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LENS SELECTION FOR LASERS
Moderators: Martin, Steve, Mr Magoo
LENS SELECTION FOR LASERS
Here is some advice on why different lenses are used with lasers and what they would be used for:
Re: LENS SELECTION FOR LASERS
HPDFO Lens (High Power Density Focusing Optics)
Features
Very small dot size ideal for fine engraving, metal marking or cutting thin materials
Dissadvantages
Very short focal range requires a flat surface and acurate focusing. Can not cut thicker materials.
It produces a smaller, focused laser beam “spot” than a standard laser beam delivery, optical system. Depending on the type of material being processed, and the desired effect, the effective spot size produced by this option can be as small as 1/4 th the size of the spot produced by a standard 2.0 inch focusing lens.
HOW DOES IT WORK: The HPDFO consists of two parts, the Beam Expander assembly, which is mounted in place of the Beam Window, and the High Resolution Optics assembly, which replaces the Focus Lens assembly. Through specialized optics, the HPDFO expands the diameter of the laser beam and concentrates that expanded energy at the focus point to produce a smaller focused spot that has a much higher power density.
APPLICATIONS: With a smaller spot size (higher power density), and depending on your application material, you can engrave smaller text, produce higher resolution graphics and photographs, vector mark and cut thinner lines, and cut deeper with the same laser power. It is even possible to scribe and/or etch some uncoated metals, such as stainless steel, directly without the assistance of chemicals or coatings.
HPDFO Optics achieves dramatically improved resolution for applications requiring extremely fine detail (small font sizes) or photos.
Features
Very small dot size ideal for fine engraving, metal marking or cutting thin materials
Dissadvantages
Very short focal range requires a flat surface and acurate focusing. Can not cut thicker materials.
It produces a smaller, focused laser beam “spot” than a standard laser beam delivery, optical system. Depending on the type of material being processed, and the desired effect, the effective spot size produced by this option can be as small as 1/4 th the size of the spot produced by a standard 2.0 inch focusing lens.
HOW DOES IT WORK: The HPDFO consists of two parts, the Beam Expander assembly, which is mounted in place of the Beam Window, and the High Resolution Optics assembly, which replaces the Focus Lens assembly. Through specialized optics, the HPDFO expands the diameter of the laser beam and concentrates that expanded energy at the focus point to produce a smaller focused spot that has a much higher power density.
APPLICATIONS: With a smaller spot size (higher power density), and depending on your application material, you can engrave smaller text, produce higher resolution graphics and photographs, vector mark and cut thinner lines, and cut deeper with the same laser power. It is even possible to scribe and/or etch some uncoated metals, such as stainless steel, directly without the assistance of chemicals or coatings.
HPDFO Optics achieves dramatically improved resolution for applications requiring extremely fine detail (small font sizes) or photos.
Re: LENS SELECTION FOR LASERS
2" Lens
For most CO2 applications, the standard or universal 2.0" focal length lens is the best choice.
It has a reasonable small spot size so can engrave fine lines and text while still having a good tollerance on focus.
The lens is ideal for general purpose cutting as the spot size is small enough to concentrate the power but the focal length is long enough to allow a deep cut before the divergance looses too much power.
For most CO2 applications, the standard or universal 2.0" focal length lens is the best choice.
It has a reasonable small spot size so can engrave fine lines and text while still having a good tollerance on focus.
The lens is ideal for general purpose cutting as the spot size is small enough to concentrate the power but the focal length is long enough to allow a deep cut before the divergance looses too much power.
Re: LENS SELECTION FOR LASERS
4" Lens
It is ideal for cutting Foam and softer materials.
While this lens has the longest focal length and therefore most parallel beam and largest focus tollerance the spot size at focus is larger than the other lenses.
The larger spot size not only reduces the ability to engrave fine detail but also reduces the concentration of the power so restricts the capability of the laser to cut.
While a 4" lens will give a more parallel edge it does not have the concentration of power to be able to cut dense materials.
It is ideal for cutting Foam and softer materials.
While this lens has the longest focal length and therefore most parallel beam and largest focus tollerance the spot size at focus is larger than the other lenses.
The larger spot size not only reduces the ability to engrave fine detail but also reduces the concentration of the power so restricts the capability of the laser to cut.
While a 4" lens will give a more parallel edge it does not have the concentration of power to be able to cut dense materials.