Novanta f201, User Manual, Page: 97 / 105

BEAM DELIVERY OPTICS PAGE | 97
In addition to a gas purge for the laser housing, many laser processing applications like cutting, welding,
and drilling require an assist gas for the focusing/gas jet assembly. When the application requires air
(instead of nitrogen) as an assist gas, we recommend the use of breathing quality air available in cylinders
from a welding supply company. Because compressed shop air contains minute particles of oil and other
contaminants that will damage optical surfaces, it must be carefully filtered and dried before use as a
purge or assist gas. Refer to Table 4-1, Assist gas purity specifications, in the Technical Reference chapter
for a list of common assist gases and their corresponding filtering and drying specifications.
Danger: Serious Personal Injury
Ensure that DC power to the laser is turned off and locked out before inspecting optical components
in the beam path. Invisible CO2 laser radiation is emitted through the aperture. Corneal damage or
blindness may result from exposure to laser radiation.
Warning: Serious Personal Injury
A risk of exposure to toxic elements, like zinc selenide, may result when certain optical or beam
delivery components are damaged. In the event of damage to laser, marking head, or beam delivery
optics, contact NOVANTA, Inc. or the optics manufacturer for handling instructions.