Are laser diodes supposed to be more expensive directly from the manufacturer?

[ArKi]

Hi Everyone,

I'm in the process of building an optical system (think life sciences), and was interested in a 1W 525 nm laser diode provided by Nichia. I've found this unit (Nichia NDG7K75T) available from DTR and Alibaba for ~$200, but when I got a direct quote from Nichia, it was several times higher (almost 10x).

Why is that? Is that common for laser diodes?

 

[Dutch67]

Most of the time when you by directly from companies you buy in bulk. When you do that they give you better prices because you're spending a lot more by buying more diodes at once.

I'd just buy one from DTR because he does a marvelous job at preparing and shipping them to you. You can also be assured that he is selling you what you are looking for.

Also I don't think he has the 7K5T, at least not yet. But he does have a 1Watt NDG7475 which is at 520nm. I don't know if you specifically needed a 525nm wavelength though.

 

[ArKi]

Hmm, even when I got volume pricing for 100+ units, it was still 5x the cost?

 

[Encap]

Manufacturers generally discourage 1 piece direct to end user sales.
It would cost them more than they make to put you into their system so is a worthless waste of time sale unless it hits a certain number. They can use the same time to handle a customer who wants thousands of pieces.

 

[ArKi]

Thanks, and we will go ahead and buy from DTR!

 

[Sta]

Often, we get our diodes through chains of what one might call "grey market" transactions.
Remember, we're not the target audience of these laser diode companies - in fact, we're not even the second or third target. Nichia only accepts orders of at least 10,000 diodes... but often, people on the inside sell smaller amounts for their own personal gain.

 

[Cel]

Yeah, we only get remains and leftovers.