BEAM ALIGNMENT SYSTEM FOR LASER WELDING SYSTEM

摘要

Apparatus is disclosed for aligning a laser beam used to perform laser machining operations. The aligning apparatus of this invention is used with laser machining apparatus comprising a laser for emitting a laser beam along a path and a laser lens assembly disposed within the path and movable along an axis for variably focusing the laser beam at a plurality of different focal spots corresponding to the plurality of laser machining operations. The alignment apparatus takes the form of an adjustable mirror, which is disposed to intercept the laser beam and to align at least a portion of the path with the axis of the laser lens assembly, whereby the lateral displacement of each of said plurality of focal spots from the axis is reduced as the laser focusing assembly is moved along its axis.