Reverse Alignment Procedure
Step 1: Align Mirror #3 to Mirror #2
a. Remove the lens tube from the laser head and insert the Reverse Alignment Tool.
b. Adjust Mirror #3 on the laser head so the red dot is aligned with Mirror #2 on the gantry.
Move the laser head between the near and far positions while making adjustments. Continue until the red dot remains in the same position at both locations.
Step 2: Align Mirror #2 to Mirror #1
a. Adjust Mirror #2 on the gantry so the red dot is aligned with Mirror #1 near the laser tube.
Move the gantry between the near and far positions and continue adjusting until the red dot remains in the same position at both locations.
At this point, Mirrors #2 and #3 should be aligned with each other.
b. Secure the mirror adjustments. Do not adjust Mirrors #2 or #3 again during the remaining alignment process.
Step 3: Create the Mirror #1 Target
a. Place a piece of tape over Mirror #1. Mark the exact location where the red dot hits the tape. This becomes your target point.
b. Remove the Reverse Alignment Tool.
Step 4: Align the Laser Tube to Mirror #1
a. Adjust the laser tube so the CO₂ laser beam hits the target point created in Step 3.
The laser tube does not necessarily need to be perfectly level. The goal is to position the beam on the target point.
b. Adjust the front and rear laser tube supports independently as needed until the beam reaches the target.
Step 5: Create the Laser Head Target
a. Reinstall the Reverse Alignment Tool.
b. Place a piece of tape over the laser entry hole on the laser head.
c. Mark the location where the red dot hits the back side of the tape. This becomes your new target point.
d. Remove the Reverse Alignment Tool.
Step 6: Final Mirror #1 Alignment
Adjust Mirror #1 so the CO₂ laser beam hits the target point created on the laser head in Step 5.
Check the beam at both positions:
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Near: Gantry positioned closest to the laser tube.
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Far: Gantry positioned farthest from the laser tube.
Continue adjusting Mirror #1 until the beam reaches the same target point in both positions.
Alignment Complete
Once the beam remains on target throughout the gantry's travel, the optical path is aligned.
Important: Check Gantry Level
During alignment, you may discover that the four corners of the gantry are not level.
When aligning Mirror #3, move the laser head to the front and back of the machine and compare the red-dot position.
If the red dot shifts vertically as the head moves across the machine, the gantry may need to be leveled before accurate optical alignment can be completed.
Check and adjust the four corners of the machine as necessary, then repeat the alignment procedure.
Battery Installation
Insert 3 batteries into the Reverse Alignment Tool with the negative (-) end first.
Compatible battery types include:
AG3, LR41, SR736, V36A, or SR41SW
Expected battery life is greater than 20 minutes.
Laser output power: <1 mW
For further questions, please contact American Photonics Customer Service:
www.shop.americanphotonics.com
email: shop@americanphotonics.com
Phone: (941) 752-5811
