Photovac Laser – Worldwide

Why You Should Never Buy CO₂ Lasers or Laser Systems on eBay

In recent years, we have seen a troubling trend: companies and individuals purchasing CO₂ lasers and laser systems from eBay, hoping for a bargain. Unfortunately, most end up with nothing but frustration, wasted money, and equipment that fails almost immediately.

At Photovac Laser, we have heard countless horror stories. One customer spent $85,000 on a Coherent Meta1000C purchased through eBay—only to have it fail within 90 days. The laser tube was completely dead, resulting in a massive loss and leaving them with no recourse. Sadly, this is not an isolated incident.

The Harsh Reality of eBay Lasers

While the listings may look appealing, the truth is stark:

• Most eBay CO₂ lasers are defective. Sellers often describe the issue as “just needs a regas,” but these lasers are far beyond a simple recharge. They frequently require major service or complete rebuilds.
• Unknown history. Many of these lasers originate from manufacturing environments where they have been operated under intense conditions for years. By the time they reach eBay, they have reached the end of their service life.
• No warranty or support. Once the unit fails, the seller is gone. You are left with a dead laser and no technical backing.
• Hidden costs. What seems like a “cheap” purchase quickly becomes a money pit after you factor in repairs, downtime, and lost production.

Why Photovac Laser Is Different

Unlike anonymous online sellers, Photovac Laser backs every repair and service with a warranty and over 40 years of expertise in CO₂ laser technology.

• Leaders in CO₂ laser RF repair. Photovac specializes in the repair of Radio Frequency (RF) circuitry, the critical heart of modern CO₂ lasers. Many failures in eBay lasers can be traced back to RF issues—an area where our knowledge and service are unmatched.
• Comprehensive rebuilds and remanufacturing. We don’t just patch the problem. We restore Coherent, Synrad, Vytek, Trotec, GCC, Gravotech, and other systems to reliable working condition.
• Customer-first service. Our reputation is built on standing behind our work. When you purchase service from Photovac, you receive ongoing support and documentation—not just a box shipped to your door.
• Warranty and trust. Every repaired or rebuilt laser we ship leaves with a performance guarantee. That means peace of mind, reliability, and protection for your investment.

The Bottom Line

If you are considering buying a CO₂ laser on eBay, think twice. The overwhelming majority are defective, unsupported, and a costly mistake waiting to happen. Do not gamble with your business or production.

Instead, trust Photovac Laser Corporation—a company that has been repairing, remanufacturing, and supporting CO₂ lasers worldwide for decades. With unmatched experience in RF circuitry and laser system restoration, we ensure your laser works as it should—backed by warranty and dependable service.

Photovac Laser: The Leader in CO₂ Laser Repair and RF Circuitry Service.

 

• “Coherent May Be Done—But We’re Just Getting Started!”
  Photovac Laser: 40 Years of Expert Repair for Coherent E400, J-1000 & E-1000I CO₂
• Industrial manufacturers using legacy Coherent CO₂ lasers
• Medical equipment service providers
• Laser-based OEMs & contract manufacturers
• Equipment resellers and international laser service providers

• Coherent, Inc Lasers. No Longer Supports These Lasers.
  • Coherent has officially discontinued service and parts support for the E400, J1000, and 1000I laser systems.
  • Thousands of companies are left stranded with high-value laser systems that still have life, if repaired correctly.
• Photovac Laser Is the Only Global Source for Full Restoration.
  • With over 40 years of experience, Photovac Laser Corporation is the ONLY known company worldwide to offer complete, in-house restoration and remanufacturing of these discontinued Coherent lasers.
• We Maintain Full Inventory of Critical Parts:
  • ✅ Replacement laser optics
  • ✅ RF power supplies and circuit boards
  • ✅ Full alignment and calibration tools
  • ✅ Precision power testing and burn-in chambers
  • ✅ Field and depot service options available
• Why Customers Trust Photovac:
  • Thousands of systems restored and field-proven around the world
  • Global reputation for unmatched service, quality, and results
  • Rapid turnaround time and transparent diagnostics

• 🔧 Full Factory Rebuilds
  🔬 Power Testing & Calibration
  🌍 Global Service & Shipping

📞 Call +1 (614) 875-3300

Photovac Laser – Serving Those Who Serve Us.

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🔧 The Global Standard in CO₂ Laser Tube & RF Repair

From North America to South America, Europe to Asia, Photovac Laser Worldwide stands as the leading third-party provider of CO₂ laser tube remanufacturing, RF power system repair, and precision gas refill services. Our customers span every industry—manufacturing, aerospace, packaging, engraving, and medical—and we’re proud to support those who drive global innovation forward.

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🌍 Worldwide Capabilities

Whether you’re operating a production line in Brazil, a machine shop in Canada, or a surgical facility in Europe, Photovac Laser offers:

• ✅ Complete CO₂ Laser Tube Remanufacturing
• ✅ Expert RF Board Repair for Synrad, Coherent, Iradion, Universal, DEOS
• ✅ Full Bench Optical Alignment and TEM Mode Optimization
• ✅ Vacuum Integrity Rebuilds with New Optics and Thermal Isolation
• ✅ International Documentation & Export Handling
• ✅ Warranty-Backed Workmanship

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🧪 Isotopic Gas Specialization

Photovac Laser maintains rare capabilities in CO₂ laser gas chemistry, offering:

• 🔬 Isotopic Gas Refill Options tailored for:
  • 10.6 µm (Standard C¹²O₂) – Industrial/engraving applications
  • 10.2 µm (C¹³O₂ / ¹⁸O enriched) – Specialized industrial marking, high-absorption plastics
  • 9.4 µm (C¹³O₂ / tuned ¹⁸O mixes) – Medical, dermatological, and scientific laser platforms

This proprietary in-house gas blending and refill capability sets us apart as one of very few global providers supporting multi-wavelength isotopic CO₂ laser systems. If your laser is wavelength-sensitive—we can regas it to spec.

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🌎 Global Support Regions

• 🇨🇦 Canada – Rapid RF repair and logistics support to Ontario, Quebec, BC & Alberta.
• 🇲🇽 Mexico – CO₂ laser tube and RF module remanufacturing for production and engraving sectors.
• 🇧🇷 Brazil – Full isotopic re-gas support for advanced marking systems and medical lasers.
• 🇦🇷 Argentina – Industrial rebuild services for high-throughput production systems.
• 🇪🇺 Europe – Trusted third-party RF repair and sealed CO₂ reprocessing for OEM systems from Germany, Italy, UK, Spain, and France.
• 🌍 Additional Regions – Australia, Israel, UAE, South Africa, India – contact us for logistics coordination and country-specific forms.

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🏆 Why Global Clients Choose Photovac

• 🛠 Zero 3rd Party Guesswork – All work performed in-house
• 🔬 Proprietary Gas Chemistry & Optics – Tuned to exact OEM standards
• 📦 Door-to-Door Logistics Support – We manage customs, export docs, and inbound freight
• 🎯 Field-Tested and Certified – Systems evaluated on active testbeds under real-load RF and beam measurement
• 🧰 Custom Packaging for International Returns – Safe, insured, and reusable crating options available

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🌐 Contact Photovac Laser Worldwide

📧 info@photovaclaser.com
🌐 www.photovaclaser.com/international
📞 +1 (614) XXX-XXXX (Global line with WhatsApp available)
📦 Instructions for International Repairs & Re-Gas Requests Available Upon Inquiry

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Photovac Laser – Serving Those Who Serve Us.

The world’s most trusted name in third-party CO₂ laser remanufacturing, isotopic gas reprocessing, and RF service.

 

## **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

 

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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. 

Understanding the Challenges of Repairing the Coherent GEM100 CO₂ Laser and D1000 RF Exciter 

The Coherent GEM100 CO₂ laser is a widely used industrial laser known for its high precision and power stability. It operates in conjunction with the D1000 RF exciter, which provides the necessary radio frequency (RF) energy to ionize the CO₂ gas mixture and sustain laser operation. However, over time, these systems face critical issues that make repairs extremely difficult, if not impossible. 

Why the GEM100 CO₂ Laser Becomes Non-Repairable 

One of the most significant failure points of the GEM100 laser is electrical sputtering of the RF plates located inside the laser cavity. This process leads to severe degradation of cavity optics, resulting in: 

1. Micro-Particle Contamination 

1. The RF plates inside the cavity degrade over time due to high-voltage RF excitation. 

1. This degradation causes metal sputtering, releasing tiny conductive particles inside the laser cavity. 

1. These particles settle on internal optics, including mirrors and output couplers. 

1. Optical Damage & Pitting 

1. The accumulation of sputtered particles on optical surfaces leads to pitting. 

1. Pitted optics lose their reflectivity and transmission efficiency, significantly reducing the laser’s ability to generate a clean, high-power beam. 

1. The result is a non-concentric, distorted, or non-uniform laser beam output, which affects precision cutting and engraving applications. 

1. Power Loss & Beam Instability 

1. As the optics degrade, laser power output drops significantly. 

1. The beam profile becomes irregular, reducing accuracy in applications requiring a highly focused and collimated beam. 

1. Collimating optics further struggle to correct the beam due to its deformed shape. 

Regassing Alone Is Not a Solution 

Many users believe that regassing the laser tube can restore performance. However, this is often not enough to return the GEM100 to optimal efficiency. 

• Why? The primary issue isn’t just the depletion of the gas mixture; it’s the physical damage to the laser cavity and optics caused by prolonged RF plate sputtering. 

• Regassing a laser with damaged optics and cavity contamination will only result in continued poor performance. 

• Additionally, RF-related issues such as exciter inefficiencies and degraded electrodes contribute to ongoing failures. 

Conclusion 

While it is technically possible to attempt repairs on a failing Coherent GEM100 CO₂ laser, the reality is that extensive optical and cavity damage caused by RF plate sputtering often renders the system beyond economic repair. 

• Low power output, poor beam quality, and RF excitation failures make restoration challenging. 

• Even if regassed, a laser with pitted optics and cavity contamination will still underperform. 

For businesses relying on these lasers, replacement or upgrading to a newer system is often the most practical long-term solution. 

For further information, Contact Photovac Laser Corporation, Christopher Zelich, Co2 Laser/Electroptics 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