Selecting and using a Beam Bender
Overview
Beam benders are used to redirect the laser beam path, typically by 90°, while maintaining alignment and beam quality. They are essential for building compact, multi-axis systems or adapting the beam to fit your workspace.
In most setups, beam benders are placed after the fiber output or collimator to direct the beam horizontally or vertically. They also allow easier integration of process heads and safety enclosures.
Specing a Beam Bender
Haas beam benders are defined by three key parameters:
1. Aperture Size
Available in 19 mm, 25 mm, 38 mm, 50 mm, and 75 mm series.
Choose the aperture based on your beam diameter, with 2×–3× margin recommended to avoid clipping.
2. Mirror Type
Each bender uses a removable mirror insert matched to your wavelength and power:
- B = Broadband IR (e.g. 1030–1070 nm or 1064–10.6 µm)
- C = High-reflectivity for UV/green (355–532 nm)
- HR = High-power, dielectric mirror for multi-kilowatt fiber lasers
- R = Standard protected silver mirror for general-purpose use
3. Cooling Type
Depending on your system, a passively cooled option may not be enough. Use water cooling for above 100watt systems.
Another aspect to keep in mind is if you need any additional parts for water cooling such as a pump and reservoir.
4. Optional Features
Low Force: This uses a different design that put lets force on the optics. Generally recommened for fused silica optics.
Interlock: I dont know how these work, please explain in detail
Setting up and using a Beam Bender
Beam benders are not difficult to setup, however the more you have in the system the longer it will take to align everything.
1. Install Optics
- Drop the mirror insert into place using the spring clip.
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Be sure the optics are thoroughly cleaned. Please refer to our documentation on acceptable cleaning practices. Also be sure the Beam Bender body and optic mating surfaces are clean aswell.
2. Mount it
- Use supplied botl pattern to attach the Beam Bender to the system.
3. Connect Water Cooling (Optional)
- Push 1/8in ID hose onto the barbs.
- Be sure to pay attention to the inlet and outlet to make sure your cooling loop is setup correct, ahh idk what to put for this or even if it matter, not sure it does
4. Connect Interlock (Optional)
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If interlock was speced, be sure to wire up the Beam Benders interlock into your systems safety circuit.
5. Connect Beam Tubes and other Components
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Depending on the systems configuration, you will need to connect beam tubes, bellows, or mounting plates to both the input and output of the Beam Bender.
6. Align the Beam
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Now that the component is integrated into the system, its time to power up the guide beam and align the beam so it hits as close to the center of the optic as possible.
- Using something like a IR Laser Alignment Cards is great if your system does not have a guide beam. You will also need targets. These are specific to the aperture size.
6. Lock it down
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Once the beam is in the desired location, go ahead and tighten all the hardware.
Tips & Tricks
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Use beam benders to simplify layouts.
A well-placed bend can clean up your table and improve access to key components. - Start with a low-power beam.
Always align with low power or a visible guide laser before switching to full power. - Allow for thermal drift.
High-power setups can shift slightly as components heat up — let things stabilize before locking alignment. -
Keep a spare mirror insert on hand.
They’re easy to swap, and having an extra can save time during maintenance. - Label your mirror types.
If you use multiple coatings (B, C, HR), clearly label them to avoid mix-ups during replacement.