Air Cooling; Proper Airflow; Ambient Temperature - Universal Laser Systems ULR 250 Integration Manual

Watt/ulcr 500 watt oem co2 laser

Table of Contents

6.0 Air Cooling

Careful attention should be paid to proper airflow through the laser when integrating it into

equipment. Any restriction of airflow will result in reduced power output and can cause

permanent power loss or failure over extended periods of time. Ambient air should be

directed to the laser's intake vents on the front end of the laser, and exhaust air from the back

end of the laser should be directed out of equipment with as little restriction as possible. If

the laser is placed in an enclosure it may be necessary to provide additional fans to draw

exhaust air out of the enclosure to reduce a rise in temperature inside the enclosure, which

can affect laser output power. A general guideline to determine adequate airflow is shown in

the following table. If exhaust air temperatures are significantly above those listed, that is an

indication of inadequate air flow.

LASER MODEL

ULR-250

ULR-500

Finally, ambient air should be filtered before entering the laser to prevent a build up of dust

and debris on the cooling fins which can reduce cooling efficiency, however, care should be

taken when selecting a filter media to ensure that the filter does not restrict air flow. For

relatively clean environments a low restriction filter media (45 pores per inch for example)

might be adequate but for dirtier environments a heavier filter media might be required.

Air cooled lasers by nature are sensitive to ambient temperatures. Hotter ambient

temperatures will reduce power output and cooler ambient temperatures will increase power

output. An ambient temperature range of 50-95 F [10-35C] should be observed to

guarantee proper laser operation. At temperatures below 50 F [10 C] operation may be

intermittent and there is a potential for damage to the power supply and optics. At

temperatures above 95 F [35 C] ULS lasers are not guaranteed to provide the rated power

output. Lasers can safely be operated at ambient temperatures above 95 F [35 C] however

power output will diminish as ambient temperature rises and longevity can be significantly

reduced.

EXHAUST AIRTEMPERATURE

< 50 ºC

Table of Contents