[Cut&Paste]

Hi there, just wondering what people's thoughts are on the importance of having the laser beam hit the center of each mirror when aligning?

I have read some instructions that say to get the beam centered, and some that say there is no need so long as the laser hits the same place at both extremities.

Anyone got any thoughts on whether it is worth trying to get the beam hitting the centers?



Thanks in advance!

[Dean448]

I found that its important that the beam hit the center of the lense. Since you tend to work allignment from the tube to the lense it only makes sense to try to hit the center on each lense as you go. However it is a perfectly flat surface and it shouldn't matter where the beam bounces off.

[cinematic2]

No need.
Except last mirror where it should.

[Web Goblin]

No need to hit the exact center of the mirrors. As long as the beam is parallel to the flight path you will be ok. You do need to get the beam in the center of the lens though.

[Joanorsky]

Should be centered due to simplicity on further mirror alignments or else the cut will not be perpendicular to the cutting plane as the focal point line will be slightly diagonal in a 3d sense..

On other words.. (to be more correct) actually only the focus lense is important. If the laser beam does not hit on the center of it then the cut will not be perpendicular to the plane and geometric distortion may occur..