Coherent Launches Compact, Air-Cooled Diode Laser System and Sets New Standard in Polymer Welding

Rhea-AI Summary

Coherent Corp. (NYSE: COHR) has launched the COMPACT EVOLUTION AC, a revolutionary 500W diode laser system designed for polymer welding and other industrial applications. This next-generation system features air-cooled thermal management, eliminating the need for external water cooling, making it ideal for high-humidity environments. The system comes with a 300 µm fiber, offers turnkey operation, and is housed in a compact rack-mountable form factor. Key applications include polymer welding, soldering, heat treatment, and laser-assisted bonding. The system is compatible with existing diode laser processing heads and is immediately available for both new installations and retrofits. The product demonstrates Coherent's commitment to innovation in laser technology and will be showcased at LASER World of Photonics Munich 2025.

Positive

• Launch of innovative 500W air-cooled diode laser system eliminates need for external water cooling
• Compatible with existing diode laser processing heads, enabling easy integration
• Compact rack-mountable design offers space efficiency and installation flexibility
• Suitable for multiple applications including polymer welding, soldering, and heat treatment

Negative

• None.

Insights

Photonics Technology Expert

Coherent's new air-cooled 500W laser system removes cooling complexity while maintaining high performance, strengthening their industrial market position.

Coherent's new COMPACT EVOLUTION AC represents a significant technical advancement in industrial laser technology. The 500W air-cooled diode laser system eliminates the need for external water cooling infrastructure—a substantial operational advantage in manufacturing environments where water systems introduce complexity, maintenance requirements, and potential points of failure.

The 300 µm fiber delivery system combined with the rack-mountable design (19", 5HU) provides the integration flexibility that OEMs require when incorporating high-power lasers into production lines. This form factor advantage shouldn't be underestimated—space constraints often limit implementation options in factory settings.

From an applications perspective, polymer welding represents a growing market segment as manufacturers increasingly replace mechanical fasteners with welded joints in lightweight applications. The ability to deliver 500W of continuous-wave output in an air-cooled package positions Coherent competitively in precision manufacturing, semiconductor capital equipment, and instrumentation markets—all sectors that value process reliability and simplified integration.

Coherent's strategic timing of this release ahead of LASER World of Photonics Munich 2025 maximizes exposure to potential industrial customers. The compatibility with existing processing heads also lowers the adoption barrier for current customers, potentially accelerating market uptake and protecting Coherent's installed base from competitors.

SAXONBURG, Pa., June 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Coherent Corp. (NYSE: COHR), a global leader in photonics, today announces the launch of the COMPACT EVOLUTION AC, a next-generation compact, air-cooled 500 W diode laser system, set to revolutionize polymer welding. The new system, compatible with existing diode laser processing heads, offers superior performance and convenience for a wide range of industries including precision manufacturing, semi & display capital equipment and instrumentation.

Engineered for performance and ease of use, the COMPACT EVOLUTION AC features a 300 µm fiber and turnkey operation, supporting critical applications such as polymer welding, soldering, heat treatment, and laser-assisted bonding. Its air-cooled thermal management eliminates the need for external water cooling, making it well suited for high-humidity environments and streamlined product lines. Delivering up to 500 W of continuous-wave output in a compact rack-mountable (19", 5HU) form factor, the system introduces greater flexibility and simplifies integration for OEMs seeking efficient, high power diode laser solutions.

"We are excited to bring the COMPACT EVOLUTION AC to market," said Dr. Karlheinz Gulden, Senior Vice President, Laser Components and Subsystems at Coherent. "This system is a game-changer for polymer welding, offering unparalleled convenience, efficiency, and power in a compact, air-cooled design. We believe it will enable new levels of productivity and expand the possibilities for our customers in diverse industries."

The COMPACT EVOLUTION AC is generally available and well suited for both new installations and retrofit applications.

Coherent will showcase the COMPACT EVOLUTION AC at LASER World of Photonics Munich 2025.

About Coherent 

Coherent empowers market innovators to define the future through breakthrough technologies, from materials to systems. We deliver innovations that resonate with our customers in diversified applications for the industrial, communications, electronics, and instrumentation markets. Coherent has research and development, manufacturing, sales, service, and distribution facilities worldwide. For more information, please visit us at coherent.com.  

Media Contact: 
innovations@coherent.com 

FAQ

What is the power output of Coherent's new COMPACT EVOLUTION AC laser system?

The COMPACT EVOLUTION AC delivers up to 500W of continuous-wave output power.

What are the key applications for Coherent's (COHR) new laser system?

The system is designed for polymer welding, soldering, heat treatment, and laser-assisted bonding applications.

What makes Coherent's COMPACT EVOLUTION AC different from traditional laser systems?

It features air-cooled thermal management, eliminating the need for external water cooling, and comes in a compact rack-mountable design with 300 µm fiber and turnkey operation.

When will Coherent (COHR) showcase the new COMPACT EVOLUTION AC laser system?

The system will be showcased at LASER World of Photonics Munich 2025.

Is the COMPACT EVOLUTION AC compatible with existing laser processing equipment?

Yes, the system is compatible with existing diode laser processing heads and is suitable for both new installations and retrofit applications.