For CO2 laser applications up to a capacity
of several hundred watts, ZnSe
lenses are preferred.
The risk of contamination of lenses
is especially high with plastics applications
since cutting dusts and vapors
might deposit on the lens surface.
Despite provisions against contamination
e.g. by crossjets or rinsing of cutting
nozzles, interruptions in the gas
supply can result in rapid contamination
of the lens.
Once a lens is contaminated it can
become damaged and then break due
to thermal tensions after just a short
period of laser operation. Further operation
can then cause the lens to chemically
decompose at temperatures of
around 400 °C as the damaged lens
absorbs laser energy instead of transmitting.
The decomposed lens contains substances
which present significant health
hazards.
This necessitates extensive cleaning
of the beam guiding system - resulting
in long downtimes.
The LCU from Reis Lasertec offers
an effective protection through permanent
monitoring of the lens.
The LCU is supplied with 24 V constant
voltage and sends two analog output
signals through which the system
PLC can evaluate the lens condition.
If a critical degree of contamination
is reached, the PLC can switch off the
laser early enough and request maintenance
of the lens from the operator.
As standard, the LCU is available for
1.1” and 1.5” lens diameters. On request,
integration into customer-specific
designs is possible.
We are always at your disposal for any
questions or further information.