ULS Laser Sources
There are three main types of CO2 lasers available in the market served by Universal Laser Systems: metal core, ceramic core, and glass tube. Each of these categories employs various technologies for controlling and supplying power to the laser sources.
ULS Laser Innovation
Drawing on decades of expertise in materials processing, incorporating patented technologies and leveraging extensive field service experience worldwide, ULS has developed an advanced solution for laser cutting, engraving, and marking. This solution features an integrated air-cooled, metal-core CO2 laser source with a mode-replicating, free-space slab resonator and an integrated RF power supply. These technological innovations not only ensure compactness but also enable both pulsed and continuous wave (CW) operation. Moreover, with military-grade construction and the capability for complete laser reprocessing, ULS laser sources offer unmatched durability and maintenance efficiency.
ULS produces lasers with output power ranging from 10 watts to 500 watts, available in both 10.6μm and 9.3μm wavelengths.
All ULS laser sources are equipped with integrated air-cooling across the entire power range. These laser sources offer several advantages to customers:
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Superior Laser Cutting, Engraving, and Marking Quality: Enhanced beam focus ensures consistent and precise processing.
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High Processing Throughput: Optimized laser energy utilization significantly boosts system throughput.
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Versatility with Universal Features: Supports technologies such as Rapid Reconfiguration™, Dual Laser, and SuperSpeed™.
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Operational Safety: Constructed with aerospace-grade welded aluminum and low voltage power supplies, along with integrated safety features to minimize hazard risks.
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High Reliability and Serviceability: Innovative design and a dedicated laser service program greatly reduce system downtime.
Excellent Laser Cutting, Engraving, and Marking Quality
ULS CO2 laser sources are distinguished by their superior and consistent processing quality among air-cooled laser sources available today. This distinction is quantifiable across three key parameters: beam power distribution, spatial uniformity across the processing field, and sustained power consistency over time.
The text describes the advantages of ULS (Universal Laser Systems) lasers in laser materials processing. ULS lasers feature Gaussian beam profiles with high consistency (M2 of 1.1), which allow for precise focusing and high energy concentration, resulting in small kerf widths and superior resolution in marking, imaging, and engraving. Unlike other systems, ULS lasers maintain consistent focal spot sizes across their processing area due to a free-space resonator design. They also employ innovative air cooling technology up to 500 watts, which ensures stable operation and eliminates the need for water cooling, thus reducing system complexity and maintenance costs. This integration of resonator, power supply, and cooling system enables ULS lasers to deliver consistent performance under varying environmental conditions.
High Processing Throughput
Laser processing throughput depends on available power, laser response, and energy management. Peak power is crucial, but more power isn’t always better. Laser-material interactions vary with power delivery methods: continuous low power vs. short high power bursts. This affects material results, making it beneficial to have both high and low power lasers. CO2 lasers with quick response times, like metal core lasers, enhance throughput over slower glass tube lasers. High carriage speeds can decrease throughput by reducing overlap in raster imaging. Effective laser energy management optimizes throughput across different materials and applications. ULS lasers are designed for flexible and efficient energy management.
Multiple Universal Features
ULS laser sources are a key component of the product and technology ecosystem, working alongside other unique Universal features to provide optimal processing solutions for each customer.
- Rapid Reconfiguration™
- Dual Laser Configuration
- SuperSpeed™ Technology
- System Integration and the Intelligent Materials Database