NEW MODEL PULSED CL-R ND:YAG LASER
In an effort to help ensure continued use of the installed base of LASERDYNE systems, LASERDYNE SYSTEMS and CONVERGENT LASERS have developed a new product, the CL-R laser, which is a direct field replacement for the JK700 series lasers that are installed on LASERDYNE systems. 

While there appears to be a number of processing advantages when using this laser for drilling and trepanning (higher throughput, deeper holes, larger percussion drilled holes), the main thrust of the program is to provide LASERDYNE customers with a laser that will be supported for many years to come.

Following is information that will help you determine if this is right for your company:

- Price for laser is regional and based on quantities ordered.  However, the price will make you think twice about not upgrading.

 - Installation from LASERDYNE SYSTEMS will be quoted based on a customer’s location, but there will be approximately one week of installation time.  Estimated labor portion of this cost is $4,800.

- Uses existing beam delivery hardware.

- One year warranty on new laser hardware from date of completion of installation.

- Uses existing laser chiller.

- Existing programs will be compatible.  However, if early indications are correct there may be an opportunity to increase efficiency of processing.

- Applications engineering assistance available from LASERDYNE SYSTEMS technicians will be quoted separately.

- Longer life time for lamps, with a lower lamp price.

- This laser has been in use for extended periods at LASERDYNE SYSTEMS and will be available for demonstration.

 - First units available in July 2010.

COMPARISON CL-R


 


*1 - Maximum Hz possible with power supply only. Usable frequency is a function of process and available energy.



FAQ’s – Frequently Asked Questions

1) When are the CL-R lasers available?
Starting at the end of July 2010, our goal is to begin scheduling CL-R laser production, in addition to the requirements for CL50k lasers now used on LASERDYNE systems.

2) Will programs written for the JK704 work with the new laser?
LASERDYNE SYSTEMS and CONVERGENT LASERS engineers have revised the interface of the CL50k so that it responds the same as the JK704.  To the operator it appears the same.  Adjustments to compensate for lamp aging are made somewhat differently.  This is covered during the training included at installation.

3) How does the flash lamp life of the CL-R compare with the JK704?  How do you know that the lamp life is longer with the CL-R?
We expect that users will see longer lamp life with the CL-R laser.  This is largely (at this point) anecdotal information from customers who utilize both the JK704 and CL50k for processing the same parts.

From the feedback of customers using both lasers there are reports that the CL50k lamps (same lamp used in CL-R) can have twice the life of those used in the JK704.  As an example, one aerospace turbine engine component manufacturer operates their LASERDYNE supplied CL50k lamps at almost 5kW and report that lamps are lasting on average 2.5 months. Their JK lamps (purchased from a third party supplier) are operating at 3kW and last only 3 weeks.  All lasers are operating 24 hours a day, even during part change over.

It is easy to understand why this is possible because of the nature of the reflecting cavities.  The JK704 uses a diffuse ceramic cavity.  While this may have an advantage for welding, it requires considerably more current to the lamps to produce the energy required for drilling and cutting. The CL50k and CL-R use gold reflectors that are designed to optimize drilling characteristics.  The amount of additional lamp life depends on the laser conditions used - larger and deeper holes show the most improvement.

4) Will the CL-R laser have the same processing advantages as the CL50k?
No.  While the CL-R is based on the CL50k, it is designed to perform and process the same as the JK704.  This means there is no active (controlled) ICT and VSM.  The ICT and VSM are features of the CL50k that allow for ‘At Focus Drilling,’ Hole Diameter Compensation – HDC, FlowComp™, and other features that have lead to a new generation of laser drilling performance.

5) Why is the CL-R capable of drilling deeper holes?
There are two primary factors.  Higher peak power and better M2 of the laser beam.  The CL-R lacks the versatility of the CL50k for hole drilling but will perform as well and in many cases better than the JK704.

6) Can you replace the JK704 on my LASERDYNE system with the CL50k?
This is possible only for the JK704’s used on LASERDYNE 790 systems.  On earlier 780’s and 890’s, the output position of the beam and mounting holes for the laser do not match that of the CL50k.  While this seems minor, in fact, it made the use of the CL50k impossible.  Also bear in mind that the CL50k does not operate like the JK704.  Changing lasers would mean that the interface between laser and controller, as well as the operating procedures, would have to be adjusted. The CL-R was designed to be virtually transparent in its use as compared to the JK704.

7) After changing to the CL-R do you have to re-qualify the laser and programs for aerospace work?
This is difficult to answer.  The internal procedures of companies differ.  In one respect the laser should be considered a tool similar to a drill or milling cutter.  If the beam diameter, energy per pulse, pulse duration and pulse frequency are the same for the CL-R as for the JK704, you would expect the same result. You can also consider this to be a direct change of laser.  If you replaced an older JK704 with a new one would you have to re-qualify all programs again?  Peter Thompson, the Technical Director of LASERDYNE SYSTEMS, is available to discuss this with companies.  He will focus on the application performed and offer an opinion.  Also see question 18.

8) Is the CL-R CE compliant?
Yes, as well as classified as a CDRH Class IV device, the same as a JK704.  The CL-R is designed to be used worldwide.

9) Can I replace JK704 lasers on non–LASERDYNE systems with the CL-R?
Eventually this laser will be offered to users of JK704 on non-LASERDYNE systems.  Currently the interest for lasers to be used on LASERDYNE SYSTEMS is taking up our production capacity.  This program began as a result of inquiries from LASERDYNE SYSTEMS users. We will make a further announcement when the CL-R is available for non-LASERDYNE use.

10) Does LASERDYNE handle all aspects of changing the lasers?
Yes.  When the laser is delivered to the customer facility the only requirement is that it be transported to the system site.  LASERDYNE technicians will require the use of a fork truck and operator for several hours during installation.

11) Is there a discount for changing multiple lasers?
Yes.  However we are encouraging all users who have multiple lasers to have one CL-R installed and tested before beginning discussions on additional changes.  This gives the customer the opportunity to assess the advantages and LASERDYNE SYSTEMS the opportunity to better understand the costs of operating at the particular location.

12) Does this mean that LASERDYNE SYSTEMS will not support my JK704 laser in the future?
No. LASERDYNE SYSTEMS will continue to support existing JK704’s in the field as best as possible.  However, the JK704 laser is no longer in production and the design is quite old. Availability of spare parts, partly due to obsolescence of components, has caused PRIMA North America to undertake this program.

13) Can I trade in my JK704 laser?  Is there a value to the old laser?
LASERDYNE SYSTEMS is not interested in obtaining old JK704 lasers.  We appreciate that these lasers may contain parts that are still functional, but we cannot supply parts in this condition to customers.  You may want to check the market through the various used equipment dealers.  Properly drained of fluids, the laser is essentially scrap metal.

14) Why has it taken so long to make this offer if there are obvious advantages to the CL-R?
Until recently, spare parts and alternative replacement components for the Jk704 have been available.  However delays are now very common. There were engineering challenges in repackaging the CL50k to be a replacement for the JK704.  This has been an almost two year effort.

15) Do any of my stock of spare JK parts work with the CL-R? What about focusing lenses?
Spare parts for the JK head and power supply are not used in the CL-R. However all components used for beam positioning and focusing after the beam exits the laser are not changed. Any spare lens, mirror cover slide, etc., will be usable.

16) What is the warranty for the laser?  What is included?
The warranty is one year for completion of the installation and includes components and labor.

17) Does installation include any training?
We perform our own maintenance work and repair. Upon completion of installation, the LASERDYNE technicians will hold a short class for operators and engineers pointing out the differences between the lasers and how the CL-R is operated.  LASERDYNE encourages customers to become familiar with maintenance procedures which will also be covered.  A more complete training program on repair of the CL-R can be scheduled at an additional cost.  This can be held at the customer facility or at CONVERGENT LASERS.  When held at the customer facility it requires use of the LASERDYNE system.

18) Can we have samples processed with the new laser?  Where can we see this laser?
Yes, samples and demonstrations are available at LASERDYNE SYSTEMS in Champlin, Minnesota.  A LASERDYNE 795 will have a CL-R laser installed and will be available for processing trials.  Please contact us for availability.

19) If after review of the advantages of the CL-R and the CL50k on a new LASERDYNE system we decide to upgrade to a new system is LASERDYNE SYSTEMS interested in accepting our old system as part of a purchase?  Can I trade-in my older system?
LASERDYNE SYSTEMS has accepted older 780 systems as part of the purchase of a new LASERDYNE 795.  We are considering accepting 890 systems as well.  Please contact LASERDYNE SYSTEMS for additional information.

We are confident that once you consider the benefits of this offer, you may be interested in pursuing it further.  At this stage, we are not asking for a commitment, only your comments and questions.  We hope the process will help our customers make a determination as to whether a retrofit may make sense.

If you believe your company would be interested in learning more about this product, please simply reply below.

Please contact me regarding upgrading my present LASERDYNE system.