 Mirror alignment 101 | |
FYI it is basic physics. Light travels in a straight line until it is reflected or refracted. (IN THE SIMPLEST UNDERSTANDING OF LIGHT WAVES) So what we are doing is taking a path with many reflection surfaces (typically three) and we will treat each point to point part of the path as a separate focusing event.
Start at the source (LASER TUBE) and by adjusting the alignment screws on the LASER TUBE supporting brackets get the laser beam to hit the first mirror dead center. Adjust the SOURCE not the first mirror! Since we can't see the beam we must use some targets to verify the beam path. Don't use your hand! Cut several small circular pieces of 1/8" plywood and tape over each mirror in the beam path. I avoid using cardboard since the fumes from burn through can leave contaminants on the mirror surface. Once the laser tube is aimed so the beam is as centered on the first target as possible remove the plywood target on the first mirror and move to the next mirror doing the same routine of adjusting the SOURCE which will now be the FIRST MIRROR not the tube. (Treat each segment in this manner) In other words you are bouncing the beam from mirror to mirror until it hits the head reflecting mirror aperture window. The plywood targets let you know when you are centered. Go from the source to the last mirror in a step by step method and you'll get it aligned.
Sometimes it may take a while. My first attempt took about 1 hour because the screws were of such cheap quality that I ended up replacing most of the alignment screws with better quality screws. Several of these screws had backed out in shipment and even a few were so soft that the threads stripped. I hope this helped.
Pete
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Chinese Rabbit Laser HX6090 (60 watt) Happy with it!
FANUC CNC (ROBODRILL / TAPE DRILL MATE) 0MC control | 
10-21-2007, 08:20 PM
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