New systems come fully tested and calibrated from the Kern factory. It is a good idea to check the
alignment of your system after receiving your laser system. Please refer to the System Diagrams
section of this manual for optics and mirror alignment diagrams. www.kernlasers
Mirror Alignment
To align the mirror at the top of the optics tube assembly you will need the following:
• A fan which can be located by the bottom of the optics to keep any smoke from
depositing on the mirror.
• Alignment sheet for a standard system at the back of this manual.
• Roll of tape.
• A small piece of wood approximately 4” x 4” and thicker than 1/4”.
• A 3/32” Allen wrench.
• Mirror tool.
Instructions for checking the alignment of your optics mirror are as followed:
1. Turn your system ON and open the manual screen in your KCAM software.
2. Tape the alignment sheet to the wood block.
3. Remove the optics nozzle from the assembly and lower the laser tube so that it covers
one of the crosshairs on your alignment sheet.
4. Raise the optics tube 3 inches above the alignment sheet. Make sure to keep the wood
block steady so that it stays directly centered below your optics.
5. Set the laser “On time” to .1 seconds in your manual screen.
6. Turn on the air.
7. Fire the laser at 5-10% power and observe where the laser beam has hit the alignment
sheet. If it is centered on the crosshairs no further alignment will be needed. If it is not
exactly centered you will need to adjust the alignment of your optics mirror.
Instructions for adjusting the alignment of your optics mirror are as followed:
1. Remove the (4) screws from the metal plate on the top of the optics assembly(Stage 1).
Three black cap screws should now be visible.
2. Carefully and slowly turn the cap screws one at a time until the beam is centered on the
crosshair. The rubber washers should not be over tightened as to make them flatten out,
this could result in a cracked mirror.
3. Reinstall the optics nozzle back onto the laser tube.
4. Screw the top metal plate back down on the top of the optics assembly.
5. Place a piece of Teflon tape on the laser nozzle.
6. Fire the laser at 5 -10% power and observe where the beam is leaving the nozzle with
your mirror tool. If it appears centered coming out of the nozzle then your mirror is
properly aligned. If it is not centered then further adjustments to the mirror will be
needed.
7. Click the close button or the ESC key to get back to your regular KCAM screen.
NOTE: The optics tube assembly should not get hot. If it does, that may indicate your beam is clipping
inside the optics assembly. The above procedure may be needed to correct the beam alignment.
Focusing the Optics
A lens focuses the laser beam to a very small invisible point of light. This point of light is very
intense in temperature and will vaporize many materials. The lens has a focal point or focal length.
This is the distance from the center of the lens to its finest point of energy.
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General