Tube placement during setup

[Cliff Wang]

Before firing up the new 100 watt tube can anyone suggest proper placement of the end of the tube either touching metal bracket (as shown) or should it be backed off a bit? This 1450 mm tube can not move much even in the extended cabinet protrusion but may have an inch or so before hitting opposite end. Is it OK to fire up laser this close to mirror? Thanks! Cliff

tube1.jpeg

[sebastien laforet]

there is no problem to set the laser close to the mirror, because the beam will be reflected to another direction, so it can not hurt the laser.

but i would avoid to touch the steel plate, because it could send mechanical vibrations back into the laser (move from the head vibrates the gantry) : the brackets for setting the laser in position are in plastic (often with foam/rubber padding) for this reason.

also, letting a space allows you to place a paper/cardboard/masking tape to verify the alignment of the laser toward the center of first mirror.

[Cliff Wang]

Yes Sebastien, that makes good sense! I shall back the tube up a few mm. Thank you!