Many industrial material processing operations are performed today using movable laser systems. It is important to reliably secure and protect the integrated optical components to prolong the life of these systems, and this is done with the help of so-called beam-guiding components.
The beam-guiding systems offered by Haas provide comfortable “wrapping” of the optical components. The massive housings made of anodised aluminum ensure the stability and precision required in an industrial environment. Different components are available depending on the direction of the laser beam.
Change of Direction
Kinematic beam benders are recommended if the laser beam has to change direction. These components hold the bending mirror distortion-free to redirect the laser beam at a certain angle, generally a 90° angle.
The optics can be removed from the mount and re-mounted again easily without affecting the adjustment of the mirrors to enable easy cleaning. The bending units are available for mirrors from 1” to 4”.
Splitting or Combining Beams
Beam splitting units make it possible to split the beam into two parts. The incoming beam is split into two partial beams inside the unit with the help of a beam splitter optic. One part of the beam is reflected at a 90° angle, and the other part is transmitted. This allows two different beam paths to be used simultaneously. The beam splitting unit can also be used to combine two laser beams. They are available for optics from 1” to 3”.
Beam Switches for Time Sharing
Beam switches are used for “time sharing” the same laser beam between two or more processing systems. Beam switches contain precisely mounted bending units that direct the beam in different directions with the help of mirrors, either pneumatically or manually. This allows one and the same laser beam to be used for different processes at different points in time. Beam switches are available for mirrors from 1” to 3”.
Quality and Characteristics of the Components
By adjusting the screws, all components can be precisely and independently adjusted by ±2°.
The housings can be face and side mounted using the existing threads and bore holes. Technical drawings are available.
Standard components are suitable for a maximum laser power of up to 500W. An optional water cooling system is available for high-power lasers.
Laser mirrors or beam splitters are produced using special materials with high-reflective coatings dependent on the laser wavelength and power levels.
