Laser Industry
Precision Flow & Pressure Solutions for the Laser Industry (UK)
Laser cutting, welding, and marking rely on stable assist‑gas delivery, accurate resonator gas blends, and clean purge air. CO₂, N₂, He and O₂ flows must remain consistent to maintain beam quality and prevent contamination.
Pressure fluctuations or dosing errors can cause mode instability, poor edge quality, and downtime. Premier Control Technologies provides UK‑based support for Alicat, Fluid Metering, Fusion Flow, and Drastar — brands trusted by laser OEMs and end‑users worldwide.
Alicat — Fast, Flexible Gas Flow & Pressure Control
Benefits for laser applications
- Ultra fast response (50–100ms) for assist gas pulsing and resonator gas modulation
- Multi gas capability lets you switch between CO₂, N₂, He, O₂ without recalibration—ideal for R&D and multi mode lasers.
- Vacuum ready MCV series with positive shut off prevents backstreaming and protects resonator integrity.
- Integrated pressure controllers (PC/PCS) stabilize beamline or chamber pressure, reducing overshoot during valve changes.
- Connectivity: Analog + Modbus/EtherCAT for easy integration with laser control systems.
The Result
Improved cut quality, reduced gas waste, and faster recipe changes for high precision laser processes.

Fluid Metering — Pulseless Liquid Dosing for Coatings & Coolants
Benefits for laser applications
- Valveless ceramic piston pumps deliver drift free, pulseless flow for laser optics coatings, coolants, or specialty fluids.
- Handles micro volumes to liters per minute with repeatability—critical for thin film coatings or additive dosing in laser optics manufacturing.
- Simple maintenance and reversible flow reduce downtime in high purity environments.
The Result
Consistent coating thickness and reliable coolant dosing for laser optics and components.
Fusion Flow — Accurate Resonator Gas Mixing
Benefits for CO₂ lasers and R&D labs
- NIST traceable calibration ensures precise CO₂/N₂/He blends for resonator stability.
- Fast step changes (<50ms) support dynamic recipe control during laser tuning.
- Compact, plug and play panels simplify installation and reduce commissioning time.
- Optional humidification and data logging for process traceability.
The Result
Stable resonator performance, improved beam quality, and reduced gas costs.
Drastar — UHP Pressure Regulation for Clean Gas Supply
Benefits for laser systems
- 316L stainless steel, electropolished internals, metal face‑seal connections maintain purity for resonator gases.
- Low droop performance keeps inlet pressure stable to Alicat MFCs, improving flow accuracy.
- High flow regulators (DR70/DR90) handle assist gas headers for cutting/welding systems.
- Automatic changeover systems ensure uninterrupted resonator gas supply during cylinder switchover.
The Result
Stable resonator performance, improved beam quality, and reduced gas costs.
Laser Industry Application Selection Guide
| Application | Recommended Technologies | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| CO₂ resonator gas control | Alicat MFCs + Fusion Flow mixers + Drastar UHP regulators | Provides precise and stable gas flow control to maintain laser resonator efficiency and beam quality. |
| Assist gas regulation for cutting/welding | Alicat fast-response MFCs + Drastar high-flow regulators | Ensures consistent gas delivery for clean, accurate cuts and welds with reduced material contamination. |
| Beam path purge and optics protection | Alicat pressure controllers + CS Instruments dew-point monitoring | Maintains a clean, dry beam path and prevents moisture condensation on optics, extending equipment lifespan. |
| Optics coating and coolant dosing | Fluid Metering valveless pumps for pulseless, repeatable liquid feeds | Delivers smooth, consistent liquid flow for precision coating and cooling processes, improving optical finish quality. |
Customers purchase these products
Alicat M Series Mass Flow Meter - Standard Model
Alicat MB Series Mass Flow Meter - Portable
Alicat MC Series Controller - Standard Controller
Alicat MCV Series Controller - Vacuum Applications
Alicat PCD - Dual Valve Differential Pressure Controller
Alicat PC3 PCR3 - Single Valve Pressure Controller
Alicat PCR - Single Valve Pressure Controller
Alicat PC - Pressure Controller
Alicat Basis 2.0 Series Controller - OEM Applications
General Service GSD
Industrial Service BD Series
Vacuum EVR Series
Drastar 082 Series
Drastar DR70 Series
Drastar DRA100 Series
Drastar DRA200 Series
Drastar AC700 Series
Drastar AC720 Series
Line Tech Digital Thermal Mass Flow Controllers
Line Tech Analog Thermal Mass Flow Controllers
Alicat SFF Series Controller - Vacuum SEMI Standard
Fusion Flow MXM Precision Gas Mixers
Fusion Flow IMX Industrial Gas Mixers