RF TO GLASS / 35–80 W CO₂ CONVERSIONS
Glass CO₂ tube conversions for older laser systems originally fitted with an RF metal laser source.
An alternative to the high cost of metal-tube refills and replacements, with the interfaces needed to integrate the new source into your machine.
35–80 W options · Assessed for your machine · POA
THE BENEFIT AFTER CONVERSION
The initial conversion is a one-off investment in keeping a useful machine working.
For an older laser, an RF metal-tube refill or replacement can be difficult to justify against the value of the system. A suitable glass-tube conversion offers another route.
Once the conversion has been completed, future tube changes use a compatible glass CO₂ tube at a much lower replacement cost than the original RF metal source. That ongoing saving is the main benefit of the service.
We quote for the conversion and confirm the replacement-tube specification, so you can consider both the initial work and future running costs before deciding.
CUTTING, MARKING & ENGRAVING
Converting the laser source does not affect every application in the same way. Your usual materials and jobs guide the assessment.
Cutting and vector marking performance are generally unaffected by a suitable conversion and can improve on some systems. The result depends on the chosen tube and the machine configuration.
Engraving performance may change when moving from an RF metal source to a glass tube. Tell us if fine detail, photographic engraving or engraving speed is central to your work, so those requirements can be considered before conversion.
A COMPLETE MACHINE CONVERSION
Conversions include all applicable interfaces and the data transfer required between the new laser and the machine, with the exact scope agreed for your system.
We assess the available space, tube supports, beam position and optical path, then specify the mounting and alignment work for the chosen glass source.
The conversion accounts for the glass tube’s power supply and cooling requirements, with the necessary equipment and installation changes included in the agreed specification.
Laser-enable and power-control interfaces, together with applicable source-to-machine data transfer, are included. Where the machine requires source identification, rated wattage or operating-status information, we assess and provide the necessary interface as part of the conversion.
Safety interlocks, cooling protection, fault response and operation are considered alongside the new source. The installation is aligned and checked as a complete machine.
Compatibility, output power and the final installation are confirmed for the individual machine. Conversion pricing: POA.
KEEP YOUR OPTIONS OPEN
If a return to an RF metal source is required later, most conversions can be reversed.
We confirm what reversibility involves for your machine before starting the work, including any parts or original hardware that would need to be retained. Reversibility is assessed for each installation.
Compare other laser replacement optionsPLANNING YOUR CONVERSION
Primarily older CO₂ laser cutting and engraving systems with an RF metal source, where the cost of refilling or replacing that source is becoming difficult to justify. We assess the machine’s condition, available space, interfaces and your intended work before confirming suitability.
Glass-tube conversion options are available from 35 to 80 W. The appropriate power is selected around the machine’s optical, electrical and cooling arrangements and the work you want to carry out.
The conversion includes applicable control interfaces and data transfer between the new laser and the machine. Requirements for the existing controller and software are assessed individually and the supported operation is confirmed as part of the proposal.
Not necessarily. Cutting and vector marking are generally maintained, and sometimes improved, but raster and photo engraving performance can vary between systems. Please tell us about your engraving requirements when enquiring.
POA — Price on application. The tube, mounting, power supply, cooling and interface requirements determine the initial conversion cost. The main ongoing benefit is the lower cost of replacing the glass tube in future.
START WITH YOUR EXISTING MACHINE
Tell us the machine make and model, the current RF source and rated power, and whether you mainly cut, mark or engrave.
