Aligning The Laser Beam - A Nub's Question

[gilv_58]

Again sorry for the seemingly basic question but here it goes.

How do I align the laser beam to the block that holds the x/y galvos and mirrors?

The x/y galvos and mirrors are mounted on a block with the Y mirror above the X mirror. How is the laser beam supposed to hit this?

Also, if I place the laser unit and the block on the same flat surface, the laser beam is some 10.6mm lower than the center of the shaft's axis that holds the Y mirror. So if I am supposed to aim the laser at the Y mirror it does not hit it. Do I just get a 10.5 mm thick aluminum base or spacer and sit the laser unit on it?

One last question, is it safe (proper) to connect the controller boards to the galvos without a control signal comming into the boards?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Gil V.

[Doc]

Does this help?


It is normal for one to have to make spacers etc to get everything in to line.

[gilv_58]

Yes, very much thank you!!!!

Gil V.

[FourDee]

Or you can put in an extra mirror to steer the beam where it has to go

[gilv_58]

It that what an MM1 is for? Do I need an HR mirror to go with that?

But does the beam not loose power every time it hits/bounces off a mirror?

So a more direct path is better?

Gil V.

[Laserman532]

you can buy mounts here.

http://www.microlaserlabs.com/index....0vs0il30ardnr4

My daedal mounts have a mirror attached, they were removed from a system so they are used but functional.

pat b

[Dr Laser]

It that what an MM1 is for? Do I need an HR mirror to go with that?

But does the beam not loose power every time it hits/bounces off a mirror?

So a more direct path is better?

Gil V.

Yes every time beam passes optics, bounces off mirrors it looses power. Loss depends on the quality of optics. More optics you have....2-4-8-10% It's all adds up in loss.

[sugeek]

Yes every time beam passes optics, bounces off mirrors it looses power. Loss depends on the quality of optics. More optics you have....2-4-8-10% It's all adds up in loss.

That is correct but with a good mirror not that big of deal. I know Marc (gottaluvlasers) uses an MM1 style mount before all his galvos because when moving a projector things can become misaligned and not hit the galvo mirror and tweaking the MM1 mirror is a quick fix. My original plan was not to use one, but I might add one to my next project for fun. I would still pick one up a nice thing to have around even if you decide not to use it.

-Adam

[greenalien]

One last question, is it safe (proper) to connect the controller boards to the galvos without a control signal comming into the boards?

It's a good idea to have a control signal connected, because you really want to do your initial alignment with the beam power turned down as low as possible, to reduce the risk of eye damage and burns. A small amount of fog / smoke in the air will help to make the beams visible during the alignment process. The use of Laser safety goggles is also highly recommended.

[gilv_58]

Roger that on the safety goggles. Have them wear them anytime laser is powered
How is laser power controlled? All I see is control signal input on scanner boards
Laser power supply does have blinking signal input but I don't understand how to control power output from laser

Gil V.