Synrad Firestar f series User Manual

getting started
116
Synrad Firestar f-Series operator’s manual
Connecting
Chiller preparation guidelines
■The ship kit includes chiller ttings with 3/8" NPT male threads. If these ttings will not connect to
your chiller then you must provide ttings that will adapt the laser’s 1/2" O.D. polyethylene cooling
tubing to your chiller’s Inlet and Outlet ports.
■Because Firestar’s cooling tubing is supplied in inch sizes, do not use metric tubing ttings unless you
have installed the appropriate inch-to-metric tubing adaptors. The use of metric ttings on inch size
tubing will lead to coolant leaks or may allow the pressurized tubing to blow o the tting.
Coolants
SYNRAD recommends the laser’s cooling uid contain at least 90% distilled water by volume. In closed-
loop systems, use a corrosion inhibitor/algaecide such as Optishield
®
Plus or equivalent as required. Avoid
glycol-based additives because they reduce the coolant’s heat capacity and high concentrations may aect
power stability. For SYNRAD lasers, the minimum coolant setpoint is 18 °C (64 °F) so glycol is not neces-
sary unless the chiller is subjected to freezing temperatures. If tap water is used, chloride levels should not
exceed a concentration of 25 parts per million (PPM) and total hardness should be below 100 PPM. Install
a lter on the chiller’s return line and inspect frequently. f-Series lasers use the following wetted materials
in the coolant path—aluminum, brass, copper, Delrin
®
, PBT, polyethylene, stainless steel, and Viton
®
.
Note: DO NOT use de-ionized (DI) water as a coolant. DI water is unusually corrosive and is not rec-
ommended for mixed material cooling systems.
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 ow 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 specied coolant temperature range of 18 °C to 22 °C (64 °F to 72 °F), then the
following steps MUST be taken to reduce the risk of condensation damage.
■ Use the Gas Purge port (f201/f400) to introduce nitrogen or dry, ltered air into the laser housing.
■ Air-condition or dehumidify the room or the enclosure containing the laser.
■ Increase coolant ow by an additional 3.8 lpm (1.0 GPM). Do not exceed a coolant pressure of 414
kPa (60 PSI).
Note: To reduce problems associated with condensation, Firestar 100/f200 lasers can operate at coolant
temperatures up to 24 °C while f201/f400 lasers can operate up to 28 °C. However, these elevated
cooling temperatures may result in decreased laser performance and/or reduced laser lifetime.
Table 1-3 provides dew point temperatures for a range of air temperature and relative humidity values.
Remember that the laser’s coolant temperature must be set above the dew point temperatures given in the
chart; however, for best results and performance, use a coolant temperature in the range of 18–22 °C
(64–72 °F) when possible.

Synrad Firestar f series Specifications

General

Brand	Synrad
Model	Firestar f series
Category	Measuring Instruments
Language	English