![]() ![]() Maintainingįocus positions within the material is crucial to the repeatability of laser-cut parameters and for producing consistent edge quality.įor example, when dealing with thick materials (see Figure 1), it actually is necessary to create a larger burn pattern to create a wider channel, which is needed to support a larger volume of molten material that must be expelled during the cutting process. Do you think it is maintaining the smallest spot size and a lens orientation perpendicular to the axis of the laser beam? If you answered yes, you are partially correct, but many other factors need to be considered with respect to laser beam properties and cutting applications. ![]() ![]() Focusing Laser BeamsĮvery fabricator may have his or her opinion as to what is the most important element in laser cutting. Lesson learned: Maintaining the smallest spot size at the correct angle is the most effective way to burn a leaf.įor many children, this is their first lesson on "focusing." For this author, it was the catalyst for a career spanning 20 years working with high-power laser cutting systems. Children learn that unless they hold the lens atĪn angle exactly perpendicular to the angle of the sun, they have little success with the burning process. When the magnifying lens is moved up and down, the spot decreases in size until it becomes a tiny bright point and then increases again as the lens continues to move-as though creating an hour-glass shape in three dimensions. Placing a tightly focused spot on a dry leaf immediately causes it to burst into flames, but when the burn pattern is enlarged by widening the focused spot, it takes much longer to produce a noticeable effect on the leaf.Ĭhildren with an inquisitive mind continue to learn more about the relationship between the magnifying lens and the sun. They discover that as they move the lens up and down, the spot it produces changes in both size and brightness. The ability to focus the sun's energy through the magnifying lens and set something afire absolutely fascinates them. All children ultimately discover the combined power of sunlight and a magnifying glass. ![]()
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