Razor Series
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      (Razor) Tube and Mirror Alignment in CO2 Lasers

      Step-by-Step Guide to Proper Tube and Mirror Alignment for Consistent CO2 Laser Performance

      Proper tube and mirror alignment in CO2 lasers is crucial for achieving consistent results across the entire work bed. This guide explains the steps to level the gantry and align the tube and mirrors.

      Step 1: Level the Gantry

      1. Checking Level

        • Place a bubble level on the gantry rails and the gantry itself to check if they are level.

      2. Adjusting the Gantry

        • If either the gantry or its rails are not level, adjust one or more of the four support feet on the bottom left and right sides of the machine using a 24 mm wrench or channel locks (a 15/16 wrench also works).
        • Continue adjusting until both the gantry and its rails are level.

      Step 2: Align and Level the Glass Tube

      1. Vertically Centering the Tube

        • Place a bubble level parallel to the length of the glass tube. If the tube is unlevel, adjust the brackets securing the tube.
        • Loosen the wing nuts at the top of each bracket to relieve pressure on the tube.
        • Loosen the four 5 mm hex screws on each side of the appropriate bracket. Rotate the dial at the bottom of the bracket to raise or lower the tube until the bubble is centered.
        • Tighten the four hex screws to secure the bracket, bracing it to prevent unwanted movement.

      2. Horizontally Centering the Tube

        • Loosen all 8 4 mm hex screws holding the brackets to the floor of the tube enclosure.
        • Position the front bracket so the tube is horizontally centered to the opening for Mirror 1.
        • Measure the distance from the back wall of the enclosure to the tube at both brackets. Adjust the rear bracket to match the distance measured at the front bracket.
        • Tighten the screws to secure the brackets, bracing them to prevent sliding.

      Step 3: Align the Mirrors

      1. Accessing Mirror 1

        • Remove the access panel near Mirror 1 by unscrewing the four Phillips screws.

      2. Aligning Mirror 1 to Mirror 2

        • Place high-heat vinyl tape behind the circular opening in front of Mirror 2. Fire a short burst from the laser to mark the tape.
        • Adjust Mirror 1 using a 2.5 mm allen wrench to center the laser mark in the circle. Pulse and adjust as needed.

      3. Aligning Mirror 2 to Mirror 3

        • Move the gantry to access Mirror 2, and place tape over Mirror 3. Fire a short burst to mark the tape.
        • Adjust Mirror 2 using the brass knobs to center the mark on Mirror 3. Pulse and adjust as needed.

      4. Aligning Mirror 3 to the Nozzle

        • Place tape under the nozzle cone and fire a short burst to mark the tape.
        • Adjust Mirror 3 using the brass knobs to center the mark in the nozzle cone indentation. Pulse and adjust until centered.

      5. Aligning the Red Laser Pointer

        • Adjust the red laser pointer to align with the centered laser mark on Mirror 3.

      Conclusion

      Proper tube and mirror alignment ensures consistent engraving quality across the entire work bed. Follow these steps carefully to achieve optimal alignment. For further assistance, refer to Lightburn documentation or support channels. Happy engraving!