Selecting and using Beam Tubes
Beam tubes and mounts are the glue that holds the beam delivery system together. They physically connect each component — benders, collimators, isolators, and process heads — while maintaining a protected, sealed path for the laser beam.
Each tube and mount is designed around a common aperture size (19 mm, 25 mm, 38 mm, 50 mm, or 75 mm), allowing all components within a series to connect together.
Beam Tube Options
We offer a wide range of beam tube options to suit different applications and system layouts.
Below is a quick overview to help you understand what's available and choose the right components for your setup.
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Bellows Great for translating and movement between components. Available in vertical and supported horizontal orientations. | View Product |
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Clamp Mount Beam Tubes Used to close the beam path. These can be used as structural members to hold light componenets like beam benders. | View Product |
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Quick Mount Beam Tubes Similar to Clamp Mount, however these cannot be used as structural members. Great for areas you regularlly need to disable or change. | View Product |
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Telescopic Beam Tube Similar to Bellows, these work well for moving beam paths. | View Product | |
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Protective Aperture Leave the beam open. These apertures allow you to create a positive pressure in the delivery system as well as protect components from dirt and contaminates. | View Product |
Specing Beam Tubes
Most of our beam tubes are selected in the same way. Below well walk you through how to select the correct part number.
1. Selecting a style
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See the table above for more information on the styles available and what they are commonly used for. This selection will determine what options are available.
2. Aperture Szie
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Similar to other componetns, select the aperture size the rest of the system is using.
3. Pick a Length
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Depending on the style selected, the beam tube might come as a single size, such as the bellows, or you may have to choose a size.
4. Adaptors
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Some beam tubes thread directly into the other components, while some require additional adaptors or hardware. Be sure to check how each style is mounted and make sure that joining components are compatible.
Tips and Tricks
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Use bellows where alignment shifts are expected.
Bellows are great near moving stages or in areas with thermal expansion. Limited to slower movement. - Protective apertures for high speed
If you have motion axis that move fast, a clear aperture is a great solution. - Label your tube segments.
For modular systems, labeling lengths and styles can speed up service and reconfiguration. -
Measure Twice, Cut Once
Although your not cutting wood, it still applies. No one like order tubing that's an inch too short.