Eye protection

[datsyukalex]

I have purchased a 3.3 watt 445nm laser and I need adequate eye protection that won't break the bank I have some glasses already but the at only somewhere between 4.0 and 5.0 OD and I know that's not enough any help is greatly appreciated

 

[BowtieGuy]

If your current safety glasses are actually between 4 and 5 OD, they will be sufficient for a 3.3W laser. Be sure they are rated for your 445nm wavelength!
I'm not sure what yohr budget is, but I wouldn't go with any thing less than something like these from Survival Lasers.

If your glasses protect at an OD of 4, your 3.3W laser should be reduced to 0.33mW.

 

[datsyukalex]

They are for the correct wavelength is there any way to actually test them?

 

[BowtieGuy]

If your not sure of your glasses quality, I'd get a certified pair so that you know they will protect you.
I've added a link to my previous post, for some quality safety glasses at a decent price.
The only way I know of to be sure of yours, would be with an actual (destructive) test with a laser of known output and an LPM (laser power meter).

Here is a link to a thread that shows some actual destructive testing of some safety glasses.

 

[datsyukalex]

I've seen that thread I mean my hope is that the glasses never get put to the test but I need the to hold up if they ever do

 

[datsyukalex]

Also if the glasses are working well shouldn't it decrease the visible dot the laser creates?

 

[BowtieGuy]

Yes, they should reduce the intensity of the dot considerably.

 

[Benm]

They should indeed, but that alone is no guarantee. OD2 glasses will reduce the beam/dot brightness considerably too, but would not be safe in this application.

If you goggles actually are OD4 at 445nm they should be fine to use, but it's hard to tell remotely.