Universal Laser Systems X-600 Safety, Installation, Operation, And Basic Maintenance Manual page 30

NOTE: Before describing the complex functionality of the SUPERSPEED, in the following
diagram, we demonstrate how a typical single-laser system works. We will then show how the
SUPERSPEED builds upon this foundation and utilizes two laser cartridges to operate in a
dual laser single mode or dual laser dual beam mode.
Laser Cartridge
The laser cartridge is a very sophisticated device. It is composed of a plasma tube filled with a
special mixture of CO2 and other gases, and RF (radio frequency) electronics. The function of the
entire assembly is to turn electrical energy into concentrated light energy. The word LASER is an
acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.
The laser cartridge receives power from the
48VDC power supply and its "trigger signal" from
the CPU. When the laser system is power on
and the trigger signal comes from the CPU, the
RF electronics produce a 40 MHz signal across
the electrodes located inside the plasma tube.
This causes spontaneous photon emissions
from the gas mixture that produces an invisible,
infrared light beam at a frequency of 10.6
microns.
The laser beam exits the laser cartridge through
its output optics, reflects off the #1 mirror,
passes through the beam window, reflects off
the #2 and #3 mirrors and then finally passes
through the focus lens. The #2 and #3 mirror
and the focusing lens are all mounted to the
motion system. The width of the laser beam as
it exits the tube, called the "Beam Diameter", is about 4 mm. The focus lens focuses the beam into a
very small spot where the spot size is dependent on the focal length of the lens. The focal length is
the distance from about the center of the lens to the point where the beam converges into the
smallest spot possible.
approximately .005 inches.
The focal range of the lens, where the beam is considered to be "in focus", is equivalent to +/- 5%
above and below the focus point. Shorter lenses produce a smaller spot size but also have a very
narrow focal range. This means that it would only be useful for engraving very flat objects. The
longer lenses have a much wider range of focus but also produce a larger spot size that would
prohibit the engraving of fine detail. This can be related to trying to write small text with a wide, felt tip
marker. There are pros and cons to the different lenses that are available for different applications.
Please refer to the Appendices section on available lenses and their operating characteristics.
Wattage signifies the amount of heat energy that the laser light is producing over a period of time.
Laser energy is measured with a laser power meter that measures the unfocused laser beam's heat
output over a calibrated period of time.
Motion System
The motion system consists of the mechanically moving parts of the laser system. It is made up of
rails, motors, bearings, belts, mirrors, a lens, and other parts. There are two directions of motion, left
and right, referred to as the "X" direction, and front to back, referred to as the "Y" direction.
SYSTEM OPERATION
Using a standard 2-inch focal length lens, the spot size produced is
Section 3-10
LASER CARTRIDGE
GAS FILLED PLASMA TUBE
#1 MIRROR
BEAM WINDOW
BEAM DIAMETER
#2 MIRROR
FOCAL LENGTH
MATERIAL
SPOT
ELECTRODES
RF ELECTRONICS
#3 MIRROR
FOCUS LENS
FOCAL RANGE