Posted by
Craig Brideau on
URL: http://confocal-microscopy-list.275.s1.nabble.com/405-laser-replacement-costs-tp7587699p7587702.html
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The tricky part with laser swapping is the aperture location. Microscope
vendors will usually buy up the stock of a specific laser, or get a promise
from the manufacturer to provide long term support for a particular model.
This lets the laser combiner box standardize on a specific beam height and
location out of the laser. This is part of the reason for the inflated
cost. If you swap for a different brand or model the beam will probably
exit the laser at a different location. This can lead to hassles as the
installer tries to find a way to mount the laser and divert the beam to the
entry path. I have had to install several 'alternative form factor' lasers
into old combiner units in the past and typically have to spend up to
$400-700 USD on optics to adjust the beam height and path out of the new
laser unit to match the original. In summary, even if you find a decent 3rd
party laser and can convince Leica to install it, you will need to find
something with the aperture and collimation similar to the original.
Craig
On Wed, Dec 20, 2017 at 1:25 AM, Dave Johnston <
[hidden email]> wrote:
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>
> Hi all,
> the 405 laser in our SP5 has unexpectedly died and we have been quoted
> some £22.5K plus 20% VAT for a replacement laser (includes 10% discount).
> This seems a staggering amount, especially given that the last time we had
> it replaced (2009) it was quoted at £14.5K. I know there has been inflation
> and exchange rate changes since but still seems a massive sum, especially
> to find unexpectedly. I would be interested in other folk's experiences and
> whether anyone has sourced their own replacements independently to then get
> Leica to install.
>
> Thanks in advance and season's greetings.
>
> DAve Johnston, Biomedical Imaging, Southampton.
>