IPG YLR-200-AC User manual

YLR-200-AC
Ytterbium Fiber Laser
User’s Guide

Ytterbium Fiber Laser, Model YLR-200-AC
IPG Laser GmbH, 2009
Proprietary Information. All rights reserved
Rev. Date 08-12-2009
2
Please take time to read and understand this User’s Guide and familiarize yourself with the
information that we have compiled for you before you use the product. This User’s Guide
should stay with the product to provide you and all future users and owners of the product
with important operating, safety and other information.
Notices
The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice. IPG Laser
GmbH (IPG) believes that the information provided is accurate and reliable, however IPG
makes no warranty of any kind as to the information contained in this document, including
without limitation the implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular
purpose. Further, IPG does not assume responsibility for use of the information contained in
this document or for any infringement of patents or other rights of third parties that may
result from its use. IPG shall not be liable for errors contained in this document or for
incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance or use
of this material.
IPG grants no license, directly or indirectly under any patent or other intellectual property
rights from use of the information provided herein.
Copyright 2009 IPG Laser GmbH. All rights reserved. You may not reproduce, transmit,
store in a retrieval system or adapt this publication, in any form or by any means, without the
prior written permission of IPG, except as allowed under applicable copyright laws.
We have identified words that we consider as trademarks. Neither the presence nor absence
of trademark identifications affects the legal status of any trademarks.
The IPG Laser, Model YLR-200-AC, is a class IV laser product.
This laser emits over 200 Watts of invisible laser radiation in the optical band near 1070 nm.
Avoid eye or skin exposure to direct or scattered radiation emitted from the optical output.
Do never open the device. There are not user serviceable parts, equipment or assemblies
associated with this product. All service and maintenance will be performed only by qualified
IPG personnel.

Ytterbium Fiber Laser, Model YLR-200-AC
IPG Laser GmbH, 2009
Proprietary Information. All rights reserved
Rev. Date 08-12-2009
3
IPG Photonics Corporation
IPG delivers fiber lasers in all domains of laser material processing, medical engineering and
scientific institutes and universities. IPG is the accepted market leader in this modern fiber
laser technology. The IPG Photonics Corporation contains subsidiaries in many European,
Asiatic and American developed counties. Main production site for these lasers is Burbach in
Germany with a vertical range of manufacture of 90%. This guarantees you as user a high
grade of competence and reliability.
High output power, excellent beam quality, high stability and mobility are outstanding
predicates of the fiber laser. The superiority of the fiber laser is efficiency, flexibility,
modularity, thermal and mechanical robustness that comes along with a simple constructive
assembly. Further important characteristics for the industrial use are low running costs.
Economic feasibility studies show, that it is possible to realize faster, better and more cost-
effective industrial applications with high power fiber laser. IPG has the production capacity
for a production in high piece numbers. More information you can find under
www.ipgphotonics.com .
IPG Companies with present service

Ytterbium Fiber Laser, Model YLR-200-AC
IPG Laser GmbH, 2009
Proprietary Information. All rights reserved
Rev. Date 08-12-2009
4
Table of Contents
1. General Safety Information.................................................................................................................... 5
2. Description............................................................................................................................................. 9
3. Accessories.......................................................................................................................................... 10
4. Environmental Conditions and Precautions......................................................................................... 11
5. Front and Rear Panel Description ....................................................................................................... 16
6. Operation. ............................................................................................................................................ 19
7. Warranty .............................................................................................................................................. 28
8. Instruction for product returns.............................................................................................................. 31
9. Unpacking and Inspection ................................................................................................................... 32

Ytterbium Fiber Laser, Model YLR-200-AC
IPG Laser GmbH, 2009
Proprietary Information. All rights reserved
Rev. Date 08-12-2009
5
1. General Safety Information
Safety Conventions
We use various words and symbols that are designed to call your attention to hazards or important
information. These include:
WARNING
Refers to a potential personal hazard. It requires a procedure that, if not correctly followed, may
result in bodily harm to you and/or others. Do not proceed beyond the WARNING sign until you
completely understand and meet the required conditions.
CAUTION
Refers to a potential product hazard. It requires a procedure that, if not correctly followed, may
result in damage or destruction to the product or components. Do not proceed beyond the CAUTION
sign until you completely understand and meet the required conditions.
IMPORTANT
Refers to any information regarding the operation of the product. Please do not overlook this
information.
This symbol
indicates laser radiation.
We place this symbol on products
which have a laser output.

Ytterbium Fiber Laser, Model YLR-200-AC
IPG Laser GmbH, 2009
Proprietary Information. All rights reserved
Rev. Date 08-12-2009
6
In order to ensure the safe operation and optimal performance of the product, please follow
these warning and caution notes in addition to other information contained elsewhere in this
document.
WARNING:
Make sure the instrument is properly grounded through a protective
conductor of the AC power cable. Any interruption of the protective ground
conductor from the earth terminal can result in personal injury.
CAU
TION
:
Before supplying the power to the instrument make sure that a correct
mains voltage of the AC power source is used. Failure to use the correct
voltage could cause damage to the instrument.
WARNING:
No operator serviceable parts inside. Refer al
l servicing to qualified IPG
personnel. To prevent electrical shock, do not remove covers. Any
tampering with the product will void the warranty.
WARNING:
For
continued protection against fire hazard, replace the line fuses only
with the same types and ratings. The use of other fuses or materials is
prohibited.
WARNING:
If this instrument is used in a manner not specified in this document, the
protection provided by the instrument may be impaired. This product must
be used only in normal conditions.
CAUTION
:
For the operation conditions for processing
highly reflective materials
such as copper and its alloys you should consult with IPG.
IMPORTANT:
YLR
-
200
-
AC
laser is a
n air
cooled model. Please
,
provide
appropriate
conditions for passage of cooling airflow.
If the back reflection is expected, please, provide optical output termination
(collimator or fiber connector) with sufficient cooling.

Ytterbium Fiber Laser, Model YLR-200-AC
IPG Laser GmbH, 2009
Proprietary Information. All rights reserved
Rev. Date 08-12-2009
7
Laser Classification
This device is classified as a high power Class IV laser instrument under 21 CFR 1040.10 [and
under IEC 60825]. This product emits wavelength light at or around 1070 nm at total power of
light radiated out of the optical output greater than 200 Watts. This level of light may cause
damage to the eye and skin. Despite the radiation being invisible, the beam may cause
irreversible damage to the cornea. Laser safety eyewear is not provided with this instrument,
but must be worn at all times while the laser is operational. Use the right laser safety
goggles.
WARNING: Do never install output connector or collimator when laser electrical
power is ON.
WARNING: NEVER look directly into the laser optical output when laser is ON and
make sure that you wear appropriate laser safety glasses at all times
while operating the product.
CAUTION: Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other
than those set forth in this guide may result in hazardous radiation
exposure.

Ytterbium Fiber Laser, Model YLR-200-AC
IPG Laser GmbH, 2009
Proprietary Information. All rights reserved
Rev. Date 08-12-2009
8
Safety Labels and Labeling Locations
The figures below show the labels and their placement on the product.
Aperture Label
Location: Output fiber exit port (housing)
Explanatory Labels
(sample)
Location: Top cover
Warning Label
Location: Front panel, output fiber exit port (housing)
Identification Label
(sample)
Location: Rear panel of the unit

Ytterbium Fiber Laser, Model YLR-200-AC
IPG Laser GmbH, 2009
Proprietary Information. All rights reserved
Rev. Date 08-12-2009
9
2. Description
The YLR-200-AC Ytterbium Fiber Laser was developed for use in industrial
applications. This laser is compact and efficient allowing them to be replacing bulky
and less efficient lasers. Main application are welding, cutting and brazing.
Main Features:
• High quality fiber output
• High power
• Reliable, long lifetime
• Compact, rugged package
• Efficient
• External computer interface
Applications:
• Industrial applications
• Scientific research
This product is covered by the U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,422,897 and 5,774,484 and any
foreign counterparts thereof, and other patents pending.

Ytterbium Fiber Laser, Model YLR-200-AC
IPG Laser GmbH, 2009
Proprietary Information. All rights reserved
Rev. Date 08-12-2009
10
3. Accessories
Part Quantity Note
YLR-200-AC 1 Ytterbium Fiber Laser
Set of parts for external interface
connector 1 For operating and controlling the laser
Power key 1 For switching power supply on
User’s Guide 1 This document

Ytterbium Fiber Laser, Model YLR-200-AC
IPG Laser GmbH, 2009
Proprietary Information. All rights reserved
Rev. Date 08-12-2009
11
4. Environmental Conditions and Precautions
CAUTION:
During operation protective covers of the equipment shall not be removed.
No operator serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified IPG
personnel. Breaking the laser seals lead to the loss of warranty.
CAUTION:
Do not expose the device to a high moisture environment .
CAUTION: Before turning the power of the device on, make sure the laser optical
output is properly aligned and terminated.
CAUTION
:
The output of t
he
YLR
-
200
-
AC
delivers more than
200 Watts
of optical
power. Ensure that the end face of the laser optical output and the lenses
in the optical head are not damaged, of specified quality and clean. Any
dust on the output can burn and lead to a damage to the laser.
CAUTION
:
Always switch the laser o
f
f if working with the optical output (mounting it
into a fixture, viewing the end face with optical instruments, etc.).
CAUTION:
It is essential that the output facet of the optical output is always
maintained clean. After the use, protect the collimator or fiber connector
with a cup supplied. Do not touch the output facet and do not clean with
any unspecified solvents. Do not use the laser for processing highly
reflective materials, such as copper and its alloys, without consulting with
IPG on operation conditions. Optical damage may result from failure to
comply with the instructions above. Should such damage occur, this will
not be covered by the warranty.
IMPORTANT:
Failure to comply wi
th the cautions and instructions in this manual can
lead to damage to the fiber and its external optics and will render the
warranty void.

Ytterbium Fiber Laser, Model YLR-200-AC
IPG Laser GmbH, 2009
Proprietary Information. All rights reserved
Rev. Date 08-12-2009
12
DANGER STRONG ISOLATED LASER BEAMS
(For lasers equipped with optical isolator option)
WARNING: During laser operation optical radiation may exit from the laser isolator
ports. Please secure the exit port shown below by beam stop or radiation
trap. Provide safe laser dump for the isolated beams.

Ytterbium Fiber Laser, Model YLR-200-AC
IPG Laser GmbH, 2009
Proprietary Information. All rights reserved
Rev. Date 08-12-2009
13
CLEANING OF FIBER CONNECTOR
(For lasers equipped with output fiber connector only)
It is highly essential that a fiber connector is checked for dust and dirt every time before it is connected with an
optical.
CAUTION:
Serious hazard of damage to laser.
Through dust and insufficient cleaning the fiber connectors can become
contaminated.
•
••
•Clean the fiber connectors only according to the instructions in this
manual.
For cleaning a fiber connector you need the following materials:
1. Kodak lens cleaning paper
2. Optical cleaning sticks
3. Isopropanol (oil free, water free)
4. Acetone (oil free, water free)
5. Compressed air (oil free, water free)
6. Microscope
7. Light source
Lens cleaning paper and sticks IPG Microscope
The following procedure must be followed for cleaning fiber connectors:
1. Put the connector in the holder of the microscope.
Connector in the microscope
2. Remove the protective cap.

Ytterbium Fiber Laser, Model YLR-200-AC
IPG Laser GmbH, 2009
Proprietary Information. All rights reserved
Rev. Date 08-12-2009
14
CAUTION:
Internal deposit of dust and dirt in protective cap.
In the cap internal deposit of dust and dirt can contaminate the quartz
block.
•
••
•Always place the cap face-down to prevent deposit of dust and dirt.
Protective cap
3. Focus the microscope onto connectors surface
IMPORTANT:
Look at the surface at a slight angle to improve visibility.
4. Additional light source is to be installed so that the light is reflected from the surface into the
microscope.
5. Check the surface carefully. If some contamination is visible on the quartz block, cleaning is
necessary.
Try to blow away the dust with compressed air from the side.
Put a drop of Isopropanol onto a Kodak lens cleaning paper and wipe the wet spot laterally
over the surface of the connector until it is dry.
Put some Isopropanol on the cleaning bud and gently wipe over the quartz block with circular
moves, do not scratch.
CAUTION:
Danger of
contamination of the quartz block due to dirty cleaning paper.
Touching the quartz block with dirty cleaning paper can contaminate the
laser and lead to serious damage to the laser or to the fibers.
•
••
•Never let the face of the cleaning paper you touched get into contact
with the surface of the quartz block.

Ytterbium Fiber Laser, Model YLR-200-AC
IPG Laser GmbH, 2009
Proprietary Information. All rights reserved
Rev. Date 08-12-2009
15
Cleaning with cleaning buds
CAUTION: Never touch the top of the cleaning bud with fingers and use every bud only
one time.
Repeat the cleaning process (p12 – 9.3) with acetone instead of Isopropanol. The cleaning
procedure can always be stopped if a good result has already been achieved.
It is recommended to clean the surface with Isopropanol again after a cleaning with acetone
was done.
CAUTION:
Risk of damage at the fiber connectors.
Misuse, inaccurate cleaning, use of not intended chemicals can lead to
damage at the fiber connector. These damages are not covered by the
warranty
•
••
•Activities at the fiber connectors are only to be executed according to
the manual. The allowed cleaning materials and procedure of cleaning are
explained in the according chapter.
6. Install the cleaned connector in the bayonet fixing or an optical head or the beam switch and close the
fixing.
7. If the fiber is not to be connected instantly with a suitable optical component recap it with the protection
cap. Do not forget to clean the cap before use.

Ytterbium Fiber Laser, Model YLR-200-AC
IPG Laser GmbH, 2009
Proprietary Information. All rights reserved
Rev. Date 08-12-2009
16
5. Front and Rear Panel Description
The operating controls, indicators and connectors of the Laser front panel are listed in Table 1.
Table 1.
1 EMERGENCY button Button turns OFF the internal main power supply in the case of
emergency
2 POWER key 3 position key switch:
Middle – OFF,
Clockwise – LOCAL,
Counter-clockwise – REMOTE.
3START button When pressed, turns ON the internal main power supply of the
laser assuming that the POWER key is in the LOCAL position
4 DISPLAY Used to display measured parameters and alarm messages
5 EMISSION button To switch ON/OFF laser emission.
6 GUIDE LASER button To switch ON/OFF guide laser.
7 CONTROL buttons To set device settings.

Ytterbium Fiber Laser, Model YLR-200-AC
IPG Laser GmbH, 2009
Proprietary Information. All rights reserved
Rev. Date 08-12-2009
17
The operating connectors of the Laser rear panel are listed in Table 2.
Table 2.
8
EXTERNAL INTERFACE
connector
Pin Description Notes
1*
)
Interlock Channel 1
IEC EN954-1 cat.3
Contact Closure 24 VDC
2*
)
Interlock Channel 2 Contact Closure 24 VDC
3*
)
Interlock Channel 2 Contact Closure 24 VDC
4*
)
Interlock Channel 1 Contact Closure 24 VDC
5 RS232 Tx
6 RS232 Rx
7 RS232 Com
8 Remote Laser Power Key
Switch Contact Closure 24VDC
9 Remote Laser Power Key
Switch Contact Closure 24VDC
10 Remote Start Button Contact Closure 24VDC
11 Remote Start Button Contact Closure 24VDC
12 Analog Input to set up the
current
Analog Input 1-10 VDC:
1 V – 10 % of max. current;
10 V – max. current.
14 Analog Common Return for signal on 12.

Ytterbium Fiber Laser, Model YLR-200-AC
IPG Laser GmbH, 2009
Proprietary Information. All rights reserved
Rev. Date 08-12-2009
18
15 Modulation + 24 VDC Input.
16 Modulation - Return for signal on pin 15.
18 Emission Enable
24VDC Input. Edge
sensitive. To be used to
activate the emission when
operating in REMOTE
regime.
20 Common Return for signals on pins
18, 23, 24
23 Power Supply Active
24 VDC 100mA Output. If
high indicates that the
internal main power supply
is active.
24 Emission On
24VDC 100mA Output. If
high indicates in REMOTE
control regime that the
emission is enabled.
13,17, 19,
21, 22
Reserved
Should be disconnected
from each other and from
other pins of the connector.
9 IDENTIFICATION LABEL Contains information about the device
10 1FU, 2FU Electrical fuses 15 A.
11 AC LINE INPUT 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
12 OPTICAL OUTPUT Optical fiber cable with output termination.
*
)
To have a possibility of the internal main power supply activation it is necessary that pin1 is connected with
pin4 and pin2 is connected with pin3. Otherwise, the internal main power supply is switched off and the
emission cannot be turned on. Once any of the pairs of the mentioned above contacts has been opened it is
impossible to switch the lasers power supply on till the second pair is opened and then both pairs are
shortened.

Ytterbium Fiber Laser, Model YLR-200-AC
IPG Laser GmbH, 2009
Proprietary Information. All rights reserved
Rev. Date 08-12-2009
19
6.
Operation.
NOTE: Upon receiving your device check the packaging and parts for any possible damages that may
have occurred in transit. If damages are obviously, please refuse the acceptance from the forwarder
and inform IPG Laser GmbH immediately
CONTROL REGIMES
There are two control regimes of the laser: “LOCAL“ and “REMOTE” which are selected with the keyswitch on
the front panel (see POWER key description on the page 16). If the keyswitch is in “ON” position then “LOCAL”
control regime is activated, if the keyswitchis in “REM” position the then the device is in “REMOTE” control
regime. The table below describes the differences between these two regimes:
LOCAL
(keyswitch in ON position)
REMOTE
(keyswitch in REM position)
Control electronics
activation Remote Laser Power Key Switch
Main power
supply activation START button Remote Start Button
Emission enabling
RS-232 interface
EMISSION button
Hardware Emission
Control Enabled
1)
Hardware Emission
Control Disabled
2)
External Interface RS-232 interface
Device settings
Mode selection
RS-232 interface
CONTROL buttons
RS-232 interface
1)
Default setting. To set “Hardware Emission Control Enabled” send the command “ELE” via RS-232 interface.
2)
To set “Hardware Emission Control Disabled” send the command “DLE” via RS-232 interface.
OPERATION MODES
In both control regimes (LOCAL and REMOTE) there are three operation modes of the laser:
1. ACC Mode. This is the main mode for CW operation. The value of pump LD current is set via RS-
232 or using control buttons on the front panel of the device (for LOCAL control regime). The
output power is proportional to the pump current. The current is switched on/off (emission is
enabled/disabled) by means of a command via RS-232 or by pressing the corresponding button
(for LOCAL control regime) or via pin 18 of External Interface Connector (for REMOTE control
regime)
2. Modulation Mode. This mode is intended for pulse operation. The value of pump LD current is set
via RS-232 or using control buttons (for LOCAL control regime). Pump current switching on and
off is performed by means of modulation signal applied to corresponding pins of the External
Interface Connector (see rear panel description) under the assumption that the command for
emission enabling has been sent via RS-232 or the emission has been enabled via ” EMISSION”
button on front panel of the device (for LOCAL control regime) or pin 18 of External Interface
Connector (for REMOTE control regime).
3. External Control Mode. In this mode the pump LD current value is set through the voltage
between the corresponding pins of External Interface Connector (see rear panel description). And
pump current switching on and off is performed as in previous mode.

Ytterbium Fiber Laser, Model YLR-200-AC
IPG Laser GmbH, 2009
Proprietary Information. All rights reserved
Rev. Date 08-12-2009
20
RS-232 INTERFACE DESCRIPTION
A three wire (RxD, TxD, GND) interface is used. Most computers are DTE (Data Terminal Equipment) devices.
The laser is also a DTE device and therefore you must use a DTE-to-DTE interface cable. These cables are
also called null-modem, modem-eliminator, or crossover cables. In addition, the interface cable must have the
proper connector on each end. Cables typically have 9 pins (DB-9) or 25 pins (DB-25) with ‘male’ pins or
‘female’ receptacles inside the connector shell. For RS-232 connections on the rear panel of the Laser Driver
please refer to the interface connector pin out. The other end of this cable needs to match the computers
interface connector. Remember that this cable must be wired in a null-modem or crossover configuration.
The RS-232 interface has been set to the following parameters:
Baud Rate: 57600
Data Bits: 8 Bits
Stop Bits: 1 Bit
Parity: None
Flow Control: None
Note: After power on the laser sends some service bytes to RS-232 interface. These bytes should be
ignored.
All commands and responses will consist of printable ASCII characters. Commands are typically a 3 or 4
letter mnemonic followed by a parameter, if required.
All commands and responses will be terminated with a ‘carriage return’ (CR, 0x0D, \r) character. If a CR
terminated string is received, but no valid command is found, a response of “BCMD” will be sent.
The commands are shown here as all uppercase for clarity; the actual commands are not case sensitive.
A space character is also shown between the command and parameter for clarity.
Every command will generate a response. The responses generally consist of the command echoed back.
If there is a returned value, it will be separated from the echoed command by a ‘:’ character.
Code Description Examples
SDC Set Diode Current – Sets the diode current. The
units are in percent of maximum current. The
setpoint must be below 100% and above the
minimum current setpoint. The current may also
be set to 0. The response from the laser will be
the command echoed back, a delimiter of “: “,
and then the current setpoint for the laser. A
value that is outside the acceptable range will
receive a response of "ERR: Out of Range”.
Sent: “SDC 34.2”
Response: “SDC: 34.2”
(Current Setpoint is set to 34.2%)
Sent: “SDC 104.2”
Response: "ERR: Out of Range”
(The setpoint is unchanged)
RCS Read Current Setpoint – Reads the setpoint for
the LD current. The response is the command
echoed back, followed by a delimiter of “: “, and
then the current setpoint in %.
Sent: “RCS”
Response: “RCS: 56.7”
(Indicates that the LD current setpoint is
56.7%)
RNC Read Minimum Current Setpoint – Reads the
minimum current setpoint that can be set in the
laser. The response will be the command
echoed back, followed by a delimiter of “: “, then
the minimum current as a percentage of the
maximum.
Sent: “RNC”
Response: “RNC: 10.0”
(Indicates that the minimum setpoint is
10.0 %)
ROP Read Output Power – Reads the output power
in watts. The response will be the command
Sent: “ROP”
Response: “ROP: 96”