A basic CO2 laser system layout diagram

[Tech_Marco]

I am working on a step by step procedure showing how to do beam alignment. Occasionally, there are folks with strong CNC background but new to the laser machine questioning me how a laser work. I found that I could use the XY stage figure with just a little extra work of adding mounts & tube should be good enough to give them a basic idea how a laser machine look like.

Marco

[tonywish]

I see on this diagram the X axis moves thereby the beam in between the mirrors gets shorter and longer on a regular basis. I was wondering does this do anything to the beam quality.

Tony
In-Tech Systems

[Techgraphix]

I was wondering does this do anything to the beam quality.

Yes and no:
the beam can divert a little. If you measure a beamwidth of 6mm near the tube and 8mm at the very end (the longest possible distance from the tube) you have a significant diverting beam. as your beam is wider at the end, the spotsize will be smaller so for engraving you might notice a somewhat sharper picture.
A normal laser tube doesn't divert that much..
And ofcourse, if there is smoke, you might loose some power
But I can't think of anything else.

Kees