Laser lenses/protective lenses are core optical consumables for fiber laser cutting machines.Protective windows isolate spatter, smoke and debris to shield expensive internal optics. Improper selection or poor maintenance leads to unstable cutting, rough workpiece edges, frequent lens burnout and extra production cost. This article shares practical usage tips for daily workshop operation.
How to Pick Suitable Specs
Standard size: 18x2,20×2,20x3,27.9x4.1,30x5,34x5,37x7 etc., confirm cutting head brand (Raytools, WSX, Precitec) before purchase.
AR coating requirement: Coated for 1064nm fiber laser wavelength to guarantee over99% light transmittance.
Standard Installation Operation Steps
1. Shut down laser power and release residual gas, wait cutting head cooling down.
2. Wear lint-free finger cots or optical gloves; never touch lens optical surface by bare fingers. Fingerprint grease causes local overheating and lens crack.
3. Take out old lens/protective window, clean lens seat groove with compressed dry air to clear dust and tiny slag.
4. Put new lens flat into groove, ensure no tilt or offset; install sealing rubber ring completely to prevent air leakage and smoke infiltration.
5. Assemble cutting head accessories, perform empty machine test run to check cutting stability.
Scientific Daily Maintenance & Cleaning Rules
Cleaning Supplies Preparation
Isopropyl alcohol (99.9%), lint-free optical wipe paper, dust-free air blower.
Operation
1. Mild dirt (light fingerprint or dust): Blow dust off first, dip wipe paper in alcohol and drag gently one-way across lens surface, no repeated back-and-forth wiping.
2. Stubborn oil/spatter spot: Soak partial wipe paper with alcohol and apply lightly on spot, clean after stain dissolve.
For protective lens with pit, crack or black burnt spot: Direct discard replacement, cleaning cannot restore performance.