FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a laser machine cost?

Pulsed nano-sec lasers cost much more than continuous wave (CW) lasers of similar average power, because they use advanced optics and alignment techniques in order to achieve MW of pulse power. One can typically expect prices of 100,000 GBP to 1,000,000 GBP depending on power capacity, wavelength, configuration and extras. For prices of specific products please contact us at [email protected]. If you only need to process a specific number of items or use a system for a short time, one of our clients that offer laser cleaning services in your area may be able to help you.

Interested in purchasing a high-powered lasers but I need financing?

Are you interested in purchasing our cutting-edge high-powered lasers but need financing? Look no further than Astmoor Finance, our trusted partner in commercial finance solutions. Astmoor Finance specialises in helping SME clients secure the funding they need to grow their businesses, and they can help you too. Go to our contact page to learn more and get started on your application.

What applications do our lasers work on?

Our lasers work on a wide variety of applications. They are particularly suited for surface processing and coating removal processes, with a high throughput or large surface area. Visit our applications page to learn more about or lasers. We have a range of videos showing our high power lasers in action on popular applications.

How do I become an approved distributor for Powerlase?

For new distributors the following criteria should be met:
At least 5 staff with technical competencies in laser surface technology
Office(s) in country/market
Service capability (technical and engineering staff)
Experience with legacy rapid cleaning technologies
Turnover > 3M €
Existing company, established > 6 years
Purchase at least 1 Vulcan i500c for rent/demo purposes
Liability insurance value > 3M €
Access to > 10 potential customers
If interested use the form at the bottom of this page to speak to one of our advisers.

Which laser cleaning system is hand-held, portable and good for on-site use?

Powerlase manufactures high power laser systems. The Vulcan hand-held laser system is currently available in 1600W & 500W and is the ideal laser cleaning system for a wide range of applications. The Vulcan series are ideal for the following applications: Paint and Coating Removal, Rust Removal, Surface Activation, Oxidation Removal, Pre-Weld Preparation, Surface Cleaning and Restoration, and Mould Cleaning.

Can our lasers be used for tyre mould cleaning?

A time saving solution for tyre mould cleaning is our new Vulcan laser cleaning systems. The Vulcan delivers up to 5x the processing speed of conventional tyre mould cleaning systems with an unprecedented 500 – 1600 Watts of cleaning power. The Vulcan's industry-leading laser pulse energy provides maximum stand-off distance tolerance during cleaning and maximum convenience so the operator is not constantly looking for the focus. The Vulcan is the new definition of portability and convenience for tyre mould cleaning and preparation.

Is laser cleaning environmentally friendly?

Laser Cleaning can help to significnatly reduce process waste. The need and cost of managing several metric tons of contaminated sand, media and water waste per operation is completely aleviated. The coatings and contaminants removed are typically captured on reusable filters as solid waste. The captured solid waste volume and weight is less or equal to the weight of coating that has been removed. This can typically be returned to original manufacturers who can recycle it. During the process, the systems only consume electricity which is centrally produced at low carbon footprint managed by each country and state where the system is being operated. For these reasons laser cleaning systems have become the preferred choice for companies who are looking to reduce the environmental waste caused by traditional cleaning methods. Our laser systems achieve complete removal of coatings, oxides and oil. These amazing results can be achieved without using detergents, chemical solvents or producing harmful waste.

Do we offer sample testing to see if our lasers work on an application?

Yes, our applications laboratory is based at our HQ in Crawley, UK (next to London Gatwick airport). Our applications team are available to assist all clients on their application needs. Visit our applications page to watch our latest laser application videos, or use our contact form to arrange sample testing.

Do we offer paid trials?

The Powerlase applications labs are equipped with laser sources that cannot be found in any other public access labs in the world. Namely:
1.6kW Q-switched pulsed IR laser at 1064nm and up to 250mJ pulse energy
200W Q-Switched pulsed Green laser at 532nm up to 30mJ pulse energy
80W Q-Switched DPSS pulsed UV laser at 355nm up to 8mJ pulse energy
All systems are coupled to a galvo scanner and an XYZ automated table.

Do our lasers come with a warranty?

Yes, our standard warranty starts at 12 months. Longer warranty is optional.

What makes our Fibre Lasers different from those of other Fibre Laser providers?

Powerlase only produces ns pulsed lasers featuring peak pulse power of 100s of kW to several MW. Such peak power is suitable for instant ablation and evaporation of any material, from polymers to refractory materials. The Powerlase Centauri Fibre Lasers can do the same with higher efficiency, easier maintenance, and extended lifetime.

How fast can you cut?

Powerlase ns pulsed lasers are suitable for cutting specialised materials like CFRP (Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer), GRP (Glass Reinforced Polymer) and other composite materials, very thin metal sheet that gets distorted from the use of other lasers, diamonds, glass and ceramics. Process speed for these materials is comparable to a mechanical milling system for low power source of a couple hundred Watts and increase significantly as the average power of the system increases further.

Which industries are our Lasers found in/built for?

Powerlase lasers like all laser systems have a very diverse application span. A key sector is the Semiconductor industry which typically makes use of the excellent power and pulse to pulse stability of our lasers. Furthermore, industries like the Automotive, Aerospace, Steel Manufacturing, Oil & Gas, Power Generation, Construction and Marine industries have benefited by utilising the high average power and advanced performance of our laser sources.

Do we sell Laser Processing Heads and Scanning Heads?

Yes, we sell a range of processing heads. Customisable processing heads are also available.

What is the lead time for my Powerlase laser?

Typical lead times are 12 weeks for a standard system, 24 weeks for a custom system.

How to control an Powerlase source?

GUI, HWI, Profinet, Tool screen, Flat panel display

What is the longest beam delivery fibre cable that Powerlase can offer?

Up to 60m for the IR wavelength products and 30m for the green wavelength products. If longer lengths are required please discuss with our sales department at [email protected].

What provisions do I need to make for an Powerlase system?

Water purge gas and 3-phase electricity. Process purge gas, extraction and filtration or other process consumables may be necessary depending on the application.

Which Standards do Powerlase systems conform with?

The products can be offered with CE, UL, CSA certification and conform with the machinery directive. Powerlase is ISO9001 certified.

Does the Vulcan have wheels? Can it be wheeled around the shop-floor or manufacturing site?

The Vuclan i500C can be easily wheeled around the shop floor or manufacturing site. The Vuclan i1600E is large and heavier, but can still be wheeled over small distances or crane transported for ease of relocation.

How safe is it to use a Vulcan laser?

The system conforms with the laser safety standard. Operators will need to wear laser protection eye-wear and be trained on laser safety. Area shielding with screens similar to onsite welding operations need to be used. Please refer to our safety instructions in the manual for more information.