technical reference
34 Synrad Firestar ti-Series operator’s manual
Technical overview
Figure 3-2 “Flying optics” beam path
Focusing optics
When selecting a focusing optic, the primary consideration should be material thickness and any vertical
tolerances that occur during final part positioning rather than making a selection based only on minimum
spot size. The chosen focal length should create the smallest possible focused spot while providing the
depth of field required for the material being processed.
Caution
possible
equipment
damage
Small amounts of contaminants on the laser’s output window (or on
any optic in the beam path) can absorb enough energy to damage
the optic. Inspect all beam delivery optics periodically for signs of
contaminants and carefully clean as required. In dirty environments,
purge laser optics using filtered air or nitrogen to prevent vapor and
debris from accumulating on optical surfaces.
Optics are fragile and must be handled carefully, preferably by the mounting ring only. Cleanliness is
another important issue affecting performance; a dirty or scratched lens will under perform and exhibit a
vastly shortened lifetime. When the application requires air (instead of nitrogen) as an assist gas, use only
breathing quality air available in cylinders from a welding supply company. Compressed shop air contains
minute particles of oil and other contaminants that will damage optical surfaces. If compressed shop air is
the only choice available, it must be filtered to the specifications shown in Table 3-1.
Table 3-1 Assist gas purity specifications
Purge Gas Specification
Nitrogen High Purity Grade 99.9500% purity or better
Air Breathing Grade 99.9996% purity or better
Air Compressed 99.9950% purity or better, water-free; oil filtered to 5 mg/m
3
or better; particulate filtered to < 1.0 micron.
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