between near/far field and making adjustments to aim the laser beam to be in the center
of the crosshair in both near and far field.
(Be patient, this may take some time to do but it is most critical that this step be
done correctly. Improper alignment will result in the laser beam not entering the
collimator/beam expander perpendicular and centered, which will cause poor
cutting results.)
Once the laser beam is centered and perpendicular to BB1, remove the crosshair and
install the mirror block assembly onto BBT at the end of the alignment tool if there is not
enough available distance for the collimator/beam expander check. (There should be a
free unobstructed distance of 2X the total beam travel measured from the output side of
BBT. The mirror block assembly is used to redirect the laser beam to allow for a
different beam path. The mirror block assembly may have to be adjusted so the beam
path is unobstructed.)
STEP 5: Installation of the collimator/beam expander
Install the collimator/beam expander on the input side of BB1 using the three SHCS 6-
32x3/4”.
NOTE
: If the collimator does not have the alignment dowel pins, position as
close as possible to the center of the beam bender input side.
STEP 6: Check adjustment of the collimator/beam expander
Adjustment of the collimator/beam expander is factory preset. Using the laser burn card
or equivalent, check the near field at 3FT(1M) from the collimator output and the far field
at a distance equal to 2X the total beam travel if possible. It will also be necessary to
check at 3FT (1M) intervals between the near and far field locations. It may be necessary
to increase the laser power after the laser beam is collimated to get an adequate burn.
The laser burn should be 8-10mm in diameter at any point along the beam path. If the
results from this check are not within the 8-10mm specification, the collimator/beam
expander will have to be adjusted per that section of this document. If the results are
within specifications go to the next step.
STEP 7: Remove collimator alignment tool
Remove the mirror block assembly from the alignment tool and return to its safe place.
Remove the mounting screws holding the collimator alignment tool and store in threaded
holes in beam bender base attached to the alignment tool and store the collimator
alignment tool for future needs.
STEP 8: Install mirror block assembly on BB1
Install the mirror block assembly onto BB1 using the three mounting screws. Tighten the
screws then loosen one full turn to allow for adjustment during this procedure. Using the
hand held keypad move the gantry to the rear of the table. The mirror block assembly
should be on BB2. Insert the beam bender crosshair into the input side of BB3 as shown
in. During this part of the procedure it will be necessary to hold or support a laser burn
card near the output of the crosshair while pulsing the laser. Great care should be taken
to avoid excessive radiation exposure. Pulse the laser and mark this card as near field.
Move the gantry approximately 12 inches towards the home position, pulse the laser and
