtighten them. When installing new fittings, wrap the threads with Teflon
tape and then carefully tighten the fittings until they are just snug enough to prevent water leakage.
Chiller preparation guidelines
• You must provide fittings that will adapt the laser's 1/2" O.D. polyethylene cooling tubing to your
chiller's Inlet and Outlet ports. These fittings can be either "quick disconnect" or compression
type fittings.
• Because 's cooling tubing is specified in inch sizes, the use of metric tubing fittings is discouraged
unless you have installed the appropriate inch-to-metric tubing adaptors. The use of metric fit-
tings on inch size tubing will lead to coolant leaks or may allow the pressurized tubing to blow off
the fitting.
Coolants
NOVANTA recommends that the laser's cooling fluid contain at least 90% water (distilled or tap) by vol-
ume. In closed-loop systems, use a corrosion inhibitor/algaecide such as Optishield® Plus or equivalent.
Avoid glycol-based additives because they reduce the coolant's heat capacity and high concentrations
may affect power stability. For NOVANTA lasers, the minimum coolant setpoint is 18 °C (64 °F) so glycol
is not necessary unless the chiller is subjected to freezing temperatures. In applications where biocides
containing chlorides are used, concentrations should not exceed 25 parts per million (PPM). Maintain a
coolant pH level above 7.0. We recommend the installation of a filter on the chiller's return line,
especially in areas where water hardness is a problem. v40 lasers incorporate the following wetted
materials in the coolant path—aluminum, brass, copper, Delrin®, PBT, polyethylene, stainless steel, and
Viton®.
Setting coolant temperature
Choosing the correct coolant temperature is important to the proper operation and longevity of your
laser. When coolant temperature is lower than the dew point (the temperature at which moisture
condenses out of the surrounding air), condensation forms inside the laser housing leading to failure of
laser electronics as well as damage to optical surfaces.
The greatest risk of condensation damage occurs when the laser is in a high heat/high humidity environ-
ment and the chiller's coolant temperature is colder than the dew point of the surrounding air or when
the system is shut down, but coolant continues to flow through the laser for extended periods of time.
The chiller's temperature setpoint must always be set above the dew point temperature. In cases where
this is not possible within the specified coolant temperature range of 18 °C–22 °C (64 °F–72 °F), then the
following steps MUST be taken to reduce the risk of condensation damage.
• Stop coolant flow when the laser is shut down.
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