Abstract: The beam path [80] of a laser source [10] is first pre-aligned to a predetermined reference, and then the optical axis [90] of the beam delivery system [40, 50] of a laser material processing platform [20] is pre-aligned to the pre-aligned beam path of the laser source such that the two coincide. If the laser beam [80] is invisible, a laser simulator [72] having a visible pre-aligned beam may be used instead.

Abstract: A portable laser processing module is adapted to be quickly and easily independently interfaced between a stationary exhaust docking station for fume extraction during in-office use and a portable air processing module for fume extraction during field use. A passageway in the housing connects the work area to an exhaust port which communicates with an inlet port in the docking station or the portable air processing module and ultimately to a blower unit in a facility or in an internal compartment in the portable air processing module which maintains a negative pressure in the work area for removal of fumes, debris, particulates, and contaminants therefrom. Guides are receivable in recesses between the laser processing module and the docking station or portable air processing module for guiding the module thereon, and a gasket seals the exhaust port and inlet port when the module is supported on the docking station or the portable air processing unit.

Abstract: A computer controlled laser material processing system has a plurality of laser sources the beams of which are selectively operable between two modes. In a first raster engraving mode the beams are separated and independently controllable in synchronism with the motions of a beam delivery system to form plural, parallel, spaced apart scan lines on the surface of the workpiece for affecting the surface at high speed. In a second vector cutting mode the beams are combined such that they are collinear and have a power approximately equal to the sum of the powers of each individual laser source for cutting the surface at high power.