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4-10 Optical Path Adjustment

FLUX Support Team
  • Updated

Description

This article will guide you through how to adjust the optical path.
If you are uncertain whether your optical path needs adjustment, please use the link below to inspect your path first. Optical Path Inspection

Note:
Some photos used in this article are HEXA's, but the mechanism for beamo II is the same.

Signs of a Misaligned Optical Path

  1. Not able to cut through the materials using the default power rate & speed in Beam Studio.
  2. Having bad engraving results that the engraving patterns in a certain area are lighter or deeper than other areas, or it is getting lighter or deeper in a certain direction.
  3. The cut section on the material is not vertical after cutting.

Tools

Please prepare the following tools.

  1. Double-sided tape
  2. Double-head wrench
  3. Sanitizer spray / Alcohol spray
  4. Pliers
  5. T8 Torx screwdriver
  6. Cotton swabs

Step 1

Please get familiar with how to make a pulse safely.

A. Turn on the machine.
B. Close the lid.
C. Enter Maintain mode and wait til the homing process is done.
     (Make sure the door, back cover, and bottom icons are closed, or you won't be able to make a pulse.)
D. Find the Pulse button.
E. One press = one pulse, two presses = two pulses, and so on.
⚠︎ Please always make pulses when the door lid and back cover are closed.
  • After this step go to Step 2

Step 2

Remove the back metal cover to find the first mirror.

  • After this step go to Step 3

Step 3

Please get familiar with the locations:

# Locations Description
1 First mirror It's where to adjust the path from the 1st to 2nd mirror.
(Open the back cover to find the 1st mirror.)
2 Second mirror It's where to adjust the path from the 2nd to 3rd mirror.
3 Third mirror It's where to adjust the vertical path from 3rd mirror to the bed.
4 Top-left of the bed It's where the laser head will be moved to during the process.
5 Middle-left of the bed It's where the laser head will be moved to during the process.
6 Bottom-left of the bed It's where the laser head will be moved to during the process.
7 Center of the bed It's where the laser head will be moved to during the process.
8 Top-right of the bed It's where the laser head will be moved to during the process.
9 Middle-right of the bed It's where the laser head will be moved to during the process.
10 Bottom-right of the bed It's where the laser head will be moved to during the process.
  • After this step go to Step 4

Step 4

Please clean all the mirrors and lenses using the instructions in the link below.
[Mirrors and Lens Cleaning]
_____.gif

  • After this step go to Step 5

Step 5

Check the laser dot on the 1st mirror.
This step checks if the laser tube and the machine are in good condition.

Step overview:
Step_6.png

Actual Steps:

  • Place the tape on the 1st mirror to have an angle of 90 degrees against the beam.
  • Place the back cover back and make 5 pulses.
    (You don't have to tighten the screws as long as you can make a pulse.)

     

  • Demonstration

  • Check the result.

    Tape Result Examples

    Good Example - 
    Round and Strong

    Bad Example -
    Weak, Hollow, or Not Round

    Screenshot 2024-05-17 at 11.45.12 AM.png

    2A7UkBxyMHmmnZPZZ6GhVDYn3cRinoq2RQ.png

    Screenshot 2024-05-17 at 11.44.44 AM.png

    323857.jpg
     

 

Determine your result and the next action to take:

  • The result is good >> Step 6
  • The result is bad, or it doesn't have any marks >> Contact Customer Service
    • Possible Cause:
      • The laser tube is broken and must be replaced.
      • The laser power supply is broken and must be replaced.

Step 6

This step checks if the path is aligned from the 1st mirror to the 2nd mirror.

Step overview:

Beofore you start, please reinstall the back cover and use one screw for now.

Actual Steps:

  1. Place a new two-layer, double-sided tape on the 2nd mirror.
  2. Move the gantry to the top and move the laser head to the right.
  3. Close the door and make 2 pulses.
  4. Move the gantry to the bottom corner and make another 2 pulses.
  5. Visibly check if the two burnt marks overlap and if the result is good or bad.
    (You can view the tape from the side to know which one is the 2nd dot.)

 

Good Example - Overlapped

Bad Example - Not Overlapped

 

Determine your result and the next action to take:

  • Good result - Overlapped >> Step 7
  • Bad result - Not overlapped >> Step 6.1

Step 6.1

This step will teach you how to align the path from the 1st mirror to the 2nd mirror by adjusting the screws on the 1st mirror.

  • Remove the back cover first.

  • Find the first mirror. Spray the alcohol on the holder and wait for a few seconds.
    Next, loosen the three T8 screws to remove the holder.

  • There are three screws on the 1st mirror, and rotating them clockwise or counter-clockwise will change the beam path meaning the second dot's position will change.

Demonstration - First Mirror to Second Mirror Path Adjustment 

  1. Use a new two-layer tape to make 2 pulses at top and another 2 pulses at the bottom.
  2. Determine which screw(s) you have to adjust with your result in the table below.
  3. Adjust the screw. Keep the gantry at the bottom.
  4. Make 2 pulses to see if the 2nd dot is getting closer to the first dot.
  5. When it is hard to determine the 2nd dot, dump the used tape.
  6. Repeat #1 until the 1st dot and 2nd dot overlap. (Overlap example)
  7. After the adjustment, pleaes re-install the screw holder.

(The video is an actual operation from the FLUX staff. It is a long video, you can change the speed, but the concept and the process is the key for you to understand how to adjust.)

  • Determine the position of your red laser dot, target the screw, and its direction of rotation.
    Please see the photo below and find the number that is similar to your red laser dot's position:
     
For #1: 
The 2nd dot needs to go down to the right in order to overlap the first dot
The top-left screw will need to be rotated clockwise. Please refer to the photo below.		 For #2: 
The 2nd dot needs to go straight down in order to overlap the first dot.
The bottom-left screw will need to be rotated counter-clockwise. Please refer to the photo below.
1__for_copy.jpg 2__for_copy.jpg
For #3: 
The 2nd dot needs to go down first and then go left in order to overlap the first dot.
The bottom-left screw will need to be rotated counter-clockwise to make the dot go down.
The top-right screw will need to be rotated clockwise to make the dot go left.
Please refer to the photo below.

For #4: 
The 2nd dot needs to go right in order to overlap the first dot.
The top-right screw will need to be rotated counter-clockwise. Please refer to the photo below.

 
3__for_copy.jpg
4__for_copy.jpg

For #5: 
The 2nd dot needs to go left in order to overlap the first dot.
The top-right screw will need to be rotated clockwise. Please refer to the photo below.

 

 For #6: 
The 2nd dot needs to go right first and then go up in order to overlap the first dot.
The top-right screw will need to be rotated counter-clockwise to make the dot go right.
The bottom-left screw will need to be rotated clockwise to make the dot go up.
Please refer to the photo below.
5__for_copy.jpg
6__for_copy.jpg
For #7: 
The 2nd dot needs to go straight up in order to overlap the first dot.
The bottom-left screw will need to be rotated clockwise. Please refer to the photo below.		 For #8: 
The 2nd dot needs to go up to the left in order to overlap the first dot
The top-left screw will need to be rotated counter-clockwise. Please refer to the photo below.
7__for_copy.jpg
8__for_copy.jpg

  • After the adjusmtent, please reinstall the holder.

  • After this step go to Step 7

Step 7

This step checks if the path is aligned from the 2nd mirror to the 3rd mirror.
Step overview:

  • Install the back cover securely as it won't be needed to be open in the later steps.

Actual Steps:

  1. Place a new two-layer, double-sided tape on the 3rd mirror entrance.
  2. Enter Control mode, loose the motor and move the laser head to the middle-left position.
  3. Close the door and make 2 pulses.
  4. Move the laser head to the middle-right position and make another 2 pulses.
  5. Visibly check if the two burnt marks overlap and if the result is good or bad.
    (You can view the tape from the side to know which one is the 2nd dot.)

 

Good Example - Overlapped

Bad Example - Not Overlapped

 

Determine your result and the next action to take:

  • Good result - Overlapped >> Step 8
  • Bad result - Not overlapped >> Step 7.1

Step 7.1

This step will teach you how to align the path from the 2nd mirror to the 3rd mirror by adjusting the screws on the 2nd mirror.

 

  • Find the second mirror. Spray the alcohol on the holder and wait for a few seconds.
    Next, loosen the three T8 screws to remove the holder.

  • There are three screws on the 2nd mirror, and rotating them clockwise or counter-clockwise will change the beam path meaning the second dot's position will change.

Demonstration - First Mirror to Second Mirror Path Adjustment 

  1. Use a new two-layer tape to make 2 pulses at middle-left and another 2 pulses at middle-right.
  2. Determine which screw(s) you have to adjust with your result in the table below.
  3. Adjust the screw. Keep the laser head at middle-right.
  4. Make 2 pulses to see if the 2nd dot is getting closer to the first dot.
  5. When it is hard to determine the 2nd dot, dump the used tape.
  6. Repeat #1 until the 1st dot and 2nd dot overlap. (Overlap example)
  7. After the adjustment, pleaes re-install the screw holder.

(The video is an actual operation from the FLUX staff. It is a long video, you can change the speed, but the concept and the process is the key for you to understand how to adjust. Please enable the subtitle.)

  • Determine the position of your red laser dot, target the screw, and its direction of rotation.
    Please see the photo below and find the number that is similar to your red laser dot's position:
     
For #1:  
The 2nd dot needs to go down to the right in order to overlap the first dot
The bottom-right screw will need to be rotated counter-clockwise.
Please refer to the photo below.		 For #2: 
The 2nd dot needs to go straight down in order to overlap the first dot.
The top-right screw will need to be rotated clockwise. Please refer to the photo below.
2-1__source_copy.jpg 2-2__source_copy.jpg
For #3: 
The 2nd dot needs to go down first and then go left in order to overlap the first dot.
The top-right screw will need to be rotated clockwise to make the dot go down.
The bottom-left screw will need to be rotated counter-clockwise to make the dot go left.
Please refer to the photo below.

For #4: 
The 2nd dot needs to go right in order to overlap the first dot.
The bottom-left screw will need to be rotated clockwise. Please refer to the photo below.

 
2-3__source_copy.jpg
2-4__source_copy.jpg

For #5:
The 2nd dot needs to go left in order to overlap the first dot.
The bottom-left screw will need to be rotated counter-clockwise.
Please refer to the photo below.

 

 For #6:
The 2nd dot needs to go right first and then go up in order to overlap the first dot.
The bottom-left screw will need to be rotated clockwise to make the dot go right.
The top-right screw will need to be rotated counter-clockwise to make the dot go up.
Please refer to the photo below.
2-5__source_copy_2.jpg
2-6__source_copy_3.jpg
For #7: 
The 2nd dot needs to go straight up in order to overlap the first dot.
The top-right screw will need to be rotated counter-clockwise. Please refer to the photo below.		 For #8: 
The 2nd dot needs to go up to the left in order to overlap the first dot
The bottom-right screw will need to be rotated clockwise. Please refer to the photo below.
2-7__source_copy_4.jpg
2-8__source_copy.jpg

  • After the adjusmtent, please reinstall the holder.

  • After this step go to Step 8

Step 8

We will now check the path from the 3rd mirror to the nozzle tip, which indicates the Z-axis (vertical) beam path at the center of the bed.

Step overview:

Actual Steps:

  1. Place a one-layer, double-sided tape on the nozzle tip.
  2. Move the laser head to the center of the bed.
  3. Close the door and make 1 pulse.
  4. Visibly check if the result of the burt mark is good or bad.

Good Example
(Round and centered)

Acceptable example 
(Round but a bit off the center)

Bad Example (Not Round or Not Centered)

Determine your result and the next action to take:

  • Good or acceptable result >> Step 9

Step 8.1

  • This step will teach you how to align the vertical path from the 3rd mirror to the bed by adjusting the screws on the 3rd mirror.
    There are three screws on the 3rd mirror, and rotating them clockwise or counter-clockwise will change the vertical beam path meaning the position of the little dot on the tape will change.

  • Please learn how to loosen the nut properly.
    Use the pliers to hold the screw, then loosen the nut with the double-head wrench by turning it counter-clockwise.

Demonstration - Third Mirror to Center of Bed Path Adjustment 

  1. Place a new one-layer, double-sided tape on the nozzle tip.
  2. Move the laser head to the center of the bed.
  3. Close the door and make 1 pulse to make a burnt mark on the tape.
  4. Remove the tape and determine which screw(s) you have to adjust with your result in the table below.
  5. Adjust the screw.
  6. Use a new tape or the same tape with other area and place it on the nozzle tip.
  7. Reapeat #2 until the dot is rounded and centered.

(The video is an actual operation from the FLUX staff. It is a long video, you can change the speed, but the concept and the process is the key for you to understand how to adjust. Please enable the subtitle.

*Note:

  • The center dot and the bottom-right dot have to be round at the same time.
  • The center dot has to be centered, but the bottom-right being not cenetered is accptiable.
  • Otherwise, the optical path will be considered not aligned.

  • Determine the position of your laser dot, target the screw, and its direction of rotation.
    Please see the photo below and find the number that is similar to your laser dot's position:

    First, you will have to know the whole area that the dot can move to.
    It is actually the same area as the nozzle tip. The pressed mark on the tape is the area.
    320180.jpeg

  • Next, find the number that is similar to your vertical dot's position

source.001.png

  • Schematic graph:
    Screenshot_2023-04-24_at_5.35.07_PM.png
For #1: 
The vertical dot needs to go right in order to be round and in the center.
When facing the front of the machine:
The bottom-right screw will need to be rotated clockwise. Please refer to the photo below.		 For #2: 
The vertical dot needs to go down to the right in order to be round and in the center.
When facing the front of the machine:
The bottom-right screw will need to be rotated clockwise in order to go right.
The top-left screw will need to be rotated counterclockwise in order to go down.
Please refer to the photo below.
For #3: 
The vertical dot needs to go down in order to be round and in the center.
When facing the front of the machine:
The top-left screw will need to be rotated counterclockwise in order to go down.
Please refer to the photo below.

For #4: 
The vertical dot needs to go down to the left in order to be round and in the center.
When facing the front of the machine:
The bottom-left screw will need to be rotated clockwise.
Please refer to the photo below.

 

For #5: 
The vertical dot needs to go left in order to be round and in the center.
When facing the front of the machine:
The bottom-right screw will need to be rotated counterclockwise.
Please refer to the photo below.

 

 For #6: 
The vertical dot needs to go up to the left in order to be round and in the center.
When facing the front of the machine:
The bottom-right screw will need to be rotated counterclockwise in otfer to go left.
The top-left screw will need to be rotated clockwise in order to go up.
Please refer to the photo below.
For #7: 
The vertical dot needs to go up in order to be round and in the center.
When facing the front of the machine:
The top-left screw will need to be rotated clockwise in order to go up.
Please refer to the photo below.		 For #8: 
The vertical dot needs to go up to the right in order to be round and in the center.
When facing the front of the machine:
The bottom-left screw will need to be rotated ccounterlockwise.
Please refer to the photo below.
  • After this step, go to Step 9

Step 9

We will now check the path from the 3rd mirror to the nozzle tip, which indicates the Z-axis (vertical) beam path at the bottom-right corner of the bed.

Step overview:

Actual Steps:

  1. Place a one-layer, double-sided tape on the nozzle tip.
  2. Move the laser head to the bottom-right corner of the bed.
  3. Close the door and make 1 pulse.
  4. Visibly check if the result of the burt mark is good or bad.

Good Example
(Round and centered)

Acceptable example 
(Round but a bit off the center)

Bad Example (Not Round or Not Centered)

Determine your result and the next action to take:

  • Good or acceptable result >> Step 10

Step 9.1

  • This step will teach you how to align the vertical path from the 3rd mirror to the bed by adjusting the screws on the 3rd mirror.
    There are three screws on the 3rd mirror, and rotating them clockwise or counter-clockwise will change the vertical beam path meaning the position of the little dot on the tape will change.

Demonstration - Third Mirror to Center of Bed Path Adjustment 

  1. Place a new one-layer, double-sided tape on the nozzle tip.
  2. Move the laser head to the bottom-right corner of the bed.
  3. Close the door and make 1 pulse to make a burnt mark on the tape.
  4. Remove the tape and determine which screw(s) you have to adjust with your result in the table below.
  5. Adjust the screw.
  6. Use a new tape or the same tape with other area and place it on the nozzle tip.
  7. Reapeat #2 until the dot is rounded and centered.
  8. Recheck the center dot.

(The video is an actual operation from the FLUX staff. It is a long video, you can change the speed, but the concept and the process is the key for you to understand how to adjust. Please enable the subtitle.)

*Note:

  • The center dot and the bottom-right dot have to be round at the same time.
  • The center dot has to be centered, but the bottom-right being not cenetered is accptiable.
  • Otherwise, the optical path will be considered not aligned.

  • Determine the position of your laser dot, target the screw, and its direction of rotation.
    Please see the photo below and find the number that is similar to your laser dot's position:

    First, you will have to know the whole area that the dot can move to.
    It is actually the same area as the nozzle tip. The pressed mark on the tape is the area.
    320180.jpeg

  • Next, find the number that is similar to your vertical dot's position

source.001.png

  • Schematic graph:
    Screenshot_2023-04-24_at_5.35.07_PM.png
For #1: 
The vertical dot needs to go right in order to be round and in the center.
When facing the front of the machine:
The bottom-right screw will need to be rotated clockwise. Please refer to the photo below.		 For #2: 
The vertical dot needs to go down to the right in order to be round and in the center.
When facing the front of the machine:
The bottom-right screw will need to be rotated clockwise in order to go right.
The top-left screw will need to be rotated counterclockwise in order to go down.
Please refer to the photo below.
For #3: 
The vertical dot needs to go down in order to be round and in the center.
When facing the front of the machine:
The top-left screw will need to be rotated counterclockwise in order to go down.
Please refer to the photo below.

For #4: 
The vertical dot needs to go down to the left in order to be round and in the center.
When facing the front of the machine:
The bottom-left screw will need to be rotated clockwise.
Please refer to the photo below.

 

For #5: 
The vertical dot needs to go left in order to be round and in the center.
When facing the front of the machine:
The bottom-right screw will need to be rotated counterclockwise.
Please refer to the photo below.

 

 For #6: 
The vertical dot needs to go up to the left in order to be round and in the center.
When facing the front of the machine:
The bottom-right screw will need to be rotated counterclockwise in otfer to go left.
The top-left screw will need to be rotated clockwise in order to go up.
Please refer to the photo below.
For #7: 
The vertical dot needs to go up in order to be round and in the center.
When facing the front of the machine:
The top-left screw will need to be rotated clockwise in order to go up.
Please refer to the photo below.		 For #8: 
The vertical dot needs to go up to the right in order to be round and in the center.
When facing the front of the machine:
The bottom-left screw will need to be rotated ccounterlockwise.
Please refer to the photo below.

*Note:

  • The center dot and the bottom-right dot have to be round at the same time.
  • The center dot has to be centered, but the bottom-right being not cenetered is accptiable.
  • Otherwise, the optical path will be considered not aligned.

Determine your result and the next action to take:

  • Both bottom-right and center dots are good >> Step 10

Step 10

Tighten the 3rd mirror screws.

Step 11

Please perform camera calibration in Beam Studio.

#END

 

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