Common Focus Lens Failure & ZnSe Info

Preface: This article covers common Lens Failures for Nova, Odin and Bolt Series lasers with ZNSE lenses. Common lens types are Beam Combiners, Brewster Windows and Focus Lens in the laser head.

What Causes a Lens to Fail

• Dirty Lens — If a lens has a dust or film buildup, instead of passing the laser energy it begins to absorb it and rapidly fails. Keep the lens clean and even check the lens if you have not run the machine in a while.
• Inadequate Air Flow — You never want to have 0 air flow or pressure on a focus lens. This can allow dust and smoke film to build up.
• Moisture — Make sure you have adequate air/water separation and avoid operating your air assist supply in an area that is colder than the machine operating area.
• Mechanical Shock — Do not drop, hammer, or throw the lens. It will shatter into pieces.

Common Failure Examples

Some Failure Examples

How to Prevent Failures

• Keep Your Lens Clean: Follow the guidance in this article: Inspecting and Cleaning Nova Series Optics
• Adjust your Air Assist Properly: Follow the guidance in this article: How To Adjust The Dual Stage Air Assist
• Remove Moisture from Air Assist: Follow the guidance in this article: Thunder Laser External Air Compressor Guidelines
• Don't Drop the Lens — Simple as that. Keep your wrists on the table as you clean the lens if you remove it from the housing to clean.

Sourcing Replacement Lens