FAQs about Lasers

This depends a lot on what you are trying to accomplish and other requirements that will need to be identified. CO₂ lasers in the 30 to 250 watt range, are great for a variety of cutting, marking, engraving and converting applications. Please contact the factory to find out more about what your specific application is and if our lasers are suitable. If not, we will be happy to point you in the right direction.

CO₂ lasers are the least expensive lasers manufactured today. A small CO₂ laser (30 watts) will cost roughly $4,000.00 for the tube itself. You will also need a small DC power supply and some control electronics to fire the laser. Your process will likely require optics, motion and other automation that will need to be considered.

CERAMICORE^® technology has an advantage over a glass and metal tube design. Since the metal components are not in contact with the active gas the gas life is longer. Ceramic also has lower thermal expansion compared to metal tubes resulting in better laser stability.

Iradion’s patented CERAMICORE^® lasers are intended to last for many years without any maintenance or service. Individual usage/applications may vary but our lasers should operate for 5 years or longer.

Choosing the appropriate laser for an application requires multiple variables that need to be addressed. These include but are not limited to budget, throughput, physical size and weight constraints. The more power a laser emits the greater the cost, size and processing rate.

CO₂ lasers are used cost-effectively in a wide variety of applications. Lasers are literally blades that don’t dull and never apply any force to the substrates they are processing. While the initial costs of blades, inks, stamps, labels, etc. may be low, the often overlooked costs of consumables, preventative maintenance and scrap easily outweigh the initial machine cost of the laser.

Contrary to what is often shown on TV or in the movies, lasers are a simple tool and safe when handled appropriately. Low power CO₂ lasers are a heat source and can start fires if left on mistakenly. Installed properly in a Class I system, lasers can be safely used in everyday office environments without additional precautions. Technicians and operators should be trained in laser safety. When working with any system other than Class I, appropriate eyewear should be worn.