During the operation of laser cutting equipment, protecting the lens is like a "safety guard", isolating splashes and dust generated during cutting and protecting the core optical components. However, long-term exposure to complex working environments inevitably leads to various problems with the lenses, affecting cutting accuracy and equipment stability. Thoroughly analyzing common problems and mastering solutions is crucial for ensuring efficient laser cutting operations.

1、 Common problems and cause analysis:

（1） Lens contamination

Performance: Oil stains, dust, metal splashes and other stains appear on the surface of the lens, resulting in a decrease in laser transmittance, abnormal sparks during cutting, and rough cutting surfaces.

reason:

There is a lot of dust in the working environment, which has not been cleaned up in a timely manner;

Metal splashes generated during the cutting process adhere to the lens;

When the operator installs or replaces the lens, their fingers come into contact with the surface of the lens, leaving oil stains.

（2） Scratches on the lens

Performance: There are obvious scratches on the surface of the lens, which can cause laser refraction in severe cases, affect cutting accuracy, and even damage the lens due to excessive local energy.

reason:

When installing the lens, there are impurities between the lens and the lens holder, which can cause scratches when tightening the screws;

High hardness wiping tools or rough wiping materials were used to clean the lenses;

Splashes hit the surface of the lens at a high speed.

（3） Lens rupture

Performance: The lens has cracks or is completely broken, causing the laser to not pass through properly and the equipment to be unable to perform cutting work.

reason:

The lens is installed too tightly and may break due to excessive stress during temperature changes;

The laser power suddenly becomes too high, exceeding the tolerance range of the lens;

The lens itself has quality defects, such as bubbles, impurities, etc. inside.

（4） Lens fogging

Performance: A thin mist appears on the surface of the lens, affecting the transmittance of the laser and making the cutting energy unstable.

reason:

The working environment has high humidity, and water vapor condenses on the surface of the lens;

Cooling system malfunction leads to excessively high lens temperature, resulting in a temperature difference with the surrounding environment and the formation of fog;

Compressed air contains moisture, which forms condensation on the surface of the lens.

2、 Solution:

（1） Regarding lens contamination

Regularly clean the lens, first use compressed air to blow away the dust on the surface, and then use lens paper dipped in anhydrous ethanol or specialized lens cleaner to gently wipe from the center to the edge of the lens, avoiding back and forth wiping.

Improve the working environment, install dust removal equipment, and reduce the dust content in the air.

Operators must wear clean gloves when installing or replacing lenses to avoid direct finger contact with the lenses.

（2） Regarding scratches on the lens

Before installing the lens, carefully clean the lens holder to ensure there are no impurities; During installation, the force should be moderate to avoid overtightening the screws.

When cleaning lenses, use specialized lens paper, dust-free cloth, and other soft wiping materials to avoid using metal tools or rough fabrics.

Optimize cutting parameters to reduce the generation of metal splashes, and install protective devices near the cutting head to block splashes.

（3） Regarding lens rupture

When installing lenses, strictly follow the operating procedures, control the installation force, and avoid being too tight.

Regularly check the laser power to ensure it is within the rated bearing range of the lens and avoid sudden increases in power.

Choose reliable quality protective lenses and pay attention to checking for defects such as bubbles and scratches when purchasing.

（4） Regarding fogging of lenses

To control the humidity in the work environment, a dehumidifier can be used to reduce the humidity in the air.

Regularly check the cooling system to ensure its normal operation, ensure the cooling effect of the lenses, and avoid excessive temperature.

Install a drying and filtering device in the compressed air pipeline to remove moisture and impurities from the compressed air.

3、 Preventive measures:

Establish a comprehensive equipment maintenance system, regularly inspect the condition of protective lenses, and promptly identify and address any issues.

Operators must undergo professional training and be familiar with the installation, replacement, and cleaning methods of lenses.

Reasonably set cutting parameters to avoid damaging the lens due to improper parameters.

Choose high-quality protective lenses that match the equipment and avoid using inferior products.

By understanding the common problems and solutions of laser cutting head protective lenses, and taking effective preventive measures, the service life of protective lenses can be extended, ensuring the normal operation of laser cutting equipment, and improving cutting quality and efficiency.