Laser Cutter Calibration

A laser cutter only works well when all mirrors guiding the light are properly adjusted - if the pilot laser (pointer) travels along the same path as the actual cutting laser, it can be used to "aim" this invisible and dangerous infrared beam.

A "crosshair" disc can be used as a target for the pilot laser to orient the mirrors correctly. It is mounted on the laser head for the first three mirrors and placed on the table for the last one.

The general procedure is the same for all laser cutters with the luxury of a true pilot beam, but the number of mirrors may differ. In simpler machines, calibration involves the very tedious process of "shooting" the invisible laser at target surfaces repeatedly while the technique described here can be carried out in one pass (approx. 10 minutes).

First Mirror

This one is located at the back and bottom of the machine - very difficult to reach in our setup!

To test alignment, move the laser head to the back right-hand corner to minimize effects of the second and third mirrors.

Second Mirror

Located behind the laser window at the top but still behind the machine, this one isn't much nicer to deal with than the first mirror.

To test alignment, move the laser head to the front right-hand corner to minimize effects of the third mirror while achieving a long distance to the second mirror.

Third Mirror

This one sits on the X axis.

To test alignment, move the laser head to the front left-hand corner to achieve a long distance to the second mirror.

Fourth Mirror

Sits on the laser head - the target disc has to be placed on the table for this one.

When properly aligned, the beam should not deviate from the target when moving the table down.