How to choose the lens of laser cutting machine?

Lasers are powerful machines that have an immense cutting ability across a broad spectrum of materials. They can get these done in no time and with high precision. Choosing the right lens is crucial if you use a Zhilei Laser cutting machine for your work or laser diy at home. You can get the optimal results with your cuts if you choose the right lens. This post will discuss what factors you should take into account while selecting a lens for your máquina láser. Lastly, we will review the various kinds of lenses out there, help you choose the most suitable one for your projects, and guide you on how you can improve the use of your laser cutting machine with the appropriate lens. 

Considerations on Selecting A Lens for Your Laser Cutting Machine

It can be worthwhile to know what to look for before heading out to buy a new lens. When selecting the proper lens for your laser cutter, there are a handful of items to consider: 

Material – The type of material to cut is the main consideration. Also, remember that various materials have various hardness (HH). Other materials are tougher and harder than the rest and require a lens that is stronger to better penetrate them. If you are cutting metal or other thick materials, you will also need a high-power lens that can also take the load without damaging it. You won't need as strong of a lens for things with softer material such as wood or plastic. 

Material Thickness — Yet another important factor determining which lens you need is the thickness of the material you wish to cut. Thicker materials require more powerful lenses to cut through. However, if you are cutting thin materials then your lens needs to be less powerful. If you know how thick the materials you are working with are then this will help you decide what is best. 

Laser Cutter Power – The power of your laser cutter is also something to consider. Most laser cutters are rated by power. Tougher materials mean the need for high-power laser cutters, which require a more durable lens capable of withstanding higher heat and energy. For your laser cutter you will obviously need a dedicated lens in case it is on the weaker side. The power of your laser helps you pick the lens that you should use. 

Since speed also matters when it comes to cutting, it is also something to keep in mind. In case you are going to slice at fast velocities, you would need a strong sufficient lens to maintain the beam in the correct focus point. To maintain the on-focus location of a laser beam, more sturdy lenses are necessary for faster cutting speeds. Cutting too fast with an incorrect lens leads to mistakes and cuts of lower quality. 

How to Select the Right Lens for Your Laser Cutting Requirements

Once you have a better idea of your considerations, how do you decide what the best lens for your laser cut needs? Consider the following tips to help you with the task: 

Consider Focal Length – The focal length of the lens should be suitable to your project. Focal length is the distance between the lens center to the point where the laser will focus. Different focus lengths are necessary for actual materials and their thicknesses. The focal length should be selected to avoid poor cuts. 

Beam Diameter — The beam diameter is the width of the laser beam at the focal length, which is the distance from the lens. Having a smaller diameter of a beam means more power density, which leads to deep cuts. If you need to make much finer cuts, a lens that gives a smaller beam diameter may be something that you will want to look at. 

Choose the Correct Coating – Coatings on your laser cutting lens are critical. When lens coatings such as anti-reflective and protective coatings are applied, the overall performance and durability of the lens improve. Quality coatings improve lens durability whilst also protecting it from scratches and dust. 

All about the spot size — this shows what area of the beam is at when the beam strikes the material you are cutting, Generally, a smaller spot size will yield a better cut, and so in turn a better quality result. If you are looking for very fine cuts micro spot size lens will be a better choice. 

Budget – Lastly, consider what you would like to spend on the lens. A quality lens capable of dealing with your desired power levels is the best investment. While you did spend the money up front on cheaper lenses, you could be losing in overall efficiency and higher maintenance costs down the road. 

Topics Covered in Laser Cutting Machine Lenses

Now, there are several different lens types used specifically for Máquina de corte por láser. There're 3 most common types of:

Meniscus Lens — The most widely used lens for laser cutting application. High power density and very small spot sizes are its trademark. Because of this design, the tool can focus the lens much more tightly, keeping the lesson from moving when cutting various things. 

Aspheric — The aspheric lens is best suited for material that requires extreme and precise cutting. This Corte por láser de fibra de lentes protectoras lenses have a more slim shape compared to other lenses which reduce the distortion (or aberration) of the laser beam. Such lenses are ideal in applications that require both a combination of high accuracy and cutting speed. 

Plano-Convex Lens – The outer surface of this lens is planar and the inner is curved. This is very good for a thick materiel cut. The lens is optimized for high power densities and is compatible with low-density materials. 

We hope above some tips helped you to select your laser cutting lens. 

Selecting the optimum lens for laser cutting requires taking into account the application, material, and its thickness. Here are a few tips to bear in mind: 

Impute the needed beam spot diameter and focal distance. 

Consider the thickness and the material type of the material you are cutting. 

Decide the speed at which you want to cut the material. 

Know the tolerance and accuracy required on your work. 

Understand the boundaries of the laser cutter machine and the lens you plan to purchase before placing your final order. 

How to Improve Your Productivity and Accuracy with the Right Laser Cutting Lens 

Using a proper lens, Zhilei Laser cutting machine will be very powerful and efficient with the right lens. Now yes, to get the best performance it is very important to handle the lens well. Here are some suggestions for maximizing efficiency alongside accuracy:

Regularly clean your lens using a non-abrasive cleaner or a use a cloth to keep it clear and working properly. 

When your lens is not in use store it in the proper way.  

Look for a lens that comes with a coating to protect it from dust, scratches and other damaging things. 

Make sure the lens can handle your laser power; if not, it may get destroyed during operation. 

TIP — Ensure the lens is tightly secured first before cutting.