Column of laser beam...

[pedroman]

OK let me explain.

I need to cut 3" foam blanks for electronic stuff to fit into cases so that the cut is as perpendicular to the surface as possible. I know hot wires can do the job but I want an automated solution. On my machine I have tried samples but as the depth of cut increases the beam widens out from the pinprick size (maybe .01") to more like .2" or so thus the bottom of the cut is considerably wider than the top. I'd love to have an optical solution that generates a consistant column beam. I understand the optics path but anybody know of a potential solution? It's almost like using long throw lenses on a theater light to reduce the beam size at the target. I don't know what final lens this laser uses.

Any suggestions?

Pete

[lamicron]

Hi Pete, I had the same problem with the low density materials, with the original lense your focus distance from the point of the pen is about 5/16(8 mm) if you put it higher or lower you will get a wider path and the cut will be wider at the bottom. It only happens with the foam and expanded polystyrene.
LUIS

[mexico.redsail]

if cutting foam, collimate the beam but you will get about a 2 or 3 mm kerf
but cut will be pretty straight.

Edward
mexico.redsail@hotmail.com