Issues with AR coated glass lens for 445

[paulzimm]

I purchased the following glass lens from here for my 445 laser in Modwerx heatsink:
AR coated glass lens for 405-445nm [LENS3] - $12.99 : Modwerx Shop

There is an elongated 'X' that is quite big around the beam. It is a new lens and I even cleaned it using special photo-quality swabs. Am I using the correct lens or is this normal? Please see attached photo...

 

[DTR]

Is the beam coming out straight or slightly angled? If it is a round host you can put it on a table and roll it to see if the dot moves up and down.

 

[paulzimm]

It is a square heatsink so I will not be able to do that test:
Lab style heatsink for 12mm laser modules - $20.99 : Modwerx Shop

This is my first 445 and I had a heck of a time trying to get it pressed flush within the Aixiz compared to the other red LOC's I have done before. Visually, the back of the diode is pressed in perfectly flush within the module. You think it may be slightly angled? I assume you have seen this before

 

[DTR]

Maybe not that specifically but if the beam is not perfectly straight you can get some strange looking effects.:beer:

 

[paulzimm]

NOTE: When I twist the lens the big 'X' rotates along with it. This leads me to believe it is something within the lens itself...

 

[ElektroFreak]

You cleaned both the front and rear surfaces of the lens assembly using some form of solvent like 90%+ Isopropyl alcohol or methanol? That pattern in typically caused by dirt on the lenses.

 

[paulzimm]

I cleaned them with the solution that came with a lens cleaning kit. I think it was distilled water or something. Came with special lint-free Qtips...

 

[DTR]

NOTE: When I twist the lens the big 'X' rotates along with it. This leads me to believe it is something within the lens itself...

Then it is definitely the glass. Did you try taking the glass out of the nut and cleaning/examining it then checking the interior of the nut?

 

[paulzimm]

When I get home from work today I will try out a few different lenses and let you know.

I was mainly curious if this was normal since it is my first 445 build... Thanks everyone!

 

[Kevlar]

I've also had a few of my 445nm Aixiz lenses come to me a little loose. Put it up to your ear and give a shake to see if it rattles. I've had to tighten a retainer ring or two. This could or could not be it, just a thought.

When Aixiz was getting these new lenses in I also noticed that not all were created equal, some of mine did have more splash than others.

 

[paulzimm]

I've also had a few of my 445nm Aixiz lenses come to me a little loose. Put it up to your ear and give a shake to see if it rattles. I've had to tighten a retainer ring or two. This could or could not be it, just a thought.

Excellent tip, thanks!

 

[ElektroFreak]

I cleaned them with the solution that came with a lens cleaning kit. I think it was distilled water or something. Came with special lint-free Qtips...

There's a BIG difference between distilled water and some form of strong alcohol.. there's also a BIG difference between how well they work.

As much as I like Aixiz, lately I've been getting my 405-445nm glass lenses from o-like. They're more consistent in my experience.

 

[DTR]

There's a BIG difference between distilled water and some form of strong alcohol.. there's also a BIG difference between how well they work.

As much as I like Aixiz, lately I've been getting my 405-445nm glass lenses from o-like. They're more consistent in my experience.

I will second that. I really like to use the old half threaded lenses over the new coated for 445 full threaded ones. More power and the same divergence.

http://laserpointerforums.com/f52/a...xiz-445-glass-405-g-1-a-54862.html#post773225


@Electro have you noticed them changing up batches on you. The first batch I got from O-Like look just like the Aixiz lenses and then these came in the last order. They are slit on the end. Both batches have more power than the 445 Aixiz glass.

These are how the old ones looked.

 

[paulzimm]

I cleaned the lens with 91% alcohol and I still get the 'X' around the beam. I tried an acrylic lens for just a second and it was a perfect beam. I am going to contact Modwerx and arrange a replacement, will let you know how it goes.

Thanks for all your help - see attached new photos...

 

[Kevlar]

I cleaned the lens with 91% alcohol and I still get the 'X' around the beam. I tried an acrylic lens for just a second and it was a perfect beam. I am going to contact Modwerx and arrange a replacement, will let you know how it goes.

Thanks for all your help - see attached new photos...

Yikes!! I got to say, I haven't seen one that bad. I would definitely send it back, I'm sure he'll take care of it.

 

[ElektroFreak]

I haven't seen one that bad either.. definitely an RMA.