Scratch-dig surface quality describes limits on visible imperfections in an optical surface. Under the MIL-PRF-13830B convention, 40-20 means a scratch comparison grade of 40 and a maximum dig diameter of 0.20 mm; 60-40 means grade 60 and 0.40 mm. Lower numbers set tighter limits within the same inspection system. The scratch number is not a …
Optical Surface Quality: What Do 40-20 and 60-40 Mean? Read More »
Evaluate optical coating durability by checking adhesion, abrasion resistance, compatibility with the intended cleaning method, and resistance to the operating environment. Then confirm that the coated component still meets its agreed optical and surface requirements after testing. A useful durability claim identifies the test method, conditions, sample and acceptance criteria. A low-reflection coating can meet …
Optical Coating Durability: What Buyers Should Evaluate Read More »
An AR coating curve is useful only when its wavelength range, reflection or transmission metric, coated surfaces, angle and polarization match the application. Learn how to compare laser-line and broadband AR coatings without mistaking a typical curve for a complete optical specification.
How to Read an AR Coating Curve and Choose the Right Coating Read More »
Optical coatings are used in industrial laser processing, machine vision, optical measurement, medical and life science instruments, and automotive optical sensing. Their functions include reducing unwanted reflections, controlling transmission, reflecting selected wavelengths, and filtering or separating spectral bands. The same clear-looking window can therefore serve very different purposes: transmitting a processing laser beam, protecting a …
Where Are Optical Coatings Used? Key Industries and Applications Read More »
Replacing a protective lens exposes an optical surface at the moment it needs careful handling. Dust from the workshop, fibers from wiping materials or a fingerprint introduced during installation can leave a replacement optic in a different condition from the one supplied. Clean handling for laser cutting head optics helps preserve that surface condition between …
Why Clean Handling Matters When Replacing Laser Cutting Head Optics Read More »
A physical sample can be a useful starting point for a custom optical component inquiry when a complete drawing is unavailable. Manufacturing may be possible after the requirements and feasibility are confirmed. The sample alone does not guarantee that every original dimension, material, coating or optical requirement can be recovered. Likai Laser evaluates custom optical …
Can You Manufacture a Custom Optical Component From a Sample Without a Drawing? Read More »
The optical lens manufacturing process may include raw material preparation, initial shaping, grinding and polishing, cleaning, coating and inspection before shipment. The production route depends on the material, lens geometry, optical requirements, coating specification, quantity and application. A standard lens made to an established specification may follow a familiar route; a custom component needs its …
Optical Lens Manufacturing Process: From Raw Material to Final Inspection Read More »
A standard optical lens is made to an established product specification. It is a practical choice when an existing size, geometry and coating already match the application, particularly for repeat purchasing. A custom optical lens is evaluated against requirements outside that existing range, such as different dimensions, a customer drawing or a specific processing or …
Standard vs. Custom Optical Lenses: What Buyers Need to Know Read More »
Fiber laser cutting systems rely on replaceable consumables and internal components for daily operation, maintenance and consistent cutting performance. Purchasing teams may need cutting nozzles, ceramic rings, protective optics, internal lens assemblies and cleaning tools, each with a different specification. Knowing which component is required helps avoid ordering a part that looks familiar but does …
Optical coating is used in precision lenses, camera-related optics, industrial glass components, laser systems and other optical applications. It applies functional layers to a component’s surface to meet an optical requirement, such as controlling how the surface interacts with light. For a buyer, the starting point is the part’s role in the finished product and …
Optical Coating for Glass, Plastic and Metal Substrates Read More »