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Semi transparent cone for engraving laser?

H

hroldan

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Hi, there is a second machine I'm building, alaser engraver. This one will have a IR laser that is on it's way. IR is invisible but harmful etc, so, safety measures should be taken. I want to do this:

2quqeso.jpg


For THIS machine I have two options:

1. Opaque plastic cone to protect skin and specially eyes from direct or indirect exposure. It will have a fan to cool things down and also to blow away any dust or smokes/fumes. BUT won't let me or others see the engraving.

2. Semi transparent? I would really like something allowing viewers to see the process of engraving, sure, PROTECTED, but it's really interesting for clients to see FROM A DISTANCE only if protected. I hope this is clear enough.

How to achieve this? any advice? I know safety goggles block IR or their specific wavelength (diff for each case), but I can't afford tearing a part a pair of goggles, there is no enough material there or shape to do it so. I remember seeing online some electronic projects using IR SAFETY TAPE, and some devices actually have it protecting a sensor, so one option would be to cover a plastic cone with it, right? is there any better option? some protective sheet? Consider this exactly as milling or drill cnc, people love to see it working, that's my goal if possible.

On my other thread I'm using a violet engraving laser, that's another story. In this case (thread) it's only about an IR laser, two very diff things, and no, please don't consider any of this related to materials for building safety goggles, it's not the case, each laser has diff wavelength and each pair of goggles is made specifically for it, there is no way or even a cheap way to build goggles.

Thanks in advance.
 





Plain plastic won't block IR light, you'll need an IR filter. How bout a sheet, like this: Cobra Optics - 3mm IR Filter Sheet (10x10cm)
At this point, though, might as well just wear safety goggles that block IR instead. You can see through those better than you can a sheet like that.
 
Gabe said:
Plain plastic won't block IR light, you'll need an IR filter. How bout a sheet, like this: Cobra Optics - 3mm IR Filter Sheet (10x10cm)
At this point, though, might as well just wear safety goggles that block IR instead. You can see through those better than you can a sheet like that.
Click to expand...
yes, thanks I know I need special materials to block IR, thanks for the link, will research on that (I don't live on the US, so that's an extra step to get it). A safety opinion: I don't need to see in detail what's going on while engraving, just a bit, why? I'm just part of the equation, clients enjoy seeing work in progress specially if the device is on a kiosk like place. So I'm looking forward a safe solution that not only works in benefit of everyone, it's also an eye catching in some way.

I couldn't agree more on the goggles, but when the device is fixed (no actual manual handling of the laser or the machine) I rather have a fixed blocking solution instead of the human open space for error -forgetting to put the goggles on-. This can happen no anyone, specially when one hires someone. Goggles will also look more professional but it's the error margin that I would like to reduce as much as possible, not saying I'm against goggles.
 
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diachi said:
Something like this is probably what you are looking for:

Laser Safety Window Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm, Diode laser (980 nm), CO2 laser (10,600 nm) and UV laser (190-375nm). Use in manufacturing, industrial, medical, education, & research environments. Offer excellent visibility and protection from Nd:YAG lase

You may be able to find it cheaper with some searching.

I'd box the engraver up with aluminum/plywood/ABS sheet and then use the acrylic safety window on one side for viewing.
Click to expand...

Thanks, will check on that, I have challenges on getting some stuff locally, some gets really expensive when ordered (whoa, it's already expensive on the site listing price), but this is really helpful. I'm finding references to this matter as "hot filters" and seeing some "common" windows filters available, but still can't find specific info on how well they block it. Your link is very specific, it does the job.
 
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hroldan said:
Thanks, will check on that, I have challenges on getting some stuff locally, some gets really expensive when ordered (whoa, it's already expensive on the site listing price), but this is really helpful. I'm finding references to this matter as "hot filters" and seeing some "common" windows filters available, but still can't find specific info on how well they block it. Your link is very specific, it does the job.
Click to expand...

Look for OD ratings at whatever wavelength you are using. You could probably get away with an OD rating of +3 as it's unlikely that your window will ever take a direct hit from the beam, however I'd aim higher and go for +4 or even, ideally, +5. You also want to be able to see what's happening on the table so you're looking for something with a high VLT (Visible Light Transmission) percentage - I believe the one I linked is 65% which is pretty good.

You might be able to get away with a smaller chunk of that acrylic and bend it around into a cone as you suggest, which would of course be cheaper. However - I haven't worked with Acrylic in about 10 years so I can't remember how flexible 1/8" acrylic would be. Someone else might have a better idea - including the manufacturer. It might be something that you need to bend over a heating element...

You'd also still have some light leaking through the bottom of the cone, as you'd need at least a little bit of a gap between the cone and whatever surface you are engraving.
 
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diachi said:
Look for OD ratings at whatever wavelength you are using. You could probably get away with an OD rating of +3 as it's unlikely that your window will ever take a direct hit from the beam, however I'd aim higher and go for +4 or even, ideally, +5. You also want to be able to see what's happening on the table so you're looking for something with a high VLT (Visible Light Transmission) percentage - I believe the one I linked is 65% which is pretty good.

You might be able to get away with a smaller chunk of that acrylic and bend it around into a cone as you suggest, which would of course be cheaper. However - I haven't worked with Acrylic in about 10 years so I can't remember how flexible 1/8" acrylic would be. Someone else might have a better idea - including the manufacturer. It might be something that you need to bend over a heating element...

You'd also still have some light leaking through the bottom of the cone, as you'd need at least a little bit of a gap between the cone and whatever surface you are engraving.
Click to expand...

Thank you, I have a lot now to research.
 
hmmm an IR engraver? too dangerous... as other guys suggested buy some safety goggles and use a 405nm will give you a better result..... or the 6watt+ diode...
 
FUBeaches said:
hmmm an IR engraver? too dangerous... as other guys suggested buy some safety goggles and use a 405nm will give you a better result..... or the 6watt+ diode...
Click to expand...


Not at all dangerous if you do it right - and more power is available at IR wavelengths. Most, if not all, of the commercial engravers are IR.
 
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