PORTABLE LASER AND DEVICE AND METHOD FOR REDUCING FOREIGN OBJECTS ON OPTICAL SURFACE

Abstract

An apparatus or process supplies a controlled stream of gas in a laminar flow to provide a laser beam permeable barrier in a plane between laser material processing byproducts and a final laser focusing optical element to separate a contaminated environment and a clean environment without directing gas towards the processing point of the laser. The stream of gas may be directed towards a filter by a vacuum source such as a fan. The vacuum source may be sized to draw in more gas than the stream of gas.

Claims

1. A laser material processing system comprising a positioning and focusing system with a laser module; and a fume evacuation or exhaust system; wherein the laser module comprises a housing, a lens within the housing, an upstream fan attached to the housing, and a downstream fan attached to the housing, the upstream fan and the downstream fan being in series to generate a gas flow path that is downstream of the lens relative to a direction of the laser beam and transverse to the laser beam.

2. The laser material processing system according to claim 1, wherein the downstream fan is configured to pull byproducts from laser material processing towards the fume evacuation or exhaust system and pull gas from adjacent the at least one optical element towards the fume evacuation or exhaust system.

3. The laser material processing system according to claim 1, wherein the fume evacuation or exhaust system includes filtration media.

4. The laser material processing system according to claim 1, further comprising a heat sink within the housing.

5. The laser material processing system according to claim 4, wherein a portion of the gas flow path is through the heat sink.

6. The laser material processing system according to claim 1, wherein the upstream fan and the downstream fan are downstream of the lens relative to the direction of the laser beam.

7. The laser material processing system according to claim 1, wherein the gas flow path is straight from the upstream fan to the downstream fan.

8. The laser material processing system according to claim 1, wherein the gas flow path separates a contaminated environment from a clean environment

9. A laser module for a laser material processing system, the laser module comprising a laser emitter; a housing; a lens within the housing and configured to focus a laser beam emitted from the laser emitter; an upstream fan attached to the housing; and a downstream fan attached to the housing, wherein the upstream fan and the downstream fan are in series to generate a gas flow path that is adjacent the lens, opposite the laser emitter relative to the lens, and transverse to the laser beam.

10-17. (canceled)

18. A laser material processing system comprising a beam emitter; a positioning and focusing system with at least one optical element; and a fume evacuation or exhaust system; wherein the fume evacuation or exhaust system is configured to pull byproducts from laser material processing towards an outlet and pull gas from adjacent the at least one optical element towards the outlet, and the fume evacuation or exhaust system includes filtration media prior to the outlet.

19. The processing system according to claim 18, further comprising an air or gas supply source.

20. The processing system according to claim 19, wherein the air or gas supply source is a fan.

21. The processing system according to claim 19, wherein the air or gas supply source is compressed air or gas.

22. The processing system according to claim 19, wherein the air or gas supply source is configured to support a positive or negative pressure environment.

23. The processing system according to claim 19, further comprising a baffle or a series of baffles that direct the air or gas supply.

24. The processing system according to claim 23, wherein the baffles are configured to support positive or negative pressure.

25. The processing system according to claim 23, wherein the baffles comprise a heat sink for thermal cooling of a laser beam source.

26. The processing system according to claim 23, wherein the baffles include a geometry that generates laminar flow.

27. The processing system according to claim 26, wherein the geometry comprises a funnel shape.

28. The processing system according to claim 23, wherein the baffles include an opening for a laser beam path.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a laser cutting machine in an unfolded state.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a top view of a laser cutting machine.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a section view of a laser cutting machine taken along line A-A of FIG. 2.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the section taken along line A-A of FIG. 2.

[0029] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a laser cutting machine.

[0030] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a laser cutting machine in a folded state.

[0031] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a laser cutting machine with an upper arm transitioning between a folded an unfolded state.

[0032] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a laser cutting machine with a cutting mat in a partially folded state and an upper arm in a folded state.

[0033] FIG. 9 is a side view of a hinge mechanism with various components attached.

[0034] FIG. 10 is a section taken along line A-A of FIG. 9.

[0035] FIG. 11 is a side view normal to the view of FIG. 9.

[0036] FIG. 12 is a section taken along line A-A of FIG. 11.

[0037] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of a hinge mechanism and various components that are attached to the hinge mechanism.

[0038] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a hinge mechanism with various components attached to the hinge mechanism.

[0039] FIG. 15 is a top view of a cutting mat.

[0040] FIG. 16 is an end view of a cutting mat in a folded configuration with the laser cutting machine omitted.

[0041] FIG. 17 is an exploded view of a cutting mat.

[0042] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a cutting mat with an enlarged detail A.

[0043] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a laser module and mounting components.

[0044] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an alternative configuration of a laser cutting machine in an unfolded condition.

[0045] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a laser module with an optical element where a beam emitting side faces downward.

[0046] FIG. 22 is a perspective section view of FIG. 21.

[0047] FIG. 23 is section view of a laser module with working material.

[0048] FIG. 24 is a schematic representation of air flow around an optical element of a laser.

[0049] FIG. 25 is a schematic representation of air flow around an optical element of a laser.

[0050] FIG. 26 is a schematic representation of air flow around an optical element of a laser.

[0051] FIG. 27 is a schematic representation of air flow around an optical element of a laser.

[0052] FIG. 28 is a schematic representation of air flow around an optical element of a laser.

[0053] FIG. 29 is a schematic representation of air flow around an optical element of a laser.

[0054] FIG. 30 is a schematic representation of air flow around an optical element of a laser.

[0055] FIG. 31 is a schematic representation of air flow around an optical element of a laser.

[0056] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a laser module with air flow according to the schematic of FIG. 27

[0057] FIG. 33 is a perspective cross-section of the laser module of FIG. 32.

[0058] FIG. 34 is a cross-section of the laser module of FIG. 32.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0059] The following description is provided in relation to several examples which may share common characteristics and features. It is to be understood that one or more features of any one example may be combinable with one or more features of the other examples. In addition, any single feature or combination of features in any of the examples may constitute additional examples.

[0060] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a CNC machine (e.g., a laser cutting machine 100) according to the present technology, with three major components: an upper body (or arm) 7, a lower body (or base) 8 and a cutting mat (or bed) 11. Each of these elements are separately visible in FIG. 5. In FIG. 1, the laser cutting machine 100 is in an unfolded (i.e., operational) state such that the cutting mat 11 is in an unfolded or flat state and the upper body 7 is turned 90 degrees from the lower body 8 and in a locked position that provides perpendicularity between the upper body 7 and the lower body 8. This unfolded state is the operating state of the laser cutting machine 100. The lower body includes a DC power input 1, a power button 2, and a data port (e.g., USB-C port) 3 within an end cap 4 over a control board end of the lower body 8. The opposite end includes another end cap 10 covering a stepper motor.

[0061] Each of the upper body 7 and the lower body 8 includes a respective linear axis. The lower body 8 includes a linear axis 9, which functions as a y-axis. Inside the upper body 7 is a linear axis in the form of a tracking belt 50 (visible in FIG. 3, which functions as the x axis) that moves the laser module (or beam emitter) 17. The laser module 17 may be adjusted along a z-axis (i.e., perpendicular to the x-axis and y-axis) by way of a manual adjustment mechanism. The manual adjustment mechanism includes a first plate 43 and a second plate 44 that are attached to one another so they can slide relative to each other in the z-axis and be locked relative to each other by way of an eccentric thumb lever 45 as illustrated in FIG. 19.

[0062] The upper body 7 includes a laser shield 15 that may be held in place via attachments 18 (two of which are illustrated in FIG. 4), which are preferably magnetic attachments. The laser shield 15 may be completely opaque (e.g., made of metal) but it may be preferable for the laser shield 15 to act as a filter at a frequency of the laser beam emitted by the laser module 17. In this way, a user can view the laser cutting process, and the resultant changes to material being acted upon by the laser, without fear of visual impairment.

[0063] A laser cutting process may generate fumes, which may be unpleasant or unhealthy. In order to handle such fumes, the upper body 7 may include one or more air handling or filtration elements that form a filtration system. For example, the laser module 17 may include an integral or attached fan 51 as best seen in FIG. 19. Such a fan may serve a dual purpose of cooling the laser module and drawing fumes from immediately adjacent the laser cutting process and into the upper body 7or the fan may be dedicated to fume evacuation only (i.e., no cooling of the laser module). The upper body 7 may also include one or more additional fans 31 (e.g., three) that draw the fumes from the body and discharge the fumes to a filter 6 (see FIG. 3). Thus the fans 31 may serve as a vacuum source that draws the fumes to the filter 6. Either an axial flow fan or a radial flow fan may be implemented for the fan 51, but a radial flow fan may be more advantageous because a radial flow fan may more readily direct the fumes towards the filter 6 when mounted as illustrated in FIG. 19.

[0064] The upper body 7 includes an interior space 115 (see FIG. 3) such that the upper body 7 serves as an enclosure that allows for movement of the laser module 17 and evacuation of fumes. The enclosure provides fluid communication between the laser cutting process and the filtration system. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the enclosure is formed by, and thus fixed relative to, the upper body 7 and thus the laser module 17 moves relative to the enclosure. In an alternative embodiment (see FIG. 20), the enclosure 170 may be fixed relative to the laser module 17, and thus the enclosure 170 moves relative to the upper body 7. In both embodiments, it is preferable that the enclosure be in close proximity to the material being operated upon to increase the likelihood that fumes will be successfully drawn to the filter 6. This embodiment may include a filter within the enclosure 170 or include a filter remote from the enclosure 170 but connected by a flow conduit with one or more fans to direct the fumes to the filter. Since the fumes are collected at or near the source in both embodiments and the total volume of the enclosure is relatively small, the filtration element may have a relatively reduced size as compared to known laser cutting systems. In laser cutting systems where the material to be cut is fully enclosed within the cutting system, the filter element is sized to filter the entire volume of the enclosed space. But with the present technology, the filter can have a smaller filtration capacity because the enclosed space is smaller.

[0065] As best seen in FIG. 13, the three fans 31 are arranged with two fans 31 arranged in series and a third in parallel with the two. This optional configuration may be useful in directing airflow through the interior space 115. With the illustrated configuration, a relatively higher amount of air will flow past the stepper motor 27 and thus additional cooling can be provided for the stepper motor 27.

[0066] The upper body 7 includes a filter 6, preferably in the form of a removable cartridge, in fluid communication with the fans 31. Preferably, the flow path from the fans 31 to the outlet of the filter 6 is airtight. Any potential flow paths subject to over pressurization, e.g., between the fans 31 and the outlet of the filter 6, may be sealed with a gasket, a sealant or any other suitable sealing device. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the filter 6 may include a tortuous path so that the flow path can include a relatively greater length of filtration media in a given space. A handle 110 is incorporated into the filter, but can be omitted or included as a separate element from the filter 6.

[0067] On an opposite end of the upper body 7 from the filter is an endcap 12. The endcap 12 includes another handle 120, which may be omitted or a separate element from the endcap 12. Both of the handles 110, 120 allow the laser cutting machine to be lifted.

[0068] The filtration of the laser cutting fumes is an advantageous aspect of the laser cutting machine 100. Capturing the fumes immediately as they are created at the source, as opposed to conventional large volumetric filtration of the entirely enclosed machines, allows for relatively compact and efficient filtration design. This is similar to a dust shoe attachment on a CNC routing or milling machine: rather than letting chips fly all over the inside of the enclosure and having to vacuum every single surface, the dust shoe captures the dust right at the source and avoids the need for full enclosure of the entire machine. The filtration system described herein operates with similar efficiency.

[0069] The endcap 12 holds an internal idler mechanism 14, which is used to hold a tracking belt 50 under tension. The idler mechanism 14 is located at the bottom of the endcap 12 and includes two functional positions: a retracted position and an extended position. Gravity causes the idler leg 46 to extend downward when rotating the upper body 7 into the working position, where the idler leg can ride against the upper surface of the cutting mat 11. In the extended position, a magnetic lock 48 tends to keep the idler leg 46 in the extended position, and an idler bearing 13 is attached to the idler leg 46 by a bolt.

[0070] The lower body 8 houses the linear axis 9 as well as the control board and laser driver circuitry (which are conventional and omitted for simplicity). In an exemplary embodiment, the linear axis 9 may include a NEMA 17 40 mm stepper motor with a 5-1 planetary gearbox and a 40 tooth pulley, a linear track, idler bearing and associated mounting hardware, belt 130, linear bearing and motion riser. The linear track is affixed to a one inch square aluminum extrusion 125 and the belt 130 is tracked through it. Magnets are inset into machined pockets on the aluminum extrusion that match magnets 41 inset into the non-laser resistant plate 33 that underlies the lower body 8. The lower body motor moves the motion riser and linear bearing along a linear track.

[0071] The upper body 7 and the lower body 8 are connected by a hinge mechanism 32, which allows the upper body 7 and the lower body 8 to be rotated through a range of ninety degrees relative to one another. The end points of this range corresponds to an open (working) position and a closed (or folded) position.

[0072] Three main components of the hinge mechanism include the lower hinge plate 21, the upper hinge plate 25 and the central pin 30. In the closed position the two hinge plates are separated from one another (see FIG. 10) as the upper body 7 rests upon the lower body 8. The upper hinge plate 25 may also be in contact with the outer pin 24. In the open position (see FIG. 12) the lower hinge plate 21 and the upper hinge plate 25 abut one anotherthe top face of the lower hinge plate 21 is in full contact with the bottom face of the upper hinge plate 25. To move from the position of FIG. 10 to the position of FIG. 12, and vice versa, the upper hinge plate 25 and the lower hinge plate 21 move relative to each other along an axis of the central pin 30. In order to prevent over separation, the central pin may be fixed (e.g., threaded) to one plate (e.g., the lower hinge plate 21) and have an interference relationship with the other hinge plate (e.g., the upper hinge plate 25).

[0073] FIG. 12 illustrates the unfolded and locked state of the hinge mechanism 32. The outer pin 24 mates with a hole 135 (see FIG. 13), and the size and tolerance of the outer pin 24 and hole 135 are selected to provide the desired positional accuracy of the upper body 7 relative to the lower body 8precision in perpendicularity between the x-axis and the y-axis may increase accuracy of, or be necessary for, positional control of the laser module 17. Although two outer pins 24 are illustrated, there may be a single outer pin 24 or more than two may be provided.

[0074] The upper hinge plate 25 and lower hinge plate 21 may include additional features that may control or limit the range of relative motion between the two plates. For example, the upper hinge plate 25 may include a third plate 140 and a fourth plate 145 that are parallel and extend toward the lower hinge plate 21. The lower hinge plate 21 is substantially rectangular (i.e., two pairs of parallel sides where the pairs are perpendicular to one another) and includes opposed rounded corners. One set of opposed corners 150, 155 (a first rounded corner 150 and a second rounded corner 155) have a significantly larger radius of curvature than the other corners 160, 165 (a third rounded corner 160 and a fourth rounded corner 165). The corners 150, 155 allow sufficient clearance for the lower hinge plate 21 to be rotated from the first position to the second position while between the third plate 140 and the fourth plate 145. As can be seen at least in FIG. 10, sufficient clearance is present between the lower hinge plate 21 and the third plate 140 and the fourth plate 145 that the hinge mechanism 32 can experience at least some over rotation before interference will occur. Since some amount of over rotation can occur, but interference will eventually occur, the hinge mechanism can prevent rotation between the lower hinge plate 21 and the upper hinge plate 25 from extending substantially beyond the open and closed positions (e.g., 5? to 20? of over rotation). As will be appreciated, the clearance between the edges of the lower hinge plate 21 and the third plate 140 and the fourth plate 145, as well as the radius of the third rounded corner 160 and the fourth rounded corner 165, will determine the extent to which over rotation is controlled (if at all). Indeed, if the lower hinge plate 21 is round, 360? rotation will be possible.

[0075] The third plate 140 also may bound the flow path for fumes. For example, it will be appreciated from FIG. 4 that the third plate 140 bounds a portion of the interior space 115, and thus functions to route fumes toward the filter 6.

[0076] The hinge mechanism 32 may be applicable to any CNC machine that is foldable as described, not just a laser cutter. Thus the hinge mechanism 32 may be applied in other devices such as a 3-D printer or end mill that have two perpendicular axes of movement and where the ability to fold is desired. Of course, in such other applications of the hinge mechanism 32, the laser module 17 will be replaced by another tool such as a printer head or cutting tool.

[0077] As best seen in FIG. 13, the illustrated embodiment may also support the following components attached to the hinge mechanism 32: three fans 31, a stepper motor 27, a momentary limit switch 28, screws 19, screws 20, screws 26, and screws 29. The upper hinge plate 25 may be fabricated from any suitable material and process, although the illustrated configuration may be particularly suited to fabrication by a 3D printing process (e.g., plastic printing) because 3D printing can reduce wasted material. Casting or molding processes may achieve similar results.

[0078] The lower hinge plate 21 and central pin 30 may be fabricated from any suitable material, e.g., they may be machined from aluminum. The central pin 30 may be hollow (as illustrated) to provide for other components (such as a wiring harness, not illustrated) to be routed through the hinge mechanism 32 without interfering with movement of the hinge mechanism 32.

[0079] The lower hinge plate 21 may be attached to the linear axis 9 by way of a mounting bracket 23 and screws 22.

[0080] As can be seen in FIG. 17, the cutting mat 11 includes three layers, at least two of which do not extend through an entirety of the cutting mat 11.

[0081] The bottom layer 37 is intended to contact the surface on which the laser cutting machine 100 is operating. As illustrated, the bottom layer 37 covers the entire extent of the cutting mat 11, although portions could be omitted as dictated by design considerations. The bottom layer 37 may serve as a non-slip surface and/or as a protective surface so that the cutting mat 11 does not damage the surface upon which cutting mat 11 is placed. For example, if the bottom layer 37 is felt, then it is unlikely to damage surfaces like wood or glass when the cutting mat 11 is placed on such surfaces. Similarly, felt may act as a non-slip surface if the cutting mat 11 is placed on a textured surface (such as unfinished concrete).

[0082] The middle layer 105 of the cutting mat 11 includes three living hinges. Preferably, the living hinges are resistant to the laser beam if they are within an area of the cutting mat 11 toward which the laser beam can be directed. In the illustrated configuration, two of the living hinges are laser resistant living hinges 35 and the other living hinge is a non-laser resistant living hinge 34. The non-laser resistant living hinge 34 need not be laser resistant because it is outside of an area toward which the laser beam can be directed. In embodiments where the CNC machine is not a laser cutting machine 100, all of the living hinges may be non-laser resistant living hinges 34. Or all of the living hinges could be laser resistant living hinges 35 if, for example, commonality is desirable. One example of a laser resistant hinge is fabricated from 1075 brushed spring steel that is 0.004 inches thick. Another example of a laser resistant hinge is fabricated from carbon fiber. An example of a non-laser resistant living hinge is polypropylene sheet.

[0083] The middle layer also includes two magnets 36 that attach to corresponding magnets or ferrous material when the cutting mat 11 is folded around the upper body 7 and the lower body 8 (when the laser cutting machine 100 is in the folded condition).

[0084] The top-most layer includes different sections based upon their function. Three laser resistant sheets or plates 38, 39, 40 occupy the area of the cutting mat 11 toward which the laser beam can be directed, except for the spaces between that allow for the laser resistant living hinges 35 to bend. The laser resistant plates 38, 39, 40 may be made from any material that provides sufficient resistance to the laser beam. Exemplary materials include aluminum and steel, although aluminum (such as 6061 aluminum) may be preferable.

[0085] The laser resistant plates may include length markings (e.g., a ruler) engraved in or otherwise affixed to the surface to aid a user when locating material worked upon. One or both sets of the markings can be on or part of a surface that is raised relative to the rest of the cutting mat to form a straight edge that is raised relative to an adjacent portion of the flexible mat. Such an edge may be used to abut (and thus locate) a peripheral edge of material placed on the flexible mat. As will be evident from the figures, these rulers are parallel to the x-axis and the y-axis.

[0086] The laser resistant plates may also include a surface finish that improves laser resistance. One such surface finish is illustrated in detail A of FIG. 18. The finish illustrated is best described as ridges or sharp peaked waves. With this surface finish, the contact area between the material being operated upon and the cutting mat 11 is reduced as compared to a flat surface. Such reduced surface area reduces heat transfer from the material being acted upon by the laser to the cutting mat 11. With reduced heat transfer, the cutting mat 11 is less likely to reach a temperature where the laser beam will cause damage. The surface finish will also result in most of the surface of the cutting mat 11 being farther away from the laser beam's focal point. This allows the energy to dissipate and/or be less focused before impinging on the cutting mat 11.

[0087] Another section of the top layer of the cutting mat 11 is a non-laser resistant plate 33. The non-laser resistant plate 33 is outside of the area of the cutting mat 11 toward which the laser beam can be directed and can therefore be made of a material such as acrylic. The non-laser resistant plate 33 underlies, and attaches to, the lower body 8. To facilitate attachment and removal, the non-laser resistant plate 33 can include recess that retain magnets 41. The magnets 41 can magnetically attach to corresponding magnets in the lower body 8.

[0088] All three layers of the cutting mat 11 are fastened together (e.g., laminated) to form a foldable and detachable cutting mat 11 that can be folded around the exterior of the laser cutting machine 100 when it is in a folded position, with the living hinges and plates together causing the hinges to bend along predetermined lines. FIG. 6 illustrates the cutting mat 11 folded around the laser cutting machine 100, which may help to secure the relative positions of the upper body 7 and the lower body 8. As will be appreciated from this figure, the number of living hinges and the distance between the living hinges will be dictated by the size and shape of the upper body 7 and the lower body 8 in their folded position. Similarly, the size and shape of the cutting mat 11 will be dictated by the unfolded, or working, position of the upper body 7 and the lower body 8, along with the extent of the range of motion of the laser module 17. FIG. 8 illustrates the upper body 7 and lower body 8 in the folded position and the cutting mat 11 in the process of being folded.

[0089] The cutting mat 11 as described may have advantages over the cutting bed of known laser cutting machines. For example, the cutting mat 11 provides functionality similar to a one foot thick cutting bed (which may include a one inch hexagonal extrusion with the remainder being open space below for dispersion of the laser beam) used in prior laser cutting devices, and does so with a convenient three layer laminate that can be less than 5 mm thick. The wave pattern grooves may improve the efficiency of the laser cutting process by reducing the amount of surface area in contact with the bottom of the material being cut, both reducing the thermal absorption of the cutting mat 11 and allowing the laser beam to pass through and dissipate. Other advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0090] The cutting mat 11, the ability to fold the upper body 7 with respect to the lower body 8, and integration of filtration into the upper body 7 each individually contribute to making the laser cutting machine 100 smaller and more portable. Together, these three functions synergistically combine to make the laser cutting machine 100 even smaller and more portable. For example, the entire laser cutting machine 100 can be a tightly integrated system and any sub assembly would likely be less beneficial (with respect to space saving) without the inclusion of the others. The ability for the machine to transform is due, at least in part, to a relationship between the folding hinge and the folding bed. The hinge, when folded for storage aligns the vertical walls of the two bodies, ensuring that the panels of the cutting mat properly seat and fold over each face. This transformation allows the machine to be used in an environment where one previously did not have access to CNC technology, specifically laser cutting

[0091] The laser cutting machine 100 can be used to cut or engrave material depending on factors such as the type of material, thickness of material, and dwell time and/or power of the laser beam. A user may create or obtain an image or vector file for controlling the laser cutting machine 100. This may be accomplished with a custom G-code generator or a commercially available software to convert an image file or vector file into G-code. A G-code sender may be used to send the G-code to an internal control board of the laser cutting machine 100. The laser cutting machine 100 then uses the G-code as information to move the motors to cause movement in the x and y directions and turn the laser on and off at specified times and power.

[0092] FIGS. 21-34 discussed below may be considered in reference to the laser module 17.

[0093] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the laser module 17, which is generally in the form of a rectangular prism (overall) with a housing 501, a heat sink 502 and a fan 503.

[0094] FIG. 22 is a section view where two fans 503 are illustrated and laser emitter 500 is visible. A gas (e.g. air) flow path is present from a first fan 503, through a corresponding side of the heat exchanger 502, past the laser emitter 500, through an opposite side of the heat exchanger 502, to the second fan 503. The direction of the flow path may be such that either fan is the first fan. The laser emitter 500 is recessed relative to the bottom surface of the prism to form an interior opening that is also substantially a rectangular prism, where the opening for emitting the laser is a circular opening (although any opening shape may be utilized).

[0095] The heat exchanger 502 illustrates a series of parallel plates or baffles that can serve as both fins for exchanging heat and flow control elements. The flow control elements may cause laminar flow, or approximate laminar flow, past the optical element 500. Such flow may serve as an air curtain. Other elements may be provided in addition to, or alternatively to, the plates or baffles in order to control flow. The heat sink, due to the structure of plates and/or fins, draws heat away from a laser diode (not visible).

[0096] FIG. 23 illustrates substantially the same features as FIG. 22 except that the material 504 being processed is also illustrated.

[0097] FIG. 24 is a schematic representation of air flow around an optical element of a laser as in the laser module 17. The air flow preferably forms an air curtain that flows generally from right to left as represented by the arrows and may correspond to a direction of fume evacuation. The downward triangle or cone is representative of a laser beam focused on material being processed. The air curtain is generally within a housing that includes an opening through which the laser beam passes, although some air may flow into and out of the opening. The housing is illustrated with an internal space that is generally rectangular in cross-section. Gas flows downward along the right side, laterally leftward adjacent a final optical element 505, and then upward on the left side. It may be preferred or ideal if the air curtain does not cause any flow outward from the opening, although this may not be practical given the nature of unbounded gas flow.

[0098] FIG. 25 is a schematic representation of air flow around a final optical element 505 of a laser. FIG. 25 differs from FIG. 24 in that the housing of the laser module 17 is not illustrated. The influence of the air curtain is illustrated by the squiggled arrows. The generally vertical squiggled arrows represent a scenario that may occur without the air curtain, where particles may move directly toward and the final optical element 505 and increase the likelihood of being deposited on an optical surface. The angled squiggled arrows represent the influence of the air curtain, which should impart a velocity component on the particles that urges the particles away from the final optical element 505 and towards an evacuation path.

[0099] FIG. 26 is a schematic representation of air flow around the final optical element 505 of a laser. FIG. 26 differs from FIGS. 24 and 25 in that an upward air flow is generated on the sides of the final optical element 505 and, interior to that air flow, air flows downward (on the right) forms an air curtain adjacent the final optical element 505 and flows upward (on the left). Thus the air curtain may be considered as interior to an outer, surrounding, upward air flow.

[0100] FIG. 27 is a schematic representation of air flow around an optical element of a laser. This schematic representation is an (idealized) representation of how the air curtain functions. The air curtain flows from right to left, although this direction should not be considered limiting. The direction will be dictated by design considerations such as direction of flow for particulate removal. Particles and/or contaminants (not illustrated) may be drawn in through an opening but do not reach the optical element, reducing deposits thereon and reducing frequency where cleaning and/or maintenance is required.

[0101] FIG. 28 is a schematic representation of air flow around an optical element of a laser. This schematic representation is similar to FIG. 24 except that a rectangle on the right represents a fan that pushes air to flow and generate the air curtain. This illustrates an alternative in that only one fan is present. The fan is in the position of the fins in FIG. 22, but the position should not be considered limiting. Fins may or may not be present and the position of the fan would be adjusted accordingly.

[0102] FIG. 29 is a schematic representation of air flow around an optical element of a laser. This figure illustrates a flow scenario where a fan pulls air on the left side to generate the air curtain. This illustrates an alternative in that only one fan is present. The fan is in the position of the fins in FIG. 22, but the position should not be considered limiting. Fins may or may not be present and the position of the fan would be adjusted accordingly.

[0103] FIG. 30 is a schematic representation of air flow around an optical element of a laser. In this representation, a fan is on the right side to push air and a fan is on the left side to suck air. With this configuration, it may be preferable for the fan on the left side to generate more air flow than the fan on the right side. This may draw air from outside of the laser module 17 and direct the air towards a filter, while maintaining an air curtain to protect the optical element. This illustrates an alternative in that only two fans are present. The fans are in the positions of the fins in FIG. 22, but the positions should not be considered limiting. Fins may or may not be present and the positions of the fans would be adjusted accordingly.

[0104] FIG. 31 is a schematic representation of air flow around an optical element of a laser. This representation is similar to FIG. 30 except that there is a representation of air flowing out of and into the orifice in the laser module 17. This may cause flow outside of the laser module 17 and direct away any particulate matter that is not drawn into the left-side flow.

[0105] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the laser module 17, which is generally in the form of a rectangular prism (overall) with a top cap 600, a case 601, and a bottom laser module cap 604. A laser beam 605 is illustrated emitting downward through the bottom laser module cap 604.

[0106] FIG. 33 is a section view where the top cap 600, the case 601, a diode housing 602, a left fan 603, the bottom laser module cap 604, the laser beam 605, a right fan 606, and a heat sink 608 are visible. A gas (e.g. air) flow path is present from between the left fan 603 and the right fan 606. The fans are in series and the flow can be in either direction. The gas flow path includes a portion of the laser beam 605 and the heat sink 608. The heat sink 608 includes fins that are parallel to the gas flow path. The laser beam 605 is perpendicular to the gas flow direction of the gas flow path as illustrated in FIG. 27. The laser beam 605 is emitted from a lens housing 607 (see FIG. 34) that is recessed relative to the bottom laser module cap and above to the gas flow path relative to the bottom laser module cap 603. The lens housing 607 includes a lens that focuses the laser beam 605.

[0107] While the present technology has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the present technology is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.