| The Challenge |
| In the use of industrial CO2 and ND YAG lasers, there was a need to redirect the laser beam efficiently and effectively. When laser beams are redirected by mirrored surfaces, there is a 1% - 2% loss of energy to the mirror. This energy becomes heat that needs to be quickly dissipated. Since the lasers are of high wattage industrial machining type, the heat buildup required serious attention. The challenge was how to hold the mirror and how to dissipate the retained heat energy. |
| The Solution |
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When Helical was consulted, it was apparent that both of these functions could be accomplished within one machined compression spring. It was decided to hold the mirror against a locating and retaining bezel with a spring element and provide a heat sink on the back of the mirror. High strength aluminum was selected because of its heat transfer characteristics and low cost. The first spring was designed and shipped in 1982 and since then 7 different variations have evolved with the last in 1994. This application is a good example of how machined springs can contribute to Value Engineering (the science of creating machined elements that perform multiple functions) and how a well-conceived usage for a machined spring product can continue to be viable over several years. |
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HELI-CAL® Flexure "Machined" Spring # 296
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