Photovac Laser – Worldwide

## **Christopher Zelich: Global CO₂ Laser Authority in Industrial and Medical Engineering**

### **Biography: A Legacy of Innovation and Expertise**

With over 40 years of hands-on experience in the laser industry, Christopher Zelich stands as a world-renowned authority in the design, repair, remanufacture, and application of CO₂ laser systems. His career has spanned the evolution of both medical-grade laser systems and industrial CO₂ laser technologies, supporting a range of applications, from high-precision surgical tools to high-power manufacturing platforms.

 

Mr. Zelich began his journey in the late 1970s, working with pioneering laser technologies in the medical device sector. His foundational expertise in **electro-optics, RF systems, power electronics, and optical delivery systems** positioned him at the forefront of a technological revolution. Throughout the decades, he developed and led repair programs for some of the most complex and high-value laser systems on the market, including sealed RF CO₂ lasers from **Synrad, Coherent, and other Tier-1 manufacturers**.

 

He later founded **Photovac Laser Corporation**, a premier service and remanufacturing firm that has provided expert-level support to a wide range of sectors, including **aerospace, automotive, electronics manufacturing, packaging, medical device fabrication, and scientific research**, where CO₂ lasers are critical to precision, productivity, and reliability.

 

### **Why Global CO₂ Laser Users Should Engage with Christopher Zelich**

 

In an era of rising costs and declining OEM support for legacy laser platforms, **Christopher Zelich offers a rare, cost-effective solution to keep mission-critical CO₂ laser systems operating at peak performance**. His unique knowledge base and unmatched technical insight provide companies with:

 

* ✅ **Rapid Diagnostic and Repair Capability**: On-site or remote support that avoids prolonged downtime.

* ✅ **Reverse Engineering Expertise**: Capable of reengineering obsolete or unsupported components to extend system life.

* ✅ **Customized Laser Solutions**: From refurbishments to full-system retrofits tailored to the customer’s workflow and infrastructure.

* ✅ **Component-Level Repair**: Precision RF, optics, PCB, and cooling system service that most manufacturers no longer provide.

 

With Mr. Zelich’s guidance, companies can **recover up to 60–75% of the replacement cost** by repairing and remanufacturing existing systems—without sacrificing performance or reliability.

### **Industries & Companies That Would Benefit from Christopher Zelich’s Expertise**

 

This outreach initiative is aimed at **global manufacturers and service providers** in the following sectors:

 

* **Industrial Automation & Robotics**

* **Medical Device Manufacturing**

* **Semiconductor and PCB Fabrication**

* **Textile & Packaging**

* **Automotive Trim and Interior Fabrication**

* **Aerospace Components & Materials Processing**

* **Engraving and Marking Systems (e.g., Vytek, Trotec, Epilog) **

 

Top global users of CO₂ laser systems—including firms in Germany, Japan, Turkey, South Korea, the United States, and China—stand to gain **substantial ROI** by integrating Christopher Zelich’s repair methodology into their maintenance programs or R\&D development.

### **Global Outreach & Partnership Plan**

 

**Step 1: Strategic Exposure**

 

* Launch a targeted **LinkedIn campaign** introducing Mr. Zelich and his services to laser equipment engineers, operations managers, and CTOs in key industries.

* Publish technical articles and white papers showcasing advanced repairs and retrofits of legacy systems like the Coherent E400, J5, and Synrad P-Series.

 

**Step 2: Global Direct Outreach**

 

* Contact major laser system OEMs and their global service contractors to **offer specialized consulting and technical contract support. **

* Develop OEM-neutral service partnerships with international service providers that lack in-house expertise.

 

**Step 3: International Workshops & Webinars**

 

* Host online and in-person seminars on **“How to Extend the Life of CO₂ Laser Systems”**, including case studies from Photovac Laser Corporation.

* Demonstrate cost-saving methods through **actual customer success stories**.

 

**Step 4: Private Label Repair Services**

 

* Offer private-label remanufacturing services for OEMs or regional distributors, enabling them to provide world-class service backed by Mr. Zelich without expanding internal capacity.

### **A Rare Opportunity for Cost-Saving and Technical Leadership**

 

Manufacturers worldwide face a growing challenge: how to keep their CO₂ laser systems operational without relying on expensive OEM service programs or premature equipment replacement.

 

**Christopher Zelich provides a clear solution.**

 

* 📉 **Reduce Costs**

Save tens of thousands annually through qualified remanufacture rather than new system purchases.

 

* 📈 **Increase Uptime**

Fast turnaround times and customized support keep production lines moving.

 

* 🧠 **Gain Knowledge**

Tap into four decades of expertise that no manual, webinar, or OEM tech support can offer.

 

—

 

### **Contact Information**

 

To inquire about consulting, system evaluations, or international partnerships, contact:

 

**Christopher Zelich**

President, Photovac Laser Corporation

📍 Grove City, Ohio, USA

📧 [czelich@photovaclaser.com](mailto:czelich@photovaclaser.com)

📞 +1 614-875-3300

 

–

To Whom It May Concern,

As the President of Photovac Laser Corporation, I am reaching out to present a unique investment opportunity in support of a critical yet underserved segment of the industrial laser market: the Coherent E1000 laser system.

The E1000, known for its power and precision, remains in widespread use across various industries. However, many of these systems are now aging, and their manufacturers no longer offer consistent support. Photovac Laser is frequently approached by customers seeking reliable repair solutions for their E1000 lasers—an area we are uniquely positioned to address.

We currently maintain successful repair programs for the Coherent E400 series and possess two additional E1000 units in-house for parts and reference. With over 40 years of experience in industrial and medical laser systems, our team possesses the expertise necessary to extend the lifespan of these high-value assets.

However, the E1000 requires a specialized service infrastructure, including advanced cooling solutions, high-power handling capabilities, and precise RF diagnostic tools. To launch a full-scale, sustainable repair program, we are seeking an investment of $30,000.

In return for this initial investment, we are offering:

• One full E1000 laser repair (including RF, if required) at no additional charge.
• A 25% discount on up to five additional repairs, offering substantial long-term savings.

This investment will directly support our ability to build out the necessary infrastructure and maintain access to critical components, ensuring continued service for existing E1000 owners—many of whom currently face limited or no support options.

We believe this is a timely and strategic opportunity for an investor or group looking to contribute to the longevity of legacy laser systems while earning measurable returns through discounted services and expanded market reach.

If you are interested in supporting this initiative or would like to discuss the details further, I welcome the opportunity to speak with you directly.

Sincerely,
Christopher Zelich, President
Photovac Laser Corporation
614.875.3300
Sales@photovaclaser.com

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Photovac Laser Worldwide
Phone: (614) 875-3300
Email: service@photovaclaser.com
Website: www.photovaclaser.com

Why Photovac Laser Is the Industry Leader for Vytek and Trotec CO₂ Laser Engraver Repairs

Grove City, Ohio – June 19, 2025 – When it comes to repairing Vytek and Trotec CO₂ laser engravers—including Trodat laser stamp engravers—Photovac Laser Worldwide is the name trusted across industries for reliable, precision-focused service.

With more than 40 years of hands-on experience in the industrial and medical laser repair sector, company founder Christopher Zelich has built Photovac Laser into a world-renowned service provider known for quality, integrity, and unmatched technical knowledge. The company specializes in high-power CO₂ laser systems, including those built around Synrad laser models T60, T80, and T100—the very lasers that power many Vytek and Trotec systems.

“Whether you’re running a commercial engraving operation or a high-throughput production line, system downtime can cost you thousands,” said Zelich. “At Photovac Laser, we diagnose problems down to the RF board, optics, and beam quality. Our mission is to restore full function quickly—and make it last.”

Photovac Laser’s expertise in Synrad-based systems gives them a sharp edge in servicing Vytek and Trotec equipment. These engravers commonly rely on Synrad’s RF-excited, sealed CO₂ lasers for precise, high-speed performance. Zelich and his engineering team understand the unique characteristics of Synrad’s sealed tubes and RF drivers and have the proprietary tools, test equipment, and alignment techniques to bring underperforming systems back to OEM standards—or better.

Key Advantages of Choosing Photovac Laser:

• In-depth knowledge of Synrad T60, T80, and T100 lasers
• Over 40 years of laser system repair experience
• Specializing in sealed CO₂ laser technology used in Vytek and Trotec machines
• Fast turnaround, transparent diagnostics, and no-nonsense service
• Global support with professional shipping and repair coordination

Photovac Laser also understands the evolving needs of engravers and manufacturers in today’s marketplace. With a growing number of older systems still in use, parts may be hard to source, or OEMs may no longer provide support. Photovac Laser bridges this gap by offering cost-effective repairs, rebuilds, and refurbished laser sources, giving your equipment a second life.

About Christopher Zelich
Christopher Zelich is one of the longest-serving laser repair experts in North America. His background includes advanced repair work on YAG, CO₂, Argon, and fiber lasers in both medical and industrial applications. He has been instrumental in developing repair techniques for RF-sealed laser tubes and is recognized for preserving serviceability in legacy systems that most other providers consider obsolete.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, please visit www.photovaclaser.com or call (614) 875-3300.

 

Understanding Optical Pitting in Sealed RF Laser Tubes and Differences in Laser Cavity Designs 

Sealed RF-excited CO₂ lasers are widely used for industrial engraving, cutting, and marking applications. However, one of the most significant challenges in these lasers is optical pitting caused by RF excitation. This issue arises due to metal sputtering from the RF electrodes inside the laser cavity, which contaminates and degrades the optics over time. 

While all RF CO₂ lasers operate on the same fundamental principle, the cavity design and RF excitation method vary across manufacturers, leading to different performance characteristics and longevity. In this post, we’ll explore the difference between Synrad, Epilog, and Iradion laser cavities and their RF strip technologies. 

How Optical Pitting Occurs in RF-Excited CO₂ Lasers 

• RF Excitation & Electrode Sputtering:
  Sealed CO₂ lasers use RF excitation to ionize the gas mixture, but over time, the high-energy RF plates begin to degrade, releasing microscopic particles. 

• Contaminant Buildup on Optics:
  These particles settle on cavity mirrors and output couplers, leading to optical pitting, where the mirror coatings erode. 

• Performance Decline:
  As optics degrade, power output drops, and the beam profile becomes irregular, leading to loss of precision and cutting efficiency. 

Comparing Laser Cavity Designs: Synrad vs. Epilog vs. Iradion 

1. Synrad Laser Cavity Design

• Synrad pioneered waveguide RF laser tubes, using aluminum or ceramic cavity construction. 

• They employ separate RF electrode strips, where the excitation occurs along the length of the tube. 

• The downside is that metallic RF plates are exposed to gas discharge, making them susceptible to sputtering, which accelerates optical pitting. 

• While Synrad tubes are known for reliability, long-term sputtering eventually degrades optics, reducing output power. 

2. Epilog Laser Cavity Design

• Epilog sources its CO₂ laser tubes from other manufacturers, like Synrad or Coherent, but integrates them into its own closed-loop cooling and optical system. 

• These lasers use an all-metal RF electrode system, similar to Synrad, but in some cases, tubes are not designed for long-term reprocessing. 

• As a result, when optical pitting occurs, repair options are limited, often leading to full tube replacement rather than regassing or electrode refurbishment. 

3. Iradion Laser Cavity Design

• Iradion lasers stand out due to their fully ceramic resonator construction, eliminating direct metal RF strip exposure to the gas discharge. 

• This prevents metal sputtering and optical pitting, significantly extending the lifespan of the optics. 

• Unlike metal waveguide designs, the ceramic cavity provides: 

• Higher purity of gas mixture, reducing contamination. 

• More uniform RF distribution, leading to improved beam quality and stability. 

• As a result, Iradion lasers experience less optical degradation and require fewer replacements over time. 

• One major consideration is the constant heating and cooling of the ceramic core. This leads to micro fracturing of the ceramic and weakens the ceramic material and the attached optical ends. Over time this can lead to seal leaks around the optics and micro-fissures in the ceramic material leading to leaks.  

Understanding RF Strip Technology in CO₂ Lasers 

The RF strip is a critical component in RF-excited CO₂ lasers, responsible for generating and sustaining the gas plasma needed for lasing. Different manufacturers implement RF technology in unique ways: 

Synrad RF Technology 

• Uses traditional RF electrode strips positioned along the tube walls. 

• These strips degrade over time, leading to RF plate sputtering and eventual optical pitting. 

• When power drops, optics become contaminated, and beam performance worsens. 

Epilog RF Technology 

• Since Epilog integrates third-party laser tubes, its RF design depends on the manufacturer (often Synrad or Coherent-based designs). 

• Typically, standard metal electrode RF strips are used, leading to similar sputtering issues over time. 

Iradion RF Technology 

• Uses ceramic waveguide technology, where the RF excitation does not involve exposed metal surfaces inside the cavity. 

• This eliminates sputtering-related optical pitting, leading to longer lifespan and more stable power output. 

• RF strips are integrated into the ceramic structure, reducing degradation compared to metal-based systems. 

 

Conclusion: Why Some Laser Tubes Last Longer Than Others 

While all sealed RF CO₂ lasers degrade over time, the design of the laser cavity and RF excitation system plays a crucial role in longevity: 

• Synrad & Epilog lasers, with metal-based RF electrodes, are prone to sputtering, which causes optical pitting and power loss. 

• Iradion’s ceramic cavity design eliminates metal sputtering, resulting in less optical degradation and extended tube life. 

For industrial users looking for longer-lasting, more stable CO₂ lasers, choosing a ceramic-based laser system like Iradion can significantly reduce the risks of optical pitting and premature failure. 

For further information contact Christopher Zelich Co2 Laser Electroptics-Electronics Engineer. 

Just became available

We have two META BEAM 4C units available for sale, each equipped with a 400-watt laser, cutting table, software, computer, and monitor. These units are in excellent condition and ready for immediate delivery. Capable of cutting up to 0.90″ metal and 1.0″ acrylic, they offer great versatility for your cutting needs.

Price: $42,000
Delivery and setup: $7,500
Included warranties: 6 months on the laser, 90 days on electronics.

Call 614.875.3300
Sales@photovaclaser.com

Dear Valued Customer,

We at Photovac Laser are proud to have been your trusted partner for many years, providing reliable backup solutions for your older Synrad model lasers. The Synrad FSF201, known for its durability and consistent performance, has been a cornerstone of many operations.

Recently, Photovac Laser has enhanced its capabilities by remanufacturing the FSf201 model with brand-new laser tubes. Our upgraded laser tubes feature new plates, optics, and insulators, addressing the most common points of failure in RF laser tubes. With these improvements, you can count on our remanufactured lasers to deliver exceptional performance for years to come.

Trust Photovac Laser to meet your full-service needs with our commitment to quality and reliability. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your operations.

Best regards,

Christopher Zelich
President, Photovac Laser

Photovac Laser Worldwide services Iradion 156FX laser tubes, ensuring they are fully functional and outputting the required laser power. We can regas your laser tube with a proprietary gas mixture unique to Photovac Laser and Iradion Laser, using special isotopic gases that no other company can replicate. Beware of unreliable third-party regas providers. Always check the Better Business Bureau before considering other companies. Trust Photovac Laser Worldwide, a leader in RF laser remanufacturing since 1992.

The recent price increase in regas costs by Epilog has made our services more valuable than ever. With 28 years of experience, Photovac Laser Worldwide is your professional, one-stop solution for repairing Epilog lasers. Unlike other companies, we are fully qualified to service your Epilog laser, possessing the necessary components to replace circuit boards and optics.

Many competitors charge less because they lack the expertise and parts, often returning lasers that are less operational. Don’t be misled by unqualified providers. Verify any company’s credentials with the Better Business Bureau in your state before entrusting them with your laser; you may be surprised at what you find. Trust Photovac Laser Worldwide for reliable, professional laser repairs.