Mirror Alignment is A crucial aspect to efficiently use the LC-TUBE/ on the Laser Cutting and Engraving machine. The More your mirrors are aligned the better you will be able to cut at Lower Power Percentages and Higher Speeds.
Step ONE: Cover the First Mirror from the Tube with and Pulse/Test at a Lower Percentage of Power to just mark on the Masking Tape instead of Burning it entirely, i.e., 1% to 15% or more, if need be, to get a clear round dot. If the Dot Mark is within the Circle of the 1st Mirror (doesn’t have to be centred) then move your Y Axis closest to the 1st Mirror from the Laser Tube and Pulse to mark your Datum Position.
Please note it should just be within the circle of the 2nd Mirror mounted on the Y-Axis not necessarily be at the Centre of the Mirror, if not move the 1st Mirror Slightly to be at 45 degrees angle of reflection to the 2nd Mirror. Once you get your beam reflecting into the circle of the 2nd Mirror, move out furthest on the Y-Axis from the 1st Mirror and cover the first dot/mark with Tape and Pulse/Test over it to see if it marks the same spot and also use Bond Paper to cover behind the 2nd Mirror since you will not be aware how far the Beam is travelling out. Once you Pulse/Test and find it within the Circle of the 2nd Mirror use the Knobs to interface the two beam marks on the Masking Tape. Thereafter recheck both Closest and Furthest from 1st Mirror if the Beam is travelling Straight closest and furthest from Tube to 1st Mirror then 2nd Mirror on the Y-Axis.
Step two: Once your Y-Axis is aligned proceed to check the X-Axis by covering the 3rd Mirror and bringing it closest to the 2nd Mirror whilst it is furthest from the 1st Mirror and repeat process you used to Align the Y-Axis and adjust the knobs of the 2nd Mirror to focus the 3rd Mirror.
Final Step: To align your Z-Axis move Nozzle to the Centre of the Honeycomb Bed and cover the Bottom end of the Nozzle with tape and pulse, your Beam should shoot out Straight from the Centre of the Nozzle and this is one Axis that should be entirely centred to fully and entirely discharge all the Beams from the Laser Tube, to centre adjust the knobs on the 3rd Mirror facing down at a 45-degree angle.
Please note for you to be able to cut across all the 4 corners of the Table your Y-Axis and Z-Axis must be approximately 100% aligned and remember to clean your mirrors and lenses with Methylated Spirit and Cotton Ear Buds as you go about your Mirror Alignments to fully remove the Masking Tape Adhesive residue left on the Mirror from Pulsing and Taping the Sticky Tape.