How to adjust the diagonal on CO2 laser machine

2025/04/21

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Proper diagonal alignment is critical for the precision and performance of a CO2 laser machine. If the machine’s gantry is not square, it can result in distorted cuts and inaccurate engravings. This guide walks you through the step-by-step process of checking and correcting diagonal alignment using RDWorks software and a simple measuring technique.

Preparing the software

Begin by inserting the USB flash drive that came with your CO2 laser machine into your computer. Locate the RDWorks installation file on the drive and copy it to your PC. Proceed with the installation by following the on-screen instructions.

Once RDWorks is installed, open the software to begin creating your test file.

Performing a cutting and engraving test

Within RDWorks, draw a rectangle as large as your machine’s working area and your material will allow. This rectangle will be used to test the machine’s geometry. Set the cutting parameters so that the laser does not fully cut through the material—this helps preserve the test piece for accurate measurement.

Run the control program generated by RDWorks. After the rectangle has been engraved or lightly cut into the material, measure both diagonals of the rectangle. Ideally, the diagonals should be equal. If they are not, it indicates that the gantry is out of square and requires adjustment.

Recording measurements

Next, measure and record the lengths of all sides of the rectangle. This information will help visualize the distortion and calculate the required adjustment.

In a vector graphics editor, recreate the shape of the distorted rectangle at full scale using the dimensions you just measured. Label this figure as “bad” to differentiate it from the ideal shape, which you can label as “good.” Using these models, determine the offset or discrepancy between the diagonals.

Preparing for mechanical adjustment

Before making any physical adjustments, position the gantry somewhere on the worktable. Using a ruler or caliper, measure the distance between the gantry and a fixed mechanical element of the machine (such as the frame or guide rail). Perform this measurement on both the left and right sides and write down the values.

Locate the Y-axis motor—it is typically positioned at the back of the work table, in the center. Identify the couplings that connect the motor shaft to the drive system on either side of the gantry.

Adjusting the gantry

Loosen the coupling on the side of the gantry that needs adjustment. This will allow that side to move independently from the rest of the frame.

Now, refer back to your measurements and the graphical model you created earlier. Shift the loosened side of the gantry so that the distance between it and the stationary reference point matches the corrected value determined in your diagram. The opposite side of the gantry should remain unchanged.

Once the correct position is achieved, tighten the coupling to secure the gantry in place.

Verifying the adjustment

Return to RDWorks and run the rectangle test again using the same file and parameters as before. Measure the diagonals of the new rectangle. If the diagonals are now equal, the gantry is correctly aligned. If not, repeat the adjustment process until symmetry is achieved.

Conclusion

Aligning the gantry by adjusting the diagonals of your CO2 laser machine is essential for accurate and consistent cutting and engraving. Though the process involves some trial and error, the results are well worth the effort. Once the diagonals are equal and the machine is squared, you can confidently proceed with production, knowing your machine is properly calibrated.