The ROFIN SC x10 is an OEM CO2 Slab Laser designed for industrial material processing applications such as cutting, welding, and marking. This device is a high-frequency excited, diffusion-cooled CO2 laser, emphasizing excellent mode quality and stability for demanding operations.
Function Description
The laser operates by establishing a laser gas discharge (active zone) between waveguiding electrodes using a radio frequency voltage. A rear mirror and an output mirror form the optical resonator, producing a laser beam that is emitted through a window. Due to the nature of the slab electrodes, the emitted laser beam diverges at different rates in the x (free space) and y (waveguide) directions. To achieve a round beam, reflective correction optics are used to reshape the output. This can involve single optical elements or a combination of cylindrical and spherical optics.
The laser head incorporates a sophisticated optical path. After exiting the Laser Tube, the beam is turned 45 degrees by a plane turning mirror and directed into a Beam Correction Module. Within this module, a second plane turning mirror guides the beam towards an angled spherical reflective element. This element corrects the beam's shape to make it round and focuses it into a spatial filter. The spherical mirror then deflects the beam into the Spatial Filter Module. The Spatial Filter is crucial for scraping off any unwanted secondary lobes, ensuring optimal beam quality. Post-filtering, the beam enters the Safety Shutter Module. This module uses a rotary solenoid and a reflective blade to block or dump unwanted laser output, directing it into a thermal dump when activated. Finally, the laser beam exits the Safety Shutter Module and is directed towards the Final Output Window, which can be a plane window or a lens depending on customer requirements. The Laser Tube, Spatial Filter, and Shutter Module are all water-cooled, with water flow monitored by a Flow Switch.
Important Technical Specifications
Laser Head Details:
- Laser Tube: Sealed Cavity, RF excited, Diffusion Cooled, Slab Carbon Dioxide Laser
- Excitation Frequency: 81 MHz
- Tube Lifetime: > 10,000 hrs continuous running
- Output Power: 100 Watts (Guaranteed at 20°C coolant temperature, 400µs pulse width, and 50% duty cycle. Power declines by 0.8% per °C for coolant temperatures up to 40°C.)
- Power Range: 5 – 100 Watts
- Peak Power: 60 – 230 Watts
- Power Stability: ± 7%
- Pulsed Frequency: Up to 10kHz (for full modulation depth; higher frequencies for quasi-CW operation)
- Pulse Energy: 5 – 230mJ
- Pulse Rise/Fall Time: <45µs
- External Dimensions (mm): 791.0(L) x 170.7(W) x 223.6(H)
- Weight: 32.0kg
Laser Beam Characteristics:
- M² (K): <1.2 (>0.8)
- Beam Divergence: <2.5mrad (full angle)
- Beam Ellipticity: <1.2:1
- Beam Pointing Stability: <200µrad (half angle)
- Beam Diameter (1/e²): 7.5 ± 0.5mm (For standard beam correction)
- Wavelength: 10.4 – 11.2µm
- Polarisation: Linear (perpendicular to base of laser head)
RF Power Supply:
- Output Frequency: 81MHz
- Output Power: 1kW average (2kW peak)
- Input Voltage: 48V dc ± 1%
- Input Current: 35 Amps (max RMS)
- Input VA: 1.7kW max
- External Dimensions (mm): 227.5(L) x 371.0(W) x 80.0(H)
- Weight: 9.5kg
- RF Cable: T-COM 600, 15mm cross-sectional diameter. Static minimum bend radius: 152mm. Dynamic minimum bend radius: 400mm. RF connector torque setting: 4Nm (2.95 ft-lb). Standard lengths from 1 to 10m.
DC Power Supply:
- Output Voltage: 48V dc ± 1%
- Output Current (max): 40A
- Input Voltage: 200-240 V ac ± 10% (single or bi-phase, must be connected to ground)
- Average Input Current (max): < 10A RMS
- Peak Input Current (max): 16A
- Typical Power Consumption: 2.0kW at 230V ac input (400s pulse width and 50% duty cycle)
- Power Factor: >0.9
- External Dimensions (mm): 371(W) x 270(D) x 160(H)
- Weight: 13.5kg (15.0kg with mounting bracket 105-0077-00, 15.3kg with mounting bracket 105-0076-00)
Coolant Requirements:
- Heat Load: 2000 Watts max.
- Coolant Flow Rate: 4 litres/min (minimum)
- Coolant Temperature: 19 – 25°C (± 1°C from coolant setting)
- Coolant Pressure: > 2.2 bar (32 psi) and < 6.0 bar (88 psi)
- In Line Filter: 100µm
- Connections: 8mm OD tubing or barb fitting for 3/8" ID tubing
Environmental Specification:
- Ambient Temperature: +5 to +40°C (+41 to +104°F)
- Storage Temperature: -10 to +70°C (+14 to +158°F)
- Humidity: 10 to 85% relative humidity (non-condensing)
- Altitude: < 3000m
Usage Features
The ROFIN SC x10 is classified as a Class 4 (Class IV) laser product, requiring strict adherence to safety protocols. It is designed for integration into larger laser processing systems for industrial applications. The manual emphasizes that any use outside of its intended purpose constitutes misuse, for which ROFIN accepts no liability.
Key usage features and safety considerations include:
- Safety Standards: Complies with EN60825 (European Standard for Radiation Safety of Laser Products) and CDRH (Centre for Devices and Radiological Health) guidelines for the United States. As a component laser, the buyer is responsible for ensuring the final system meets all relevant safety requirements.
- Training: Mandatory training for installation, operation, and maintenance personnel is available from ROFIN or authorized distributors.
- Administrative Precautions: Operators must receive regular safety instruction, have access to the manual, and observe all accident prevention regulations. The "laser designated area" must be properly marked and labeled, restricting access to untrained personnel. Combustible, flammable, or explosive materials must be removed from the laser area.
- Material Processing: Users must investigate hazards associated with materials being processed, as some (e.g., metals, plastics) can emit toxic decomposition products. Fume extraction is recommended, and specialist filters may be required. PVC should not be cut with the laser beam due to the production of hydrochloric acid.
- Eye Protection: Permanent eye damage can result from direct or reflected laser radiation. All personnel in a Class 4 operational state must wear safety spectacles suitable for CO2 lasers. Personnel not protected must be excluded from the laser area.
- Skin Protection: Laser radiation can cause burns and cuts to the skin. Hands or other objects must not be placed in the beam path. The laser should only be turned on with a target to absorb energy.
- Fire Protection: Combustible objects in the beam path can ignite. The laser must not be operated in the presence of flammable, explosive, or combustible materials.
- Electrical Safety: Installation, service, or repair work must only be undertaken by qualified ROFIN personnel or skilled engineers after consultation with the Service Department. Covers must not be removed, and the area around the laser and power supplies must be kept dry. The laser should not be operated with water leakage or faulty mains cables.
- Safety Interlocks: The laser's protective housing cannot be easily opened. It has no user-serviceable parts within the housing.
- Laser Radiation Emission Warning Lamp: Located on the rear flange of the laser housing, it indicates possible laser radiation output. A failure signal is provided if the lamp fails during operation.
- Safety Shutter: A solenoid-driven mechanical shutter blocks or dumps the output beam. It includes two position sensors for safety monitoring.
- Recommended Additional Safety Features (for end-user integration):
- Emergency Shut Off Switch: A red mushroom-type switch with force make/force break contacts, approved to electrical standards.
- Power On/Off Key Switch: Allows the system to be switched off and the key removed when not in operation.
- Manual Restart: A statutory requirement (21 CFR 1040.10) to prevent automatic restoration of laser output after mains power failure or interlock breakage.
Maintenance Features
The manual outlines several maintenance considerations to ensure safe and optimal operation:
- Routine Inspection: The laser should undergo routine inspection and maintenance according to ROFIN's recommendations detailed in Section 4 of the manual.
- Optical Surfaces: Regular inspection and cleaning of optical surfaces, including the output window, are critical for maintaining performance.
- Optics Cleaning Materials: Specific materials and procedures are recommended for cleaning optical surfaces to prevent damage.
- Purge Gas Supply: Maintenance of the purge gas supply is essential for protecting internal optics from contamination.
- General Cleaning: Regular general cleaning of the laser system is advised.
- Service and Repair: Any service or repair work must be carried out by qualified ROFIN personnel or trained staff.
- Warranty Information: Details regarding warranty coverage, shipments, returns, and adjustments are provided.
The manual also includes appendices for safety labels and additional information, emphasizing the importance of understanding and adhering to all safety guidelines for the ROFIN SC x10 OEM CO2 Slab Laser.
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