OPTICAL COMPONENT
Protective Lens
Protective lenses shield the expensive focusing optics from cutting debris and spatter. Proper lens management is essential for consistent beam quality.
Lens Specifications
| Parameter | Standard Lens | UHDT Lens |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Fused Silica | Fused Silica |
| Coating | Dual-side AR (R<0.5%) | Dual-side AR (R<0.2%) |
| Damage Threshold | 10 J/cm² | 20 J/cm² |
| Usable Life (6kW) | ~200 hours | ~500 hours |
| Typical Cost | $40-80 | $80-150 |
Inspection & Replacement
- Daily visual inspection — Use bright backlight; any spots or haze = replace
- Lens cleaning — Only use optical-grade materials; never touch surface
- Storage — Keep in sealed container with desiccant; never stack lenses
ENGINEERING TIP
The 70% rule: Replace the protective lens when its transmission drops to 70% of the original value. A drop from 99.5% to 99.0% may seem small, but even a 0.5% absorption increase at 10kW means 50W of heat deposited directly into the lens — enough to cause thermal runaway and catastrophic failure within minutes.
Still Having Piercing Problems?
Our team of laser cutting specialists is ready to help you optimize your cutting process. Send us your material specs and we'll provide a tailored solution.
Contact Engineering Team