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.
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