Complete Guide To TITAN Series Laser Alignment

Complete Guide To TITAN Series Laser Alignment

1 Purpose

⚠️ THIS DOCUMENT IS ONLY APPLICABLE TO TITAN PRO SERIES

The purpose of this document is to provide detailed, step-by-step instructions for aligning the optical beam paths of TITAN PRO Series laser systems. This procedure ensures the Fiber laser (Laser 2) and CO₂ laser (Laser 1) are co-aligned to the same optical path and exit the nozzle perpendicularly for optimal cutting performance.

Suggested Review Interval: This SOP should be reviewed annually or following any significant hardware revision to the TITAN PRO beam path.

2 Scope & Applicability

  • Equipment: Thunder Laser TITAN PRO Series machines equipped with both Fiber (Laser 2) and CO₂ (Laser 1) sources.
  • Target Audience: Certified Service Technicians and Advanced Operators.
  • Prerequisites:
    • Gantry Squareness: The gantry must be mechanically squared. (Critical: If the gantry is not square, alignment between Mirror 2 and Mirror 3 is impossible).
    • Machine State: The machine must be powered on with interlocks bypassed for "Open Beam" operation.

3 Safety Information

⚠️ DANGER: CLASS 4 LASER RADIATION (1064nm & 10,600nm)

  • Invisible Beam Hazard: The Fiber laser beam (1064nm) is invisible and can cause instant retinal damage. The CO₂ beam (10,600nm) causes severe burns and corneal damage.
  • Bypassing Interlocks: This procedure requires operating with safety doors open.

⚠️ WARNING - PROCEDURAL HAZARDS

  • This procedure requires bypassing safety interlocks for "Open Beam" operation. The work area must be secured.

⚠️ MANDATORY PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

Hazard

PPE Item

Specification

Notes

Fiber Laser (1064nm)

Laser Safety Glasses

OD ≥ 6+ @ 1064nm

Standard CO₂ glasses provide NO protection.

CO₂ Laser (10,600nm)

Laser Safety Glasses

OD ≥ 5+ @ 10,600nm




4 Tools and Materials Required

Item

Specification

Usage

Hex Key Set

M3, M4

Loosening Holder Bolts (Silver) and Slot Sensors

Alignment Media

Black Alignment Paper

Fiber Laser (White paper will not mark visible

Alignment Media

Double-sided Tape

CO₂ Laser spot testing

Alignment Media

Clear Tape

CO₂ Laser spot testing on the laser head nozzle

Test Object

Acrylic Block (20x20x10mm)

Verticality (Z-Axis) verification

Measuring Tool

Ruler / Caliper

Measuring beam offsets and RF tube height


5 Preparation & Critical Notes

5.1 Operational "Keys to Success."

  1. Baseline Verification: Before loosening any screws, evaluate the current alignment status. Place tape over the Mirror 3 entry aperture and pulse the laser at all four corners of the work area to determine if adjustment is actually required.
  2. Order of Operations: Always align the Fiber (Laser 2) path first to establish the master reference, then align the CO₂ (Laser 1) path to match it.
  3. Mirror Progression: Work sequentially from the source. Start at Mirror 1 and move forward. Never proceed to the next mirror until the current stage is perfectly aligned.
  4. The Red Dot Rule: The Red Dot is secondary. Never align mirrors to the Red Dot, as it does not represent the actual cutting beam path. Adjust the Red Dot Pointer only as the final step of the process.
  5. Power Settings: Use the minimal power required to make a visible mark (approx. 30%). High power will burn through the tape/paper and obscure accuracy.
  6. Hardware Handling: When tightening silver mounting bolts, do not over-tighten. "Snug" is sufficient to hold the position without warping the brackets.



6 PROCEDURE A: FIBER LASER ALIGNMENT (LASER 2)

Objective: Establish the Master Beam Path. The Fiber Laser is the Reference.

6.1 Machine Setup

  1. Navigate to the Touch Panel and select Menu > Alignment.
  2. Settings: Switch to Laser 2. Set Power: 30%, Pulse Time: 100ms.

  1. Open the right-side cover.
  2. Engage Maintenance Mode (Click Maintenance Button) to bypass door protection and open the shutter.

6.2 Step 1: Check the Laser Shutter Opening

  1. Test: Attach black paper to the Fiber Shutter opening (Mirror 1 entry). Pulse the laser.
  2. Note: The installation position is factory calibrated within tolerance. User adjustment is not recommended.



6.3 Step 2: Centering Mirror 1 (Source Output)

Objective: Ensuring the beam hits the center of the mirror 1 frame.

Criterion: The beam must pass through the shutter easily and be centered within 2 mm.

  1. Test: Attach black paper to the circular frame of Fiber Mirror 1. Pulse the laser.
  2. If the criterion is not met, proceed with the adjustment.

⚠️ Adjusting the large mounting bracket of Fiber Mirror 1 may cause excessive shifts later. This is usually pre-set. Avoid this unless absolutely necessary.

6.3.1 Horizontal (X-Axis) Offset

Loosen 4 bolts on the Mirror 1 mounting bracket.

Move Mounting Bracket Left → Mark shifts Right

Move Mounting Bracket Right → Mark shifts Left

6.3.2 Vertical (Y-Axis) Offset

Loosen 7 bolts on the Mirror 1 mounting bracket holder.

Move Holder Forward → Mark shifts Down

Move Holder Backward → Mark shifts Up

6.4 Step 3: Mirror 2 Alignment (Y-Axis Angular)

Objective: Aligning the beam travel from Rear to Front.

  1. Setup: Attach black paper to the circular frame of Mirror 2.

  1. Near Pulse: Move the gantry (Y-Axis) so Mirror 2 is closest to Fiber Mirror 1 (Top-Left) => Pulse.
  2. Far Pulse: Move the gantry (Y-Axis) to the front of the machine (Bottom-Left) => Pulse.
  3. Goal: The two burn marks must overlap at the exact same position.

6.4.1 Adjustment (If dots do not overlap):

  1. Loosen the 2 silver bolts on Fiber Mirror 1.
  2. Adjust the 3 brass knobs on Fiber Mirror 1 (using the near dot as the reference).
  3. Repeat Near/Far pulses until the marks coincide.



6.5 Step 4: Centering on Mirror 2 (Translational)

Objective: Ensuring the beam hits the center of the mirror frame

Criterion: Beam must be centered within 2 mm.

  1. Attach black paper to Mirror 2.
  2. Pulse at the Bottom-Left position.
  3. If the criterion is not met, proceed with the adjustment.

6.5.1 Horizontal (X-Axis) Offset

Loosen 4 bolts on the Fiber Laser Output Head Holder.

Move Holder Right → Mark shifts Left.

Move Holder Left → Mark shifts Right.

6.5.2 Vertical (Y-Axis) Offset

Loosen 2 silver bolts on Upper Limit Slot Sensor (Fiber Mirror 1).

Move Limit Sensor Up → Mark moves Up.

Move Limit Sensor Down → Mark moves Down.

CRITICAL: After each adjustment, switch to Laser 1 then back to Laser 2 on the Touch Panel to Re-Home.



6.6 Step 5: Mirror 3 Alignment (X-Axis Angular)

Objective: Aligning the beam travel from Left to Right.

  1. Setup: Attach black paper to Mirror 3 (Laser Head entry).

  1. Near Pulse: Move Laser Head to Upper-Left (Left Side) => Pulse.
  2. Far Pulse: Move Laser Head to Upper-Right (Right Side) => Pulse.
  3. Goal: The two burn marks must overlap at the exact same position.

6.6.1 Adjustment (If dots do not overlap):


  1. Loosen the silver locking bolts on Mirror 2.
  2. Adjust the three brass knobs on Mirror 2 (using the near dot as the reference).
  3. Repeat Near/Far pulses until the spots overlap.

  1. Four-Corner Check: Verify overlap at all four corners of the bed.
  2. Tolerance: Max deviation 0.5 mm at the bottom-right corner.

Once confirmed, tighten silver locking bolts and all brass screws on Mirror 2, and check again to make sure that the pulse marks at all four corner positions on Mirror 3 remain aligned.

6.7 Step 6: Centering on Mirror 3 (Translational)

Objective: Ensuring the beam enters the lens centered.

Criterion: Beam must be centered within 0.5 mm.

  1. Setup: Attach black paper to Mirror 3 (Laser Head entry).
  2. Pulse at the Bottom-Left position.
  3. If the criterion is not met, proceed with the adjustment.

6.7.1 Horizontal (X-Axis) Offset

Loosen 2 bolts on the Mirror 2 Holder.

Move Holder Right → Beam shifts Right.

Move Holder Left → Beam shifts Left.

Tighten bolts and all brass screws immediately after setting.

6.7.2 Vertical (Y-Axis) Offset

Loosen 2 sensor bolts on Upper Limit Slot Sensor (Fiber Mirror 1).

Move Limit Slot Sensor Up → Beam shifts Up.

Move Limit Slot Sensor Down → Beam shifts Down.

CRITICAL: After each adjustment, switch to Laser 1 then back to Laser 2 on the Touch Panel to Re-Home.

Once the alignment is complete, tighten the mounting bolts of Mirror 2’s Holder and the slot sensor fixing bolts on the Fiber Mirror 1 Holder. After tightening, pulse again to verify whether the spot has shifted.


⚠️ CRITICAL LOCK-DOWN: After completing the alignment of the first laser source, make sure all bolts on Mirror 2’s holder and mirror are fully tightened.




7 PROCEDURE B: CO₂ LASER ALIGNMENT (LASER 1)

Objective: Align the CO₂ beam to overlap the established Fiber beam.

7.1 Step 1: Mirror 2 Alignment (Y-Axis Angular)

  1. Navigate to the Touch Panel and select Menu > Alignment.
  2. Settings: Switch to Laser 1. Set Power: 30%, Pulse Time: 100ms.

  1. Setup: Attach double-sided tape to the circular frame of Mirror 2.

  1. Near Pulse: Move the gantry (Y-Axis) so Mirror 2 is closest to Fiber Mirror 1 (Top-Left) => Pulse.
  2. Far Pulse: Move the gantry (Y-Axis) to the front of the machine (Bottom-Left) => Pulse.
  3. Goal: The two burn marks must overlap at the exact same position.


7.1.1 Adjustment (If dots do not overlap):

  1. Loosen the two silver bolts on CO₂ Mirror 1.
  2. Adjust CO₂ Mirror 1 (Brass Knobs) ONLY.
  3. Repeat Near/Far pulses until the marks coincide.


7.2 Step 2: Co-Location (Fiber + CO₂) at Mirror 2

Goal: The CO₂ spot must sit exactly on top of the Fiber spot.

  1. Setup: Attach Black Paper on Mirror 2.

  1. Mark Fiber: Switch to Laser 2.
  2. Pulse (Power 30%, 100ms) to create the "Master" mark.

Fiber Mark

  1. Mark CO₂: Switch to Laser 1.
  2. Pulse (Power 30%, 100ms) to test.

CO2 Mark


  1. Goal: The CO₂ spot must sit exactly on top of the Fiber spot.
  2. If the goal is not met, proceed with below adjustment. If the goal is met, go directly to 7.3 Step 3. Mirror 3 Alignment

Fiber Mark

CO2 Mark


7.2.1 Horizontal (X-Axis) Offset

Loosen the entire CO₂ Mirror 1 Holder.

Slide Holder Left → Mark shifts Left.

Slide Holder Right → Mark shifts Right.

7.2.2 Vertical (Y-Axis) Offset

Loosen 4 set bolts on RF Tube Holder.

Important: Use a ruler to ensure the front and Rear knobs are turned equally.

Turn the 2 Knobs Clockwise → Tube Down → Mark Down.

Turn the 2 Knobs CCW → Tube Up → Mark Up.


7.3 Step 3: Mirror 3 Alignment (X-Axis Angular)

Objective: Aligning the beam travel from Left to Right.

  1. Setup: Attach double-sided tape to Mirror 3 (Laser Head entry).

  1. Near Pulse: Move Laser Head to Upper-Left (Left Side) => Pulse.
  2. Far Pulse: Move Laser Head to Upper-Right (Right Side) => Pulse.
  3. Goal: The two burn marks must overlap at the exact same position.

7.3.1 Adjustment (If dots do not overlap):


  1. Fine Tuning: Since CO₂ Mirror 1 is far away, small screw adjustments create large beam shifts. Use very fine adjustments.
  2. Loosen the 2 silver locking bolts on CO₂ Mirror 1.
  3. Adjust CO₂ Mirror 1 (Brass Knobs) ONLY.
  4. ⚠️WARNING: Do not modify the alignment of Mirror 2; if you do so it will mess up the previous fiber laser beam alignment

  1. Four-Corner Check: Verify overlap at all four corners of the bed.

7.4 Step 4: Co-Location (Fiber + CO₂) at Mirror 3

Goal: Check overlap at all four corners.

  1. Setup: Place double-sided tape + Black Paper on Mirror 3.

  1. Pulse Fiber (Ref) then CO₂ (Test) at all 4 corners.
  2. Goal: The CO₂ spot must sit exactly on top of the Fiber spot.
  3. If the goal is not met, proceed with below adjustment. If the goal is met, go directly to PROCEDURE C: VERTICALITY (Z-AXIS)

Fiber Mark

CO2 Mark


7.4.1 Horizontal (X-Axis) Offset

Loosen the entire CO₂ Mirror 1 Holder.

Slide Holder Left → Mark shifts Right.

Slide Holder Right → Mark shifts Right.

7.4.2 Vertical (Y-Axis) Offset

Loosen 4 set bolts on RF Tube Holder.

Important: Use a ruler to ensure the front and Rear knobs are turned equally.

Turn the 2 Knobs Clockwise → Tube Down → Mark Down.

Turn the 2 Knobs CCW → Tube Up → Mark Up.




8 PROCEDURE C: VERTICALITY (Z-AXIS)

8.1 Step 1: Nozzle Centering

  1. Navigate to the Touch Panel and select Menu > Alignment.
  2. Settings: Switch to Laser 1. Set Power: 30%, Pulse Time: 100ms.

  1. Place clear tape over the nozzle tip. Pulse CO₂ (Laser 1).

8.1.1 Adjustment (If dots are not centered):

  1. Loosen the three silver bolts on the Mirror 3 Head.
  2. Adjust the black knobs to tilt the mirror until the beam is well centered in the nozzle.


8.2 Step 2: The Acrylic Block Test

  1. Navigate to the Touch Panel and select Menu > Alignment.
  2. Settings: Laser 1, Pulse Time: 100ms. Set Power: 50%.

  1. Place the 20mm acrylic block on the honeycomb table, focus on its surface, then pulse the laser.


  1. Inspect the line from the side.
  2. If not vertical, proceed with the adjustment.


8.2.1 Line Profile: /

Loosen the 3 silver bolts of the Mirror 3 holder.

⚠️Adjust the black knobs simultaneously,

Rotate CCW → Move Holder Downward.

8.2.2 Line Profile: \

Loosen the 3 silver bolts of the Mirror 3 holder.

⚠️Adjust the black knobs simultaneously.

Rotate Clockwise → Move Holder Upward.



9 PROCEDURE D: RED DOT POINTER

9.1 Step 1: Nozzle / Red Dot Centering

The mirrors are now locked. DO NOT TOUCH MIRRORS.

  1. Setup: Place double-sided tape on Mirror 3.
  2. Switch to Laser 1 (CO2). Set Power: 30%, Pulse Time: 100ms, Tick “Red dot pointer”.
  3. Select “Center” to move the laser head to the center.
  4. Fire the laser.

  1. Goal: The red dot must sit exactly on top of the burn mark.

9.1.1 Adjustment (If red dot does not overlap with the burn mark):

Adjust the Red Dot Pointer Holder bolts (rear of the machine) until the red dot and the burn mark overlap.


10 Support

If you need assistance:

Our support team will assist you as quickly as possible.


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