As the demand for finer detailed engraving and cutting increased, Universal Laser Systems developed the High Power Density Focusing Optics (HPDFO) to meet that demand. [U.S. Patent No. 7,060,934.] What does High Power Density Focusing optics do? It produces a smaller, focused laser beam spot than a standard laser beam delivery, optical system. Depending on the type of material being processed, and the desired effect, the effective spot size produced by this option can be as small as 1/4th the size of a standard 2.0 inch focusing lens. How does it work? HPDFO consists of two parts, the Beam Expander, which is mounted in place of the Beam Window, and the High Resolution Optics, which replaces the Focus Lens Kit. Through specialized optics, the HROS expands the diameter of the laser beam and concentrates that expanded energy at the focus point to produce a smaller focused spot that has a much higher power density.
STANDARD OPTICAL SYSTEM UNFOCUSED LASER BEAM LASER STANDARD FOCUSING OPTICS SPOT FOCUSING LENS FOCAL RANGE HIGH POWER DENSITY FOCUSING OPTICS LASER EXPANDED, UNFOCUSED LASER BEAM EXPANDED, UNFOCUSED LASER BEAM HIGH POWER DENSITY FOCUSING OPTICS BEAM EXPANDER HIGH POWER DENSITY FOCUSING OPTICS SPOT FOCAL RANGE What are HPDFO s limitations? It is not compatible with beam splitting, such as the Dual Head option or with Dual Beam systems with the SuperSpeed option included. It has a limited focal range of +/- 0.025 inches (+/- 0.625 mm) which restricts its usage to very flat materials. Is HPDFO dangerous to use? Due to the benefit of having a higher power density, you may be eager to try experimenting with different materials that in the past you were incapable of processing. There is an increased risk of mechanical and optical component damage from the byproducts of deeper engraving and cutting such as higher quantities of smoke, higher potential for flame-ups or beam reflection damage from marking uncoated metals. With what platforms is HPDFO compatible? It is available as a factory installed option for the following platforms: All VersaLASER systems All Professional Series laser systems All Industrial Series laser systems Older M, V, X, & X2 models **Not compatible in Dual Head mode or SuperSpeed on any of the above mentioned platforms** Can current production models already in the field get retrofitted? How about older models not currently being manufactured? Yes, compatible older models, can be retrofit in the field. Keep in mind that the setup procedure may take anywhere from 15 minutes up to 1.5 hours to complete.
Field retrofit kits are available for the following models: M15,M25,M30, M35, M40 M Class (25/30/35/40/45/50W) M-300 (All) V Class (25/30/35/40/45/50W) V-400 (All) X30, X35, X40, X45 X Class (25/30/35/40/45/50W) X-600 (Later models call factory) X2-600 (Later models call factory) *** ALL OTHER MODELS ARE NOT COMPATIBLE *** Why isn t the SuperSpeed compatible? The SuperSpeed utilizes a unique and patented beam delivery system. To produce the dual raster line effect, the SuperSpeed projects two, independently controlled laser beams at slightly different angles. The operating principal of the SuperSpeed and the operating principal of the HPDFO conflict with each other which does not allow them physically co-exist in the same machine. Can I remove HPDFO and install the standard optics system in case I have an application that requires standard optics? Yes you can, however, it is only necessary to remove the focusing optics and replace it with the standard #3 Mirror and Focus Lens Assembly. It s as easy as changing to a different Focus Lens Kit. It is not necessary or advisable to remove the Beam Expander. APPLICATIONS What are HPDFO s applications? With a smaller spot size (higher power density), and depending on your application material, you can engrave smaller text, produce higher resolution graphics and photographs, vector mark and cut thinner lines. It is also possible to scribe and/or etch some uncoated metals, such as stainless steel, directly without the assistance of chemicals or coatings (more detail follows). High Power Density Focusing Optics (HPDFO) has a Beam Diameter of 0.00125 and a Focal Length of 2.0. DIRECT METAL MARKING The HPDFO will only mark directly onto Steel, Stainless Steel, Iron, Titanium and Chrome. All other metals such as Aluminum, Brass will not work with HPDFO and will require a Metal Marking Compound such as Cermark or Thermark brands. Settings for Direct Metal Marking onto Steel, Stainless Steel, Iron, Titanium and Chrome are as follows: RASTER ENGRAVING LASER WATTAGE POWER SPEED PPI PASS DEPTH 10 Not Recommended 25 100 2 500 1.0001 30 100 2.5 500 1.0001 35 100 3 500 1.0001 40 100 3.5 500 1.0001 45 100 4 500 1.0001 50 100 4.5 500 1.0001 60 100 5 500 1.0001
VECTOR ENGRAVING LASER WATTAGE POWER SPEED PPI PASS DEPTH 10 Not Recommended 25 100 3 500 1.0001 30 100 3.5 500 1.0001 35 100 4 500 1.0001 40 100 4.5 500 1.0001 45 100 5 500 1.0001 50 100 5.5 500 1.0001 60 100 6 500 1.0001 60 watts laser power reaches saturation onto metal; laser power over 60 watts provides the same productivity; using HPDFO, 120 watts marks similarly to a 60-watt laser. Example of Direct Metal Marking on Stainless steel: NON METAL The HPDFO, due to its power density and small beam diameter, produces extremely thin Kerfs on materials up to as thick as 1/16, but due to the divergence of the beam, it is not a good cutting lens for thicker cuts. Power Settings for cutting and engraving on standard materials are the same as they would be with standard lenses. NOT A THICK CUTTING LENS DO NOT CUT OVER 1/16 material; the tolerance is not able to work with thicker materials (See Chart).
Above is a Chart of all Laser Lenses currently sold by Universal Laser Systems showing the Convergence and Divergence, the spot size and the ideal cutting tolerance. Compare the HPDFO with traditional lenses. DETAIL Because of the small beam diameter, the HPDFO provides the best detail ever seen on an X-Y laser system. Examples of extreme detail on Wood, Anodized Aluminum, and Rubber: Wood
Anodized Aluminum Rubber
PHOTOS Photos with the HPDFO give the sharpest, finest detail ever seen on a CO 2 Laser System. Because of the fine beam diameter, the spot size is smaller, therefore the resolution is higher on the photos. Note that not all materials will show this resolution due to material reaction. For the best photos, try anodized aluminum and black marble. Photo on Marble example The High Power Density Focusing Optics is not for everyone, but if you are looking for the best detailed engraving, finest scribing and thinnest kerfs possible when cutting thin material, then this is the lens for you. Universal Laser Systems 7845 E. Paradise Lane Scottsdale, AZ 85260 480-483-1214 moreinfo@ulsinc.com 2009 Universal Laser Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Universal Laser Systems logo and name, and VersaLASER, are registered trademarks and High Power Density Focusing Optics (HPDFO) is a registered trademark of Universal Laser Systems, Inc. All other company and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.