Tongzhou Weipu K6 Dedicated Laser Chiller

Overview

The Tongzhou Weipu K6 Dedicated Laser Chiller is an integrated, air-cooled circulating chiller engineered specifically for high-stability thermal management of continuous-wave (CW) and pulsed laser systems—including solid-state, fiber, CO₂, and ultrafast lasers—where precise coolant temperature control directly impacts beam stability, wavelength accuracy, and diode lifetime. Utilizing a closed-loop phase-change refrigeration cycle with R-410A or R-134a refrigerant (model-dependent), the K6 maintains setpoint accuracy within ±0.1 °C over its full operating range (−40 °C to +95 °C), minimizing thermal drift in optical cavities and pump diodes. Its robust architecture integrates compressor, condenser, expansion valve, evaporator, circulation pump, PID-controlled heater, and insulated reservoir into a single footprint—eliminating external piping complexity while ensuring rapid system response and low thermal inertia.

Key Features

• Integrated air-cooled design with front-intake airflow (small/medium models) or top-exhaust configuration (larger variants), optimized for dust-resistant operation and simplified maintenance in laboratory and light-industrial environments.
• Wide operational temperature span from −40 °C to +95 °C enables compatibility with cryogenic laser cooling requirements (e.g., Ti:sapphire oscillator precooling) as well as high-temperature stabilization of DPSS pump modules.
• Refrigeration capacity scalable across 1.2 kW–15 kW nominal output, supporting laser systems ranging from compact benchtop units (≤500 W) to multi-kilowatt industrial laser sources.
• Dual-mode temperature control: active refrigeration below ambient and precision resistive heating above ambient—ensuring uninterrupted setpoint hold regardless of ambient fluctuations.
• High-efficiency centrifugal circulation pump with adjustable flow rate (5–30 L/min, model-dependent), pressure monitoring, and dry-run protection to safeguard laser cold plates and microchannel heat exchangers.
• IP54-rated electrical enclosure and corrosion-resistant stainless-steel reservoir and fluid pathways ensure long-term reliability with deionized water or 30% ethylene glycol/water mixtures.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The K6 is validated for use with laser systems requiring stable coolant delivery at flow rates ≥8 L/min and pressure drops ≤2.5 bar across typical cold plate configurations. It complies with IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC emission limits) and IEC 61000-6-2 (immunity standards), and meets CE marking requirements for equipment placed on the EU market. While not certified to UL 61010-1 or CSA C22.2 No. 61010-1 out-of-the-box, the unit supports third-party safety certification upon request. Its temperature control algorithm adheres to ISO/IEC 17025 traceable calibration practices when paired with NIST-traceable reference thermistors (optional accessory). The chiller’s firmware architecture supports audit-ready event logging, aligning with GLP/GMP documentation expectations for regulated laser-based analytical instrumentation (e.g., LIBS, LIF, or laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy platforms).

Software & Data Management

The K6 features a built-in 4.3-inch TFT touchscreen HMI with intuitive menu navigation, real-time display of inlet/outlet temperatures, flow rate, refrigerant pressure, and system status codes. Optional RS485 Modbus RTU or Ethernet TCP/IP interface enables integration into LabVIEW, MATLAB, or SCADA-based facility monitoring systems. Logged data—including timestamped temperature profiles, compressor run hours, and alarm history—is exportable via USB flash drive in CSV format. Firmware supports password-protected parameter lockdown and configurable alarm thresholds (e.g., high-temperature deviation >±0.5 °C for >30 s), satisfying basic FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic record integrity when used in pharmaceutical or biotech laser processing applications.

Applications

• Stabilization of high-power CW fiber lasers (1–10 kW) in metal additive manufacturing and laser cladding systems.
• Cooling of ultrafast Ti:sapphire oscillators and amplifier stages requiring sub-0.1 °C temperature stability for pulse duration consistency.
• Thermal regulation of excimer laser gas discharge chambers during semiconductor photolithography tool maintenance cycles.
• Support of vacuum-compatible laser deposition systems (e.g., PLD, sputtering) where chiller must operate reliably under low-humidity, cleanroom-class conditions.
• Secondary cooling loop for dual-stage temperature control in hybrid laser-microscope platforms (e.g., confocal Raman + laser trapping).

FAQ

What coolant fluids are compatible with the K6 chiller?
Deionized water is recommended for most laser applications; 30% ethylene glycol/water mixture may be used where sub-zero operation is required. Propylene glycol and other additives are not supported due to viscosity and thermal conductivity constraints.
Can the K6 be operated in a temperature-controlled room without additional ventilation?
Yes—front-intake models require ≥500 mm unobstructed clearance in front; top-exhaust variants require ≥1 m vertical clearance above the unit to ensure adequate convective heat dissipation.
Is remote monitoring and control available as standard?
RS485 Modbus RTU communication is standard; Ethernet TCP/IP and OPC UA support are optional add-ons configured at time of order.
Does the K6 support automatic shutdown during laser interlock signals?
Yes—the unit includes a dry-contact input terminal for external safety interlocks, enabling immediate pump stop and refrigeration disable upon laser emergency stop activation.
What is the expected service interval for compressor maintenance?
Under continuous operation at ≤80% load and ambient ≤30 °C, the hermetic scroll compressor requires no scheduled maintenance for 20,000 hours; annual inspection of air filters and refrigerant charge verification is recommended.