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ArcticMyst Security by Avery

Small Spot Help

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Dec 8, 2007
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Hi,

New here. Looks like lots of great info on lasers! I looked around but couldn't find an answer to the question I have. I need a low power laser to use as an indicator in an automated PCB assembly machine. I want to mount the laser on the movable head so I can see (via the laser spot) where the machine is trying to place the parts and adjust the placement if needed. I grabbed a red laser pointer I have and the spot size is an oblong about 2.5mm x 3mm at a distance of 5cm. I would like a spot size of about 0.5mm (or less) at 5cm. A red laser is fine, I only need low power since it is just a visual indicator, and I would prefer it if the spot size could be adjusted. I prefer an off-the-shelf solution, but I have a machine shop so I can make any mods (I will at least have to make a holder) if that is the best way to go. Any suggestions from you experts? I'll post some pictures of my solution after it all gets put together.

Thnx!
 





Rhith

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I think your best bet would get get one of the low power 5-10mW red (650nm or so) modules from Aixiz. That will allow you to adjust the spot down to a pinpoint if you don't need instantly adjustable ranges. Should be relatively cheap to buy. You can even ask if they have any of them in the adjustable housings to make it eve easier. Then all you need to do is hook it up to batteries since it will already have a drive board on it.

http://mfgcn.com/

http://mfgcn.com/_wsn/page2.html

Left side, $4
 
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Am I right in thinking that Aixiz do a crosshair module?

Would that be any good for you?

Oh and welcome to the forum :)

Regards rog8811
 

Kenom

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I think Rhith's suggestion is an excellent solution to your problem. The only problem that I see is if your mounting the laser off to the side of the "head" that your focus is only going to work at a specific distance from the head. Once you move away from the set distance it's going to 1. no longer be focused 2. won't line up with where you needed it.
 
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The DX modules have an external focus ring and I believe they have a crosshair model.

Mike
 

Kenom

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rog8811 said:
Am I right in thinking that Aixiz do a crosshair module?

Would that be any good for you?

Oh and welcome to the forum :)

Regards rog8811
 

INdeed they do have crosses.  Not to mention, since the module is focusable you can get the size of the cross down to little itty bitty lines.  I just tested it and you can get some small lines. bout a .7mm or less  At 5cm...  I was able to get the lines to .25mm

Although instead of buying from Aixiz i'd buy it directly from Deal extreme. That's where I got mine. hated waiting for aixiz to ship to me so I know if I order from Aixiz I get it in less than 3 weeks.
 

Krutz

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have a deja vu.. was it you with the website for pre-built "edgefinders" and how to diy that?
forgot which forum it was.. cpf or here?

anyway, since you dont need much outputpower, you can use a "strong" laser, like 5mw, and reduce the spotsize. put a pinhole the size of your desired spot (uhm, a bit smaller) *behind* the lens, means between the diode and the lens, directly at the lens. didnt try this yet, but should work..
that smaller and less strong spot should stay collimated all the way.
i (only know and) use the small brass 8x12mm aizix housings, they should be easy to modify in this way.

if you need more detailed help, ask, i might even try and photograph it..

manuel
 
Joined
Dec 8, 2007
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Thanks for all the great suggestions! There was enough feedback to get me pointed (heh, heh) in the right direction.

Rhith said:
I think your best bet would get get one of the low power 5-10mW red (650nm or so) modules from Aixiz. That will allow you to adjust the spot down to a pinpoint if you don't need instantly adjustable ranges. Should be relatively cheap to buy. You can even ask if they have any of them in the adjustable housings to make it eve easier. Then all you need to do is hook it up to batteries since it will already have a drive board on it.

Those look great. I will send them an email and see if I can get one in an adjustable housing.

rog8811 said:
Am I right in thinking that Aixiz do a crosshair module?
Would that be any good for you?
Oh and welcome to the forum :)
Regards rog8811

Cross hairs would definitely be helpful. I had no idea that was even an option.

Kenom said:
I think Rhith's suggestion is an excellent solution to your problem.  The only problem that I see is if your mounting the laser off to the side of the "head"  that your focus is only going to work at a specific distance from the head.  Once you move away from the set distance it's going to 1. no longer be focused  2. won't line up with where you needed it.

I can make the laser coaxial to the vacuum chuck on the head by temporarily replacing the vacuum chuck with the laser assembly. It will only have to move in the X-Y direction, and not the Z, so the focal distance will remain constant.

Kenom said:
Indeed they do have crosses.  Not to mention, since the module is focusable you can get the size of the cross down to little itty bitty lines.  I just tested it and you can get some small lines. bout a .7mm or less  At 5cm...  I was able to get the lines to .25mm

Although instead of buying from Aixiz i'd buy it directly from Deal extreme.  That's where I got mine.  hated waiting for aixiz to ship to me so I know if I order from Aixiz I get it in less than 3 weeks.
Again, cross-hairs would be very useful. 0.25mm cross-hairs sounds perfect!

Krutz said:
have a deja vu.. was it you with the website for pre-built "edgefinders" and how to diy that?
forgot which forum it was.. cpf or here?

anyway, since you dont need much outputpower, you can use a "strong" laser, like 5mw, and reduce the spotsize. put a pinhole the size of your desired spot (uhm, a bit smaller) *behind* the lens, means between the diode and the lens, directly at the lens. didnt try this yet, but should work..
that smaller and less strong spot should stay collimated all the way.
i (only know and) use the small brass 8x12mm aizix housings, they should be easy to modify in this way.

if you need more detailed help, ask, i might even try and photograph it..

manuel

Not me. Thanks for the tip on making a collimator. I have lots of small drills so that should be easy.

I think I will order a regular module per Rhith's suggestion and also a DX cross-hair module per rog8811 and Kenom's suggestion. One of those will surely work for me. I'll let you know how it works out and post some pictures.

Thnx again!
 




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