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Tutorial
Lens Design
Meniscus Lenses
Meniscus lenses have one concave surface and one convex surface.
A meniscus lens creates a smaller beam diameter thus reducing the spherical aberration and beam waste when precision cutting or marking.
Plano-Convex Lenses
Plano-Convex lenses have one flat surface and one outward curving surface.
These lenses are more suitable for high turnover cutting applications and when cutting and welding certain materials (metals, wood, ceramics, plastics and composites) - when the cost is more important than the level of accuracy.
Focusing Lenses
The focusing lens is the last optic in the laser path, before it hits the workpiece. Its main role is to focus the laser beam to a specific focal length (FL) - depending on the application. Therefore, the focal length - that is dictated by the radiuses and curvatures of the lens - is its most important feature.
The focusing lens is normally made of Zinc Selenide (ZnSe) using an anti-reflective coating. Focusing lenses are either Plano-Convex or Meniscus.
The focusing lens is normally made of Zinc Selenide (ZnSe) using an anti-reflective coating. Focusing lenses are either Plano-Convex or Meniscus.
Cutting Head Optics
Focal length and mounting distance
In general, there are two types of focusing lenses: planoconvex lenses which have one convex surface (convex = dome-like curvature) and one flat surface, and meniscus lenses which have one convex surface and one concave surface (concave = hollow curvature). In most laser cutting machines, meniscus lenses are used because they produce a smaller focus diameter (see next section). In some machines, plano-convex lenses are used because their production costs are a little bit lower.
In general, there are two types of focusing lenses: planoconvex lenses which have one convex surface (convex = dome-like curvature) and one flat surface, and meniscus lenses which have one convex surface and one concave surface (concave = hollow curvature). In most laser cutting machines, meniscus lenses are used because they produce a smaller focus diameter (see next section). In some machines, plano-convex lenses are used because their production costs are a little bit lower.