Abstract. Several methods of aligning the laser head installed in the spindle of a CNC machine are described. The principal objective is to ensure precise positioning of the laser head in the operational space of the vertical-milling CNC machine relative to the zero setting of the treated blank. Precise positioning of the laser processing zone in the working space of the machine is an integral step in the process of setting up technological equipment. To solve the set task, the body of the laser head can be adjusted on the machine like the binding of the processing tool using similar technologies. Each of the proposed methods allows positioning the laser processing zone with high accuracy and provides the highest repeatability achievable for the machine. The focus is made on vertical (Z-axis) positioning because linear relocation in this direction forms the focal point on the machined surface. Alignment along other axes is not addressed since it completely repeats the alignment methods of the cutting tool. The alignment methods are multifunctional and can be applied to any vertical machining center regardless of the CNC software.

Keywords: metalworking, CNC machine, machining center, introduction, laser processing, fiber laser, rapid prototyping

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