LaserMech FiberMINI 2.0 User manual

FiberMINI
® 2.0
Operation Manual

PLMNL0243 REV. A, Effective Date: 03/24/16 iFiberMINI ™ 2.0 Operation Manual
WARNING
WORKING AROUND HIGH-POWERED LASERS
CAN BE DANGEROUS
Laser Mechanisms, Inc.’s cutting heads must be
operated with the cutting head interlock switch
connected. The switch must be CLOSED when the
head is properly attached. In the event of a crash
and the cutting head becoming dislodged from its
normal operating position, the switch must be
OPEN. This interlock switch must be connected
in a circuit in such a way that it will immediately
turn off the laser and stop all machine motion.
Check the wiring diagrams for your system.
Serious personal injury and/or equipment
damage can occur if the head becomes
dislodged and:
The head interlock is not connected
properly.
Any interlock in the Laser Mechanisms’
product or laser system is defeated.
Laser Mechanisms, Inc. assumes no responsibility
or liability for interlock switches or circuits and all
interlocks are the sole responsibility of the purchaser
of this head.
It is the responsibility of the integrator or end user to
install, connect and activate all interlocks in
compliance with the applicable ANSI, CEN, DIN, etc.
standard.
All wiring should be done by personnel
knowledgeable in electrical wiring and in accordance
with the national and local electrical codes.
DISCLAIMER
The information in this manual is subject to change
without notice.
Laser Mechanisms, Inc. makes no warranty of any
kind with regard to the material in this manual,
including but not limited to, the warranties or
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
Laser Mechanisms, Inc. shall not be liable for errors
contained herein or for incidental or consequential
damages in connection with furnishing, performance
or use of this product.
Laser Mech®is a registered trademark of Laser
Mechanisms, Inc.
Corporate names and trademarks stated herein are
the property of their respective companies.
COPYRIGHT
©2016 Laser Mechanisms, Inc. All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any
form, or by any means without the prior written
permission of Laser Mechanisms, Inc.
PRODUCT WARRANTY
Laser Mechanisms, Inc. warrants this product
against defects in material and workmanship for a
period of one year from the date of shipment from
Laser Mechanisms Inc. or an authorized distributor.
During the warranty period, Laser Mechanisms, Inc.
will at its option, repair or replace products that
prove to be defective.
For all products returned to Laser Mechanisms, Inc.
for warranty service the customer must:
Call Laser Mechanisms, Inc. for a Return
Material Authorization (RMA) number.
Properly pack the product with the RMA number
on the outside of the package. Include in the
package, all cables, and all accessories shipped
with the product along with a description of the
problem.
Prepay shipping charges to Laser Mechanisms,
Inc.
Insure the shipment in case of loss or damage.
Laser Mechanisms, Inc. will not accept any
liability in case of damage or loss.
Laser Mechanisms, Inc. will pay the shipping
charges, duties and taxes for the products returned
to Laser Mechanisms, Inc. from outside the United
States.
The foregoing warranty will not apply if damage is
incurred resulting from improper or inadequate
maintenance by the customer, unauthorized
modifications or misuse, operation of the product
outside its specifications, interlocks not connected
properly, improper site preparation, parts or
assemblies not supplied by Laser Mechanisms, Inc.
or unauthorized repair by non-Laser Mechanisms,
Inc. authorized personnel.
For complete warranty information visit our web site
at www.lasermech.com.

PLMNL0243 REV. A, Effective Date: 03/24/16 ii FiberMINI ™ 2.0 Operation Manual
INITIAL INSPECTION
Inspect all shipping containers for damage as soon
as the device arrives. It is your responsibility, the
recipient, to notify the freight company of any
damage. The freight company will require you to
provide the container that any goods were shipped
in, all shipping documentation and a list of all
damages. Photographs of the damage are helpful in
settling a freight claim.
Do not return damaged goods to the factory
without a Return Material Authorization Number
(RMA number).
Although it is Laser Mechanisms, Inc.’s intent to
insure you are up and running as soon as possible,
damage incurred during shipment must be settled
with the freight company before arranging for repairs
or replacement. No return shipments will be
accepted without an RMA number clearly printed on
the outside of all shipping containers. Failure to
follow this procedure could void any warranty
coverage on your head. Call your sales engineer at
Laser Mechanisms, Inc. for an RMA number.
Carefully remove the device from its shipping
container and all packing material to avoid damage.
Save all packaging material, including the sealed,
padded pelican case, in the event the head requires
shipping or storage.
Check all items received against the packing list
to verify that all the items were received.
Please note the product you receive may differ
slightly from the illustrations in this manual.
While the drawings may differ, the basic
procedures described within remain the same.
TERMS USED IN THIS MANUAL
WARNING: The user could be injured
if the warning is not followed.
CAUTION: The device or system
could be damaged if the CAUTION is
not followed.
NOTE: Clarification of a step or steps.
SAFETY
WARNINGS: Follow all warnings in this manual.
SAFETY GLASSES: Everyone in the area
where the laser is being used must wear laser
safety glasses designed for the laser being
used.
SECONDARY REFLECTIONS: Secondary
reflections are dangerous; never expose any
part of your body to a reflected laser beam.
INTERLOCKS: Interlocks are safety devices
and should never be defeated.
ADJUSTMENTS: Always turn off or put the
laser in standby before making any adjustments
to beam delivery components.
BEAM DUCT: Never open any component of
the beam duct while the laser is operating.
Always turn the laser off before servicing any
beam duct components.
MANUALS: Always read the instruction
manuals before attempting to install or make
adjustments to any beam delivery component.

PLMNL0243 REV. A, Effective Date: 03/24/16 iii FiberMINI ™ 2.0 Operation Manual
Table of Contents
1Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................1
2Mechanical Installation......................................................................................................................................2
2.1 Mounting ............................................................................................................................................. 2
2.2 Plumbing............................................................................................................................................. 2
2.3 Cable Bundling.................................................................................................................................... 3
2.4 Fiber Adapter...................................................................................................................................... 3
2.4.1 Fiber Insertion ..................................................................................................................5
2.4.2 Fiber Orientation Adjustment ...........................................................................................6
3Electrical Installation .........................................................................................................................................7
3.1 Electrical Connections ........................................................................................................................ 7
3.2 Electrical Grounding and Noise.......................................................................................................... 8
3.3 Control Box Mounting ......................................................................................................................... 9
3.4 Interface Signals................................................................................................................................. 9
3.4.1 VHSU Standoff (Analog Out) ..............................................................................................9
3.4.2 VREF (Analog Input)........................................................................................................ 10
3.4.3 VDIF (Analog Output)...................................................................................................... 10
3.4.4 Ready (Digital Output)................................................................................................... 10
3.4.5 Touch (Digital Output)................................................................................................... 10
3.4.6 Status (Digital Output)................................................................................................... 11
3.4.7 Calibrate (Digital Input).................................................................................................. 11
3.5 Internal Illumination........................................................................................................................... 12
4Operation ......................................................................................................................................................... 13
4.1 Centering the Beam in the Tip Orifice Using the Beam Centering Camera..................................... 13
4.2 Centering the Beam in the Tip Orifice Manually............................................................................... 15
4.3 Setting the Focus Position................................................................................................................ 16
4.4 Using the Basic+ Control Box........................................................................................................... 17
4.4.1 Introduction.................................................................................................................... 17
4.4.2 Connecting .................................................................................................................... 17
4.4.3 HSU Panel..................................................................................................................... 18
4.4.4 Settings ......................................................................................................................... 18
4.4.5 Basic+ Panel ................................................................................................................. 19
4.4.6 Load Curve.................................................................................................................... 21

PLMNL0243 REV. A, Effective Date: 03/24/16 iv FiberMINI ™ 2.0 Operation Manual
5Service.............................................................................................................................................................. 22
5.1 Servicing Gas Jet Tip........................................................................................................................ 22
5.1.1 Heads with Height Sensing........................................................................................... 22
5.1.2 Heads without Height Sensing...................................................................................... 22
5.2 Cleaning Optics................................................................................................................................. 23
5.3 Servicing the Cover Glass ................................................................................................................ 25
5.4 Servicing the Tip Retainer Assembly................................................................................................ 26
5.4.1 Heads with Height Sensing........................................................................................... 26
5.4.2 Heads without Height Sensing...................................................................................... 28
5.5 Servicing the Focus Lens ................................................................................................................. 29
5.6 Removing and Replacing the Collimator .......................................................................................... 30
5.7 Servicing the Head Electronics......................................................................................................... 32
5.8 Optional Vision Systems................................................................................................................... 33
5.8.1 Servicing the Camera Mount......................................................................................... 34
5.8.2 Camera Specifications .................................................................................................. 35
5.9 Adjusting the Optional Camera Mount.............................................................................................. 36
5.10 Servicing Vision Components........................................................................................................... 36
5.10.1 Fixed Mirror Holder........................................................................................................ 36
5.10.2 Mirror Retainer .............................................................................................................. 37
5.10.3 Beam Bender ................................................................................................................ 38
5.10.4 Splitter Cap.................................................................................................................... 38
5.11 Accessing FiberMINI®Mirrors........................................................................................................... 39
5.11.1 Right Angle Non-Vision................................................................................................. 39
5.11.2 Straight Vision ............................................................................................................... 39
5.11.3 Right Angle Vision......................................................................................................... 40
5.11.4 Offset Vision.................................................................................................................. 40
6Specifications.................................................................................................................................................. 41
7Recommended User-Serviceable Parts List................................................................................................. 42
8Troubleshooting.............................................................................................................................................. 48

PLMNL0243 REV. A, Effective Date: 03/24/16 vFiberMINI ™ 2.0 Operation Manual
9Appendix A –Interface Specifications.......................................................................................................... 50
10 Appendix B –Example of Integrating the HSU to a PLC/CNC.................................................................... 53
11 Appendix C –Changing the Focal Length.................................................................................................... 55
12 Appendix D –Configurations......................................................................................................................... 56
13 Appendix E –Service Dimensions................................................................................................................ 60
14 Appendix F –Fiber End Styles ...................................................................................................................... 64
15 Glossary........................................................................................................................................................... 65

PLMNL0243 REV. A, Effective Date: 03/24/16 1FiberMINI ™ 2.0 Operation Manual
1 Introduction
FiberMINI®2.0 is available in both straight line
and right angle configurations. Both styles are
simple, yet flexible to optimize the processing
head and the end user’s fiber laser. The head
is capable of cutting a wide range of materials
and available in various welding configurations.
See Figure 1. FiberMINI®2.0 can be
configured with:
Straight or Right Angle Fiber Input
Straight, Right Angle, or Offset camera
vision
Internal illumination for all camera options
Coaxial Nozzle connections
Key Features
Flexible design to optimize spot size
Available with and without capacitive height
sensing
13 mm of lens movement to set focus
Quick and easy access to the cover slide
Water and Air Cooling
Smooth assist gas flow
Internal wiring and plumbing for gasses and
coolants
Compact, lightweight design
Compatible with all leading fiber-delivered
laser systems up to 4kW and all weld-
monitoring systems.
Fully Sealed Optical Path
Extra Cooling for Higher Power Rating
Figure 1
This manual explains the steps of installation,
setup, operation and service of the FiberMINI
2.0®product line. FiberMINI®2.0 is available in
many diverse configurations. See Appendix D –
Configurations and the supplied assembly
drawing to identify the components in your
custom FiberMINI 2.0®.

PLMNL0243 REV. A, Effective Date: 03/24/16 2FiberMINI ™ 2.0 Operation Manual
2 Mechanical Installation
See Appendix E –Service Dimensions for
helpful assembly dimensions and notes.
2.1 Mounting
FiberMINI®2.0 processing heads have
integrated mounting holes in the adapter
plate. Two mounting styles are available.
Without Crash Protection
Figure 2 illustrates the hole pattern in
PLADP0271 used for mounting the head.
Figure 2
With Crash Protection
Figure 3 illustrates the hole pattern in
PLCPD0089 used for mounting the head.
Figure 3
2.2 Plumbing
Water Cooling
FiberMINI™ 2.0 processing heads are
equipped with a water-cooling circuit.
It is recommended that power levels
greater than 1kW use water cooling.
Power level should never exceed
4kW.
See Figure 4 for location and hose
size. See the table below for
recommended specifications.
The cooling circuit is designed to be
operated on either a closed-looped
cooling system or facility tap water –as
long as the requirements in the table
below are met.
Minimum Flow Rate
1.8 liters/minute
Inlet Pressure
1.7 to 5.2 Bar (24.7 to 75.4 psi)
Inlet Temperature
≥room temperature / >dew point
Hardness
(Equivalent to
CaCO3)
<250mg/liter
pH
6 to 8
Particulate Size
<200 microns in diameter
Figure 4

PLMNL0243 REV. A, Effective Date: 03/24/16 3FiberMINI ™ 2.0 Operation Manual
Assist Gas
See Figure 5 for location and hose size.
Maximum pressure is 20 BAR.
Figure 5
Impurities in the assist gas such as
hydrocarbons (THC) and moisture (H2O)
can damage optics, cause power
fluctuations and result in inconsistent cuts.
See the table below for recommended
assist gas specifications.
Impurities can also be picked up in the
supply lines. Non-metallic materials can
allow oxygen and moisture to permeate
the system and can be a source of dust
and hydrocarbons. Stainless steel lines
and fittings are recommended. Filters that
remove particles down to .01 microns and
purifiers that guard against oil or water
getting into the optical system should be
used.
Regulators with a stainless steel
diaphragm are recommended. Industrial
regulators can aspirate air and the
neoprene diaphragm can be a source of
hydrocarbons.
Purge Gas and Air Cooling
See Figure 5 for location and hose size.
Purge gas pressure is 0.2 –0.3 Bar
(3.0 –5.0 psi).
Air cooling pressure is 2.1 –3.4 Bar
(30.0 –50.0 psi).
2.3 Cable Bundling
The cables need to be bundled in a
manner which allows complete tool
movement without pinching or pulling of
the cables. The FiberMINI®2.0 head was
designed so that all cables input in the
same direction –allowing a sleek, easy-to-
manage bundle.
Cabling should not be tethered to the fiber
input connector or the fiber optic cable.
The manner in which the
cables are bundled is one of
the keys to having a successful
cutting cell. The end user is
responsible for documenting
and training personnel on the
best bundling methods for their
application.
2.4 Fiber Adapter
The purpose of the fiber adapter is to
connect the fiber optic cable to the head.
The fiber input is the interface between
the laser and the cutting head. FiberMINI®
2.0 will adapt to most industrial fibers.
The key features are:
Several industrial standard styles of
fibers ends are compatible.
oEach of these fibers has a unique
method of securing it to the fiber
input adapter. Refer to the fiber
manufacturer’s information for
specific instructions.
GAS
PURITY
MAX H2O
MAX THC
Oxygen
99.8%
<5 ppm
<1 ppm
Nitrogen
99.998%
<5 ppm
<1 ppm
Argon
99.998%
<5 ppm
<1 ppm
Helium
99.998%
<5 ppm
<1 ppm

PLMNL0243 REV. A, Effective Date: 03/24/16 4FiberMINI ™ 2.0 Operation Manual
The head arrives with the adapter for
the requested fiber end style.
Part Number
Fiber End Style
PLFIA0001
QBH
PLFIA0003
QD/LLK-D
PLFIA0006
Q5/LLK-B
See Appendix F –Fiber End Styles for
samples of each.
The fiber can be supplied with a
collimator, but can also accommodate
a third party collimator.
oIf Laser Mechanisms supplies a
collimator, the interface may or
may not include a simple clamp.
See Figure 6.
oIf a third party collimator is used,
clamping assemblies ranging from
10 –44 mm are available.
See Figure 7.
Note that the clear aperture of
the head is 25 mm.
Figure 6

PLMNL0243 REV. A, Effective Date: 03/24/16 5FiberMINI ™ 2.0 Operation Manual
2.4.1 Fiber Insertion
It is the responsibility of the end user to
verify that the correct fiber type is
installed according to manufacturer
specifications.
See Appendix F –Fiber End Styles for
more information.
To access the fiber installation location
(see Figure 7):
1. If your clamp includes a shroud:
Verify that the shroud is in
place before attempting to
insert the fiber.
Slide the shroud up the fiber
to gain access to the clamp
screws.
2. Simply loosen the clamp screw
and insert the collimator
assembly.
3. Verify that the fiber is fully
engaged and tightened using the
clamp screws.
Great care must be taken to
ensure the optics remain clean.
Wipe any excess debris from the
head before servicing.
If the head is orientated with
vertical beam input, the head
should be rotated to prevent
debris from falling onto the
optics.
Figure 7

PLMNL0243 REV. A, Effective Date: 03/24/16 6FiberMINI ™ 2.0 Operation Manual
2.4.2 Fiber Orientation Adjustment
Many fiber optic cables are keyed and
will only fit into the fiber interface
adaptor (FIA) in one orientation. The FIA
can be rotated to match the orientation
of the fiber coupler and reduce twisting
of the fiber optic cable.
To reorient the connector on the
FiberMINI™ 2.0 (see Figure 8):
1. Loosen, but do not remove, the M4
SHSS by 1/4 turn.
2. Loosen, but do not remove, the (4)
M4 clamping bolts by 1/4 turn.
3. Rotate the FIA to match the
orientation of the fiber optic cable.
4. Rotate the fiber adapter and
collimator as needed.
5. Once the fiber connector is
orientated correctly tighten the M4
SHSS and the (4) SHCS clamping
bolts.
Figure 8

PLMNL0243 REV. A, Effective Date: 03/24/16 7FiberMINI ™ 2.0 Operation Manual
3 Electrical Installation
3.1 Electrical Connections
There are two connections to the height
sensing unit (PLHSU0073) and one to the
tip retainer assembly (PLTRA0449 or
PLTRA0432). See Figure 9. PLTRA0449
is shown as an example.
Figure 9
1. Insert the female end of the control
cable into the top of the height
sensing unit.
2. Insert the straight end of the tip wire
into the bottom of the height sensing
unit.
It may be helpful to wrap
the tip wire around the tip
retainer assembly during
installation.
3. Insert the right angle end of the tip
wire into the tip retainer assembly.
There are (4) connection locations for the
control box.
For steps 4 to 6, see Figure 10.
4. Insert the male end of control cable
into the 14-pin connection on the
electrical control box (no label). See
Figure 9.
5. Connect the user-supplied, 24V DC
power source to the three position
terminal block on the control box
labeled POWER.
The USB port provides the
interface connection
between the HSU and a
computer. Laser
Mechanisms provides PC
software called Basic+
HSU Utility that allows
monitoring of the HSU and
changing the HSU settings.
6. Connections to your system are made
through the 12 position terminal block
on the control box.
There are 3 optically isolated
outputs (Ready, Touch, and
Status), one optically isolated input
(Cal), one analog input (Vref), and 2
analog outputs (Vdif, Vhsu).

PLMNL0243 REV. A, Effective Date: 03/24/16 8FiberMINI ™ 2.0 Operation Manual
Figure 10
See Appendix B for an interface example.
3.2 Electrical Grounding and Noise
The capacitive sensing circuitry contained
in the FiberMINI™ 2.0 cutting head
measures minute changes in electrical
capacitance between the tip and earth-
ground to determine tip-to-part standoff
distance. In order for this circuit to function
properly the part and the cutting head
need to be connected to a good earth
ground.
Ideally the ground should be
established from a ground rod,
approximately 2 meters in length
driven into the ground located near
the base of the machine.
A large gauge (1.6mm diameter or
larger) ground wire should be run from
the ground rod to the part.
Run a separate wire from the ground
rod to the mount of the FiberMINI™
2.0. See Figure 11.
Figure 11
Electrical noise can create sensing issues.
Large electric motors, arc welders and
other devices may be a source of
significant electrical noise. In order to
eliminate this noise it may be necessary to
connect a ground wire to the chassis of
any such device near the process.

PLMNL0243 REV. A, Effective Date: 03/24/16 9FiberMINI ™ 2.0 Operation Manual
3.3 Control Box Mounting
The control box mounting pattern is
illustrated in Figure 12. Important things to
consider when mounting the control box
(PLEBX0063):
Standard cable length is 15 meters
Easy access for maintenance.
Mounting such that debris from the
process is not directed at the control
box.
Mounting in an area where there are
no water leaks or oils from hydraulic
lines.
Figure 12
3.4 Interface Signals
3.4.1 VHSU Standoff (Analog Out)
The VHSU analog output is
proportional to the distance between
the sensor and the target material.
See Figure 13.
Positive progressing voltages
indicate the sensor is moving
further from the target material.
Negative progressing voltages
indicate the sensor is moving
closer to the target material.
There are two operating curve
outputs; Linear or Optimized.
The Linear output is scaled at
approximately 1V/mm (e.g.
1mm=1V, 2mm=2V).
The Optimized output has
varying slopes; as the material
gets closer to an object, the
slope is greater. Please refer to
Section 4.3 for the output setting
and curve selection method.
Example of Linear Feedback Curve
Figure 13

PLMNL0243 REV. A, Effective Date: 03/24/16 10 FiberMINI ™ 2.0 Operation Manual
Most digital servo amplifiers with a
software interface can be
considered Intelligent. They will use
a variety of methods for generating
the Error Detection stage of the
servo loop. In this mode of
operation, the analog output from
VHSU should be connected to the
motion controller’s analog input. See
Figure 14.
Figure 14
In order to achieve a maintained
distance between the sensor and
the target material, a reference must
be set. The motion control system
must be configured to accept an
offset value relating to the desired
analog sensor value.
3.4.2 VREF (Analog Input)
The Vref input is part of the equation
used to generate the Vdif output. The
Vref input establishes a target
voltage level for a closed servo loop
system (i.e. a 1V input for a 1mm
standoff).
3.4.3 VDIF(Analog Output)
The VDIF output can be used as a
servo command signal when
connected to the servo drive. The
Gain factor can be set using Basic+
HSU Utility and has a range of +/-
50.
VDIF = (VREF - VHSU) x Gain
3.4.4 Ready (Digital Output)
When active, this output indicates
that the system is operating
normally. The absence of this signal
indicates a problem with the system.
It should be tied in conjunction with
the motion inhibit function of the
motion controller. If no Ready signal
is present
Verify that the sensor is
calibrated
Check the cabling
Verify that the head is not too
hot.
This output must be monitored and
action taken upon each instance of
this condition.
A fault in the Ground integrity of the
HSU will also cause the Ready
signal to deactivate.
3.4.5 Touch (Digital Output)
When active, this output indicates
that the sensor tip has come into
contact with an object. This may be
the target material, process debris
or an obstruction. All of these
conditions are not necessarily faults.
This output must be monitored and
action taken under conditions where
Touch is active for a period of time.

PLMNL0243 REV. A, Effective Date: 03/24/16 11 FiberMINI ™ 2.0 Operation Manual
3.4.6 Status (Digital Output)
The Status output is a handshake
for the calibration input (CAL). When
the sensor is requested to calibrate,
this signal will become active. Upon
completion of the calibration, this
signal will deactivate (takes less
than 0.5 seconds).
If the sense circuit to the tip is
shorted, Status will not become
active after the request for
calibration.
If the sense circuit is open,
Status will remain active for 1-2
seconds after the request for
calibration.
3.4.7 Calibrate (Digital Input)
The Calibrate input is a request for
sensor calibration. The calibration
should take place with the tip about
12mm away from a grounded
metallic surface at least 100mm in
diameter. The calibration must be
performed at power up and
preferably every cycle.
Note: It is recommended the tip
be calibrated every time the
head is in a retracted
position. The calibration
procedure takes ~150ms and
will ensure proper tip standoff
is maintained.
Calibrating at a standoff greater
than 12mm distances will result
in standoff readings that are
slightly less than the optimum
level.
Calibrating at a standoff less
than 12 mm will result in
standoff readings that are
slightly more than the optimum
level.
The height sense electronics are
designed to operate with dynamic
stability control of the nozzle
standoff.
Nozzle standoff control is
achieved by:
oResetting the calibration as
frequently as possible.
oResetting the calibration
before there are any
significant changes in any of
the environmental
conditions.
Nozzle standoff control is stable
through varying environmental
conditions, such as
temperature, humidity and
cutting debris deposits.
Dynamic control is more
effective than methods that try
to passively stabilize the
standoff.
Calibration pulse frequency varies
with each process and machine. It is
very important to recalibrate the
head more often than environmental
changes occur.
The best practice is to recalibrate the
head every time it is moved away from
the part.
If the head is in a retracted
position for an extended period
of time, send the calibrate pulse
again before moving the head to
the work piece.
It may not be possible to send
the calibrate pulse often enough
due to very long cuts, or highly
reflective materials. In that case,
it may be necessary to add
some basic passive
stabilization, such as available
air or water cooling to the tip
assembly or head.

PLMNL0243 REV. A, Effective Date: 03/24/16 12 FiberMINI ™ 2.0 Operation Manual
3.5 Internal Illumination
Internal illumination is an option on all
vision systems. Plug it in according to
Figure 15.
A 5VDC 300mA power supply is
included with each vision system.
Figure 15

PLMNL0243 REV. A, Effective Date: 03/24/16 13 FiberMINI ™ 2.0 Operation Manual
4 Operation
It is essential to any laser process that the
beam be centered in the gas jet tip. It is the
customer’s responsibility to center the laser
beam in the tip orifice.
4.1 Centering the Beam in the Tip
Orifice Using the Beam
Centering Camera
If desired, this procedure can also be
performed manually. In that case, see
Section 4.2.
Beam alignment must be centered in the
tip orifice.
Check beam alignment during initial
installation or after the fiber or
collimator optics are replaced.
Laser Mechanisms’ beam centering
camera (PLFXT0236) is used for tip
centering and beam alignment through the
head.
It shows the position of the red aiming
beam in the orifice of the gas jet tip
nozzle.
The beam centering camera requires
a Windows computer with a USB port
and Digital Microscope Suite software
or equivalent.
1. Download and install the latest version
of Digital Microscope Suite software to
the computer that will be used. See
http://lasermech.com/updates.asp
A PDF copy of the Celestron®
Handheld Digital Microscope
Instruction Manual, with more
details on the features and use of
the microscope, is also available
on the website above.
2. Install a gas jet tip with a 2 mm or
larger orifice. See Section 5.1 for
more details.
3. Turn on the red aiming beam from the
fiber laser.
4. Connect the beam centering camera
to the computer using a USB cable.
5. Open the Digital Microscope Suite
software.
6. Install the beam centering camera
onto the tip assembly. See Figure 16.
Rotate the camera until it is fully
seated against the tip assembly
nut.
O-rings in the beam centering
camera help keep it in place.
Figure 16

PLMNL0243 REV. A, Effective Date: 03/24/16 14 FiberMINI ™ 2.0 Operation Manual
7. Adjust the camera focus knob (see
Figure 16) until the end of the gas jet
tip nozzle becomes in focus with a
clear image. See Figure 17.
You should be able to see tooling
marks on the end of the tip.
Figure 17
Use the image on the screen to
verify that the camera is centered
on the tip.
For steps 8 to 10, see Figure 18.
8. Loosen the lock nut by rotating it
counterclockwise.
9. Use the focus dial knob to move the
focus lens (approximately) to the
setting of 5 on the adjustment knob.
10. Tighten the lock nut by rotating it
clockwise.
Figure 18
11. Use a 1/8 inch hex wrench to loosen
or tighten the (2) adjuster screws so
the beam is centered in the nozzle
orifice. See Figure 19.
DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN.
You should be able to see tooling
marks on the end of the tip.
Figure 19
The image on the screen should
be similar to Figure 20.
Figure 20
Beam is centered
It is sometimes helpful to rotate the
camera while it is seated against the tip
assembly nut to confirm the beam
centering.
Use the image on the screen to verify
that the camera is centered on the tip.