Adjustments & Maintenance Work; Focal Lens Adjustment; Cutting Strategies - Laguna Tools PL1220 Owner's Manual

5 Adjustments & Maintenance Work

5.1 Focal Lens Adjustment

To make cuts and engravings on different materials, the operator will
need to adjust the focal length according to the material's properties.
B
C
D
E
F
Incoming, Unfocused IR Laser Beam
A
Height Adjustment Clamp
B
Focal Lens (Standard is 50.8mm length, 20mm diameter)
C
Rubber Seal
D
Lock Ring
E
Focused IR Laser Beam
F
Focal Distance
G
Focal Spacing
H
Adjustment Procedures
1. Unscrew the height adjustment clamp [B].
2. Adjust the height of the laser tube such that the focused beam
[F] is in contact with the work surface. This can be achieved
by setting the focal spacing [H] to a distance between 7 and 9
mm.
3. The Focal Spacing [H] will depend on the process and the
material, but it is generally between 7 and 9 mm.
WARNING: Never use the laser machine without the focal lens in
place.
NOTICE: The maximum cut depth depends on the material. Always
test the operation prior to running a work file.
NOTICE: See Appendix 4: CO2 Laser Machine Single Pass
Parameters for RDWorks
© 03/2018, Laguna Tools, Inc.
Adjustments & Maintenance Work
A
G = Focal Length
G
H = Focal
Spacing
H
Figure 5-1: Focal Length Adjustments

5.2 Cutting Strategies

B
A C
Etching Mid-Level Cut
~ 9 mm Focal ~ 8mm Focal
Spacing
Work Piece
A
Focused Laser Beam
B
Cut/Etch Path
C
Cutting Strategies
The focal spacing depends heavily on the workpiece and the
single pass limit or maximum cut depth of that workpiece. The
single pass limit guidelines can be found in Appendix 4 of this
manual. It is advised that you experiment with focal spacing prior
to running a work file.
TECH TIP: A spacing block can be made to quickly adjust the focal
spacing. Use ¼" acrylic or wood to cut out something like the
following. Be sure to engrave the focal spacing on the surface for
future reference.
NOTICE: The focal length is different than focal spacing and depends
on the focal lens used. The stock lens installed in the PL1220 is
20mm in diameter, and 50.8mm in focal length.
TECH TIP: Focal spacing will vary. Experiment with sample materials
and make small adjustments.
PL1220 Laser, MLC122040
Single Pass Cut
~ 7mm Focal
Spacing Spacing
Figure 5-2: Cutting Strategies
Figure 5-3: Focal Spacing Tool
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