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Depth of Field – Short or Long Focal Lengths

lens focal length

Adam Sampedro |

One of the most common questions we get is regarding the difference between short and long focal length lens.

Usually, the lower the focal length (1.5”, 2”), the finer the point size of the beam. 

Traditionally, 1.5” or 2” focal length lens work best for engraving (Suggestion:  LM-20-Z-50.8-ET2.0-DBAR - We offer several diameters.)

https://americanphotonics.com/products/20mm-znse-focus-lens-br-2mm-edge-thickness-for-c02-laser-10-6um?variant=40728491819069

The 50.8mm (2.0) is the most popular Focal length 

The longer the focal length (4”), the longer the “depth of field”, which is required for cutting material.

Usually, the 4” focal length lens offer a longer “depth of field” cut (Suggestion: LM-20-Z-101.6-ET2.0-DBAR - We offer several diameters). 

https://americanphotonics.com/products/20mm-znse-focus-lens-br-2mm-edge-thickness-for-c02-laser-10-6um?variant=40728491950141

The 106.6mm(4.0") is the 2nd best seller focal length 

More information about FOCAL LENGTHS:

We do manufacture more than 4000 part number for Co2 Laser Lens Low Power ( Engraving and Marking).  

American Photonics (APC) offer many different focal lengths 1.5", 2.0", 2.5", 3.0", 4.0", 5.0", 7.5" 

Each focal length for different kinds of applications, Lets give some examples:

 1.5" focal Length - Co2 Laser Lens

1.5” Lens has been designed for the very high resolution engraving and etching of extremely small fonts and photos. The 1.5” tolerance is low and cannot handle much deviation from the focus point. Because of high divergence it will not be a good thick cutting lens on materials thicknesses over 0.2” or 5,08mm.

What it does: 1.5” lens produces a small, focused beam or spot. Depending on the type of material being processed, and the desired effect, the effective spot size produced by this option is about 40% smaller then the 2.0 inch focusing lens allowing for higher details and quality during the engraving and marking process.

 

2.0"  focal Length - Co2 Laser Lens

The 2.0” inch lens provides a combination of amazing engraving and marking details combined with a very good cutting ability. It is because of this that the 2.0” lens is the most general lens it is the best seller and most popular.

What it does: This is the all purpose lens that will produce high quality engraving and marking as well as consistent cutting, up to 1/2” (12,7mm) or more in thickness depending on the type of material being processed. If there is a question on what lens to use this will be the most practical choice.

2.5" focal Length - Co2 Laser Lens

The 2.5” inch lens provides good engraving detail though not as good as the shorter lenses. This is the lens kit used when clearance or tolerance becomes an issue. This lens has a longer focal length and great tolerance making it excellent for cutting thick materials up to 5/8” (15,875mm) depending on the material. This lens also gives you an additional 1/2” (12,7mm) clearance over the standard 2.0” however it also reduces your total Z axis (table height) by that same 1/2” (12,7mm). 

What it does: This is the best lens for thick, consistent straight edge cutting when clearance and tolerance becomes an issue, while still providing good quality engraving and marking. Cutting with this lens up to 3/4” (19,5mm) in thickness depending on the type of material being processed.

 

3.0" focal Length - Co2 Laser Lens

The 3.0 inch lens provides good detail. This is the lens used when clearance or tolerance becomes an issue; this lens gives you an additional 1” (25,4mm) clearance over the standard 2.0” lens, but still maintains good engraving quality. This lens has a longer focal length and a greater tolerance making it excellent for cutting thick materials up to 3/4” (19,5mm) or more depending on the material.

What it does: This is the best lens for thick consistent straight edge cutting when clearance and tolerance becomes an issue, while still providing good quality engraving and marking. Cutting with this lens up to 3/4” (19,5mm) or more in thickness depending on the type of material being processed. The lens is further from the surface of the material reducing the chance the lens can become contaminated with residue.

4.0" focal Length - Co2 Laser Lens

4.0” Lens, this is one of the longest focal lens produced by APC - American Photonics. This lens is used when clearance or tolerance becomes an issue, and no shorter lens will work, this lens gives you an additional 2” (50,8mm) clearance over the standard 2.0” lens however the engraving detail is low due to its large spot size. This lens has the longest focal length and the best tolerance of any other lens kit offered making it excellent for cutting thick materials up to 1” (25,4mm) or more depending on the material.

What it does: The 4.0” inch lens produces a focused beam over a longer vertical distance, which makes it ideal when engraving within a recessed area of a product, such as inside a bowl or box. This is the best lens for thick, consistent straight edge cutting when clearance and tolerance is an issue. This lens is still able to mark and engrave though the quality is lower due to its large focus point size. This lens is much further from the surface of the material reducing the chance that this lens can become contaminated with residue

 

 

2 comments

Tim, the 1.5” focal length is the best engraving lens. It offers the smallest spot size and offers the finest detailed engravings. That system uses the 20mm lens or the 21mm kit with multiple lenses.

Adam,

I have a Thunder Nova 35/100 looking for a 1 1/2" lens… this would be for detail like photos correct?

Tim Shaw,

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