October 13, 2025
Dear Valued Photovac Laser Customers,
For more than forty years, Photovac Laser has stood as a trusted leader in the industrial and medical CO₂ laser industry. Our mission has always been rooted in precision workmanship, technical excellence, and long-term reliability. Every laser that comes through our facility is treated with the same care, documentation, and engineering integrity that defines our reputation worldwide.
Over the years, we have received many inquiries regarding the repair of inexpensive, imported laser engravers—typically Chinese-made units marketed under countless names and brands. After careful technical review and experience in the field, Photovac Laser has made the firm decision not to service or repair these low-cost systems. The reasons behind this policy are numerous and important, and we feel it is necessary to explain them clearly so our customers understand our position.
1. Poor Design, Inferior Components, and Unstable Performance
The majority of these imported machines use low-grade glass CO₂ laser tubes that are poorly constructed and often unstable from the first day of use. The materials, gas composition, and internal optics lack the precision manufacturing standards found in industrial lasers such as those from Synrad, Coherent, or Universal Laser Systems. These tubes typically operate for only a fraction of the lifespan of professional-grade metal or ceramic-core tubes and frequently fail due to gas leakage, electrode contamination, or cracked seals.
The mechanical assemblies are equally problematic. The gantries and X/Y mirror mounts are usually built from thin, low-tolerance extruded aluminum or cast metal that quickly warps or vibrates under load. Beam alignment is nearly impossible to maintain, leading to distorted output and inconsistent engraving quality. Even after extensive realignment, the system will often drift out of calibration within hours of operation.
2. Unsafe Electrical Systems and Questionable Power Supplies
Another major issue involves the DC power supplies used in these machines. Many are built with unregulated voltage outputs, poor grounding, and inadequate insulation between high-voltage and control circuits. These units pose a significant shock hazard to technicians and operators alike. Photovac Laser cannot expose our personnel or facility to this level of electrical risk.
In addition, many of these engravers use unlabeled circuit boards or off-brand controllers that lack documentation, pinouts, or schematics. There is no consistent wiring standard, and the designs vary wildly even within the same model line. Troubleshooting or replacement is nearly impossible without technical references, which simply do not exist for most of these products.
3. Unstable Manufacturers and Vanishing Parts Support
A critical factor that customers often overlook is the instability of the manufacturers themselves. The majority of these low-cost laser companies operate on short production runs, using the cheapest materials and the lowest possible margins. As a result, many of them go out of business within just a few years, leaving customers stranded without parts, service, or warranty support.
We routinely see machines from companies that no longer exist—some less than two years old. Even when the manufacturer is still operating, the vendors who supplied the optics, mirrors, controllers, or power supplies often disappear just as quickly. Because the parts are sourced from multiple small subcontractors, there is no continuity of supply. Once those vendors vanish, replacement optics, boards, and electrical assemblies become impossible to locate.
This cycle of bankruptcy and product abandonment means that even if Photovac were to repair one of these units, the same failures would likely reoccur, and no replacement parts would exist to complete a reliable service. We do not want our customers investing money into equipment that cannot be supported long-term.
4. No Real Economic or Technical Value in Repair
From a technical and economic standpoint, repairing these systems simply does not make sense. The cost to replace a glass tube, mirrors, and power supply often exceeds the value of the entire engraver. And even after investing that amount, there is no assurance of stability, safety, or consistent beam quality.
Our business model—and our reputation—depend on offering meaningful, traceable service that provides lasting value. For that reason, Photovac Laser chooses to dedicate its time and resources exclusively to professional-grade industrial laser systems where quality, documentation, and engineering integrity are guaranteed.
5. Our Commitment to Quality and Guidance
Our decision not to service these imported units is ultimately about protecting you—our customer. We do not want to see anyone waste time or money trying to salvage an unreliable system. Instead, we encourage customers to consult with us when selecting a laser engraver. We can help identify dependable, serviceable equipment with proven designs and manufacturer support that will stand the test of time.
Photovac Laser remains proud to be a trusted resource for precision laser remanufacturing, RF exciter repair, and professional CO₂ laser system support. We appreciate your understanding and continued loyalty to our mission of excellence.
Sincerely,
Christopher Zelich
President, Photovac Laser Corporation
