Laser Alignment Procedure
This procedure is to be used as a guide for the initial system installation, or as a reference
for optics replacement, or for re-alignment if necessary. It is assumed that the gantry is
square to the x-axis, all support equipment is in place and properly working, and all of the
necessary safety precautions are strictly followed. It is strongly suggested that at least
two people be involved in the alignment procedure.
The MultiCam laser system utilizes a flying optics beam path. The laser head is
stationary and the optics guides the laser beam to the work surface. The components that
make up the laser beam guidance system are specially designed to give a consistent beam
diameter at any location across the cut bed when properly aligned. The system relies on
the alignment of its beam path components to accurately and consistently cut materials.
Occasionally, the beam path components must be realigned due to conditions that impact
the alignment like severe vibration movement around the machine, shifts in the floor, or
other uncontrollable conditions. The complete optical system is pre-aligned at the
MultiCam factory and then the laser head is removed for shipping. When re-assembling
the laser optical system, minimal adjustments will have to be made if this procedure is
strictly followed.
Optics used in beam path
Collimator/beam expander
The laser beam is a diverging source. The farther away from the source that you get, the
larger the beam diameter becomes. This optical device is used for two purposes. 1) to
collimate the diverging beam to insure a consistent beam diameter throughout the cutting
area and 2) to expand the beam so that the beam diameter is roughly 70-80% of the beam
path optical components clear aperture. A 2X beam expander is commonly used in the
laser beam path giving an output beam diameter of 8-10mm. It consists of two focusing
lens positioned to give the proper beam diameter at the output. Loosening the clamp ring
fastener and sliding one lens in reference to the other is how the adjustment of the
collimator is done.
Diode pointer/Beam dump
The diode pointer is used as an aid in doing the laser beam alignment and used as a laser
beam reference at the work surface when aligning materials or locating the focused laser
beam. The beam dump is used as a safety component for the removal of unwanted laser
radiation. Alignment of the diode pointer is done using the two sets of adjusting screws.
One set is used for positioning in the near field and the other for the far field.
Beam Benders
The beam benders used in the optical path are made up of a beam bender base, mirror
block assembly, and the mirror holder. The mirror block assembly is designed to allow
adjustment in the vertical and horizontal planes as indicated by the arrows on the mirror
block assembly. The mirror block assembly mounting screws are spring loaded allowing
