Preset optical components in a computer numerically controlled machine

Abstract

A system can include a head of a computer numerically controlled machine configured to deliver electromagnetic energy sufficient to cause a change in a material at least partially contained within an interior space of the computer numerically controlled machine. The system can further include an optical system comprising a plurality of optical elements in the computer numerically controlled machine. The plurality of optical elements can be oriented at a fixed angle to each other to deliver the electromagnetic energy from the head to the material.

1 . A system comprising:
 a head of a computer numerically controlled machine configured to deliver electromagnetic energy sufficient to cause a change in a material at least partially contained within an interior space of the computer numerically controlled machine; and   an optical system comprising a plurality of optical elements in the computer numerically controlled machine, the plurality of optical elements oriented at a fixed angle to each other to deliver the electromagnetic energy from the head to the material.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of optical elements comprise at least one of a mirror and a lens. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the plurality of optical elements is mounted at the fixed angle, and wherein the at least one of the plurality of optical elements cannot be adjusted to change the fixed angle after the mounting. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein each of the plurality of optical elements cannot be adjusted to change the fixed angle after the mounting of each of the plurality of optical elements. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the at least one of the plurality of optical elements is mounted at the fixed angle at least by adding one or more spacers until a correct angle is achieved. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the least one of the plurality of optical elements is in a mount formed from the housing of the computer numerically controlled machine. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the least one of the plurality of optical elements is in a removable mount fixedly attached to the computer numerically controlled machine and is not adjustable to change the fixed angle. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 3 , further comprising an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a position or an orientation of the plurality of optical elements simultaneously without changing the fixed angle. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises a pivot located at a center of the plurality of optical elements, wherein the plurality of optical elements are configured to act as a retroreflector. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of optical components are affixed in the computer numerically controlled machine such that an angle or a position of the plurality of optical components cannot be adjusted after the affixing. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the affixing comprises at least one of welding, screwing, bolting, and gluing. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the head is coupled with a moving rail of the computer numerically controlled machine, and wherein the head and the moving rail are configured to move in tandem in order to minimize a path of the electromagnetic energy. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the optical system is associated with a first center of mass, wherein the plurality of optical elements are associated with a second center of mass, and wherein the first center of mass is aligned with the second center of mass. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein a weight of at least one of the plurality of optical elements is reduced in order to align the first center of mass with the second center of mass. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the weight of the at least one of the plurality of optical elements is reduced by at least reducing a weight of a mount housing the at least one of the plurality of optical elements. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the weight of the mount is reduced by machining the mount to include one or more cutouts. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the plurality of optical elements is housed in an elastic mount configured to reduce mechanical stress against the optical system.