Patent ID: 8126028

Claim:
A system for providing quick replacement of pre-aligned processing-laser modules, comprising: a module mounting base having a locating feature, and mounting features for mounting a working laser and its optical train, and a reversible lock; an alignment fixture base having a receiving feature designed to kinematically mate to the locating feature on the module mounting base, alignment features designed to position alignment tools and align the working laser and its optical train, and a lock receiver designed to engage the reversible lock; and a subassembly base having a receiving feature designed to kinematically mate to the locating feature on the module mounting base, and a lock receiver designed to engage the reversible lock; where a laser module assembled and pre-aligned with its module mounting base kinematically mated and locked to the alignment fixture base is unlocked, removed from the alignment fixture base, and kinematically mated and locked to a subassembly base in a condition substantially ready for operation; and the locating feature has a registration point positioned at a center of thermal expansion of the module mounting base when the mounted laser and its optical train are operating.