Cooling for Aesthetic Laser Systems: Meeting Huge Demands with Compact Solutions

Small and compact laser systems have become a staple of the growing aesthetics market – mostly for skin treatments like hair removal. To offer a well-balanced system, manufacturers must balance several conflicting factors. This results in high demands towards the system components. The laser systems are a substantial investment for end users like beauty salons. For a profitable business, running costs for energy consumption and maintenance need to be low to balance the upfront cost. Thus, the systems need to run without maintenance for their calculated lifespan of usually four years. Furthermore, they need to reliably during this time to avoid loss of revenue during system down times and to guarantee patient safety under all circumstances. As many aesthetic laser systems are portable, they also need to withstand frequent transport and bumps during loading. Finally, to ensure comfortable handling and operation, the systems do not only need to be light and compact, but also emit low and agreeable noise levels.

Key challenges for system providers

When it comes to cooling the laser systems for the aesthetic market, system manufacturers must therefore solve the following three challenges: First, they need to find a system that balances the ambitious, but sometimes conflicting requirements regarding packaging, noise levels, and power consumption – and allows flexible adaptation. Second, the cooling system they select must work reliably throughout the planned usage period and come with complete documentation to prove compliance. Third, they need to plan for the switch to sustainable refrigerants if they are using compressor cooling systems.

Cooling solutions from AMS Technologies

With long experience in the thermal technologies business and a wide network of qualified suppliers, AMS Technologies specializes in very customized development and production of small-series cooling systems. Finding the best solution for the customer is always the priority.

Modular development

Modular development allows the AMS team to adapt their cooling systems to highly specialized requirements while maintaining a quick time-to-market. As the team is experienced with compressor-based and thermoelectric cooling technology, AMS can provide both alternatives to their customers and suggest the best solution for the individual project.

Miniaturization

Furthermore, the engineers at AMS Technologies have been working on miniaturization of their systems, resulting in several benefits: For one part, the small subsystems are easier and more flexible to integrate into compact overall systems like aesthetic laser devices. For compressor systems, a smaller cooling circuit can also lead to quicker reaction time and thus more convenient operation. An example for a miniaturized compressor cooling system is the Mini Liquid Cooling Kit mLc-C-450-24-KIT with a cooling capacity of 450W. It is very compact and light, comes with an inverter board and is compatible with a variety of coolant fluids.

Noise Emission

Depending on the overall systems, noise levels of the mLC-450-24-KIT are very low – especially when compressor and fan are driven by a linear load control that is usually perceived as less disturbing than on-and-off switching. For lower cooling capacities of about 130W, the thermoelectric mDC-T-130-24-KIT Plate-to-Air Cooling Kit is an option that does not require any liquids and has two fans as the only moving parts.

Reliability

To provide the necessary reliability, the thermal systems are made in Europe according to the highest quality standards. For example, as miniaturized compressor systems with very small refrigerant fillings are more sensitive towards leakage, all compressor systems are subject to a helium leak test before they ship to their destination. This is the most accurate way to rule out any leakage in the cooling circuit. AMS Technologies also provides full documentation of quality assurance and compliance with regulations such as CE and European supply chain laws for the certification of the entire system.

Sustainability and Green Gases

In an effort to foster sustainability and following European legislation, AMS Technologies is also preparing the transition to sustainable refrigerants, or “green gases” for its compressor systems. Our engineers are mainly working with reciprocating compressors and mini rotary compressors. To achieve the desired packaging, we leverage our wide supplier network to source compact components for the condensers, the compressors themselves, and the evaporators.

Conclusion

By working with AMS Technologies, system providers of aesthetic laser systems get small, lightweight, and reliable cooling systems to fulfill the demands of their customers. The thermal management solutions from AMS comply with all norms and regulations – and come with complete documentation to prove it.

What are your cooling requirements? Contact us to discuss your requirements and to find the best solution for you!

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FAQ: Thermal management for aesthetic laser systems

Why do aesthetic laser systems require dedicated cooling solutions?

Aesthetic laser systems generate considerable heat while often needing to remain compact, lightweight, quiet, and energy-efficient. The cooling system must balance these requirements while supporting reliable operation throughout the expected service life of the device.

Which cooling technology is suitable for an aesthetic laser system?

Both compressor-based and thermoelectric cooling can be suitable. The best choice depends on factors such as the required cooling capacity, available installation space, noise limits, power consumption, and whether a liquid cooling circuit is acceptable.

What are the advantages of a miniaturized cooling system?

A compact cooling subsystem is easier to integrate into portable aesthetic laser devices and provides greater flexibility in the overall system design. In compressor-based systems, a smaller cooling circuit can also support faster temperature response.

How can noise from the cooling system be reduced?

Noise can be reduced by selecting suitable compressor and fan components and controlling them continuously rather than switching them repeatedly on and off. For lower cooling capacities, thermoelectric systems can provide an alternative with only the fans as moving parts.

What should manufacturers consider regarding reliability and compliance?

The cooling system should be designed for reliable operation over the intended product lifetime and supported by complete quality and compliance documentation. Compressor systems must also be tested for refrigerant leakage, particularly when compact circuits use very small refrigerant charges.