Laser Safety Polycarbonate Window Panel(1)

Laser Safety Polycarbonate Window Panel for CNC Machine

Laserscreen SLS03 - CE Certified Laser Safety Polycarbonate

OD 5＋/ OD 6＋/OD 7＋ | Wavelength:850nm-1200nm | VLT＞28% | EN 12254 : 2010 + AC : 2011

Laser protective polycarbonate sheet is engineered for precision and durability, these sheets are designed to block harmful laser radiation while maintaining exceptional visibility and impact resistance. Ideal for industrial, medical, and research environments, our polycarbonate sheets meet rigorous safety standards to ensure reliable protection against a wide range of laser wavelengths.

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What is an impact-resistant laser safety window? It's a custom-made PC board for protecting Class 3/4 laser equipment.

Laser safety sheets usually refer to the working window panels installed on laser equipment for observing the working conditions inside the equipment. They are particularly common in Class 3 and Class 4 laser devices. The main materials are acrylic or polycarbonate plates. Because Class 3 and Class 4 lasers are of too high a grade, even diffuse reflection can harm the eyes of operators, let alone staring at the equipment for a long time to observe its operation. Moreover, both China's GB7247 (Safety Standard for Laser Products) and the EU's EN60825 standard have mentioned that for Class 3 and Class 4 laser devices, fixed or movable baffles that can block laser beams or diffuse reflections must be installed. Such baffles can be non-transparent, but in actual operation, laser protection windows that allow observation are more favored by manufacturers.

Laser protective polycarbonate sheet has been widely applied as cover plates, view windows and other partitions, dividers, and mobile protective screens in laser processing equipment and laser marking systems for various wavelengths of lasers.

Here we mainly discuss about laser safety polycarbonate sheets.

Laser radiation hazards: Why do industrial protection systems require the installation of OD-optimized safety panels to block diffuse reflection?

The Hazards of Lasers to the Human Body: An Invisible Threat That Cannot Be Ignored.
Industrial lasers, with their high energy density and precision, have revolutionized modern manufacturing.However, their potential risks to human health are equally significant and must not be overlooked. The primary hazards of laser exposure are directed toward the eyes and skin, with ocular tissues being particularly vulnerable due to their sensitivity and susceptibility to irreversible damage. Even brief exposure to direct or reflected beams from high-power lasers can result in the beam being focused onto the retina, leading to thermal burns or photochemical injury. Such damage may cause permanent visual impairment, including blind spots, blurred vision, or complete blindness. Notably, because the effects are often painless and asymptomatic upon initial exposure, individuals may fail to recognize the injury until substantial harm has occurred. In addition, laser radiation can induce severe cutaneous injuries, ranging from erythema to deep tissue carbonization, which may lead to persistent scarring and impaired healing. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet laser wavelengths may further contribute to premature skin aging and an elevated risk of skin carcinogenesis. Beyond direct biological effects, secondary hazards such as inhalation of toxic fumes, airborne particulate matter, and associated risks of fire or electrical shock during laser operations present additional occupational safety concerns.

Therefore, stringent laser safety measures—particularly the implementation of internationally certified protective enclosures and engineering controls—are essential to safeguard operator health and ensure a secure working environment.

Key advantages: Enhanced hard coating, high VLT and shock resistance, perfectly matched to fiber lasers.

ECS Certified Safety

Strictly in compliance with European industrial laser safety standards, it provides the highest level of protection for your equipment and personnel.

Optimized for Fiber Lasers

We provides highly efficient OD 5+ protection for fiber lasers in the 1060-1080nm band and is widely applicable to laser cutting, welding, marking and other equipment.

Crystal-Clear Vision (VLT 28~40%)

While ensuring safety, it provides excellent visible light transmittance to ensure that operators can clearly observe the working area and improve work efficiency.

Superior Durability

Made of enhanced polycarbonate, it has strong impact resistance, is not easy to break, which extends the service life and reduces replacement costs.

Versatile Applications

Ideal materials for observation windows, protective screens and equipment enclosures.

Customization Available

One-stop solution and customization service is carried out based on the specific size and shape of your equipment.

Key Indicators for Laser Safety Panels: Significance of Optical Density (OD), Laser Wavelength, and Visible Light Transmittance (VLT)

1. Laser Wavelength - "Which type of laser is being protected against?"
Imagine a "key and lock" scenario. Each type of laser (fiber, CO2, UV, etc.) emits light of a specific wavelength (or band), which is the "key". Our protective plates need to contain dyes that can absorb this specific wavelength, which is the "lock".
There is no "universal" laser protection plate. A plate that can perfectly protect against 1064nm fiber lasers may be completely ineffective against 10600nm CO2 lasers.

2. Optical Density (OD) - "How strong a laser can it block?"
Optical Density (OD value) is a "combat power index" for measuring protective capability. It is not a linear unit but a logarithmic one, meaning that for every increase of 1 OD value, the protective capability increases by 10 times.
OD 1 = blocks 90% of laser energy (10% penetration)
OD 2 = Blocks 99% of laser energy (1% penetration)
...
OD 6 = Blocks 99.9999% of laser energy (0.0001% transmission)
OD 7 = Blocks 99.99999% of laser energy (0.00001% transmission)
The greater the power of the laser, the higher the required OD value. Safety standards will precisely calculate the necessary safety OD value based on parameters such as laser power and spot size.

3. Visible Light Transmission (VLT) - "Is the view clear?"
VLT represents the "transparency" of this sheet material, expressed as a percentage. It indicates what proportion of the natural light visible to the human eye can pass through the sheet.
This is a crucial balance point. Chemical dyes used to absorb laser light usually have a color (such as the common green or orange), which reduces the visible light transmittance (VLT). Generally speaking, the higher the OD value or the wider the band of protection required, the lower the VLT.

Typical Property Values of Laser Protective Polycarbonate
Wave Length	Color	Thickness (mm)	OD	VLT	Density	Haze（％）	Tensile strength （MPa）	Expansion & Contraction （％）	Elasticity （MPa）	Impact （KJ/m2）	HRC	Heat Distortion Temperature （℃）	Thermal Expansion （℃）	Water Absorption	Flame Resistance
Wave Length	Color	Thickness (mm)	OD	VLT	ASTM D792	ASTM D1003	ASTM D638	ASTM D638	ASTM D790	ASTM D256	ASTM D785	ASTM D648	ASTM D696	ASTM D570	UL-94
532nm	Orange	5	5+	30%	1.2	0.9	71	115	88	13	76	127	5.2×10^-5	0.15	V-0
1064m	Dark Green	5	6+	20%	1.2	0.9	71	115	88	13	76	127	5.2×10^-5	0.15	V-0
	Light Green	5	6+	20%	1.2	0.9	71	115	88	13	76	127	5.2×10^-5	0.15	V-0
	Brown	5	6+	10%	1.2	0.9	71	115	88	13	76	127	5.2×10^-5	0.15	V-0
532&1064nm	Brown	5	4+	＜10%	1.2	0.9	71	115	88	13	76	127	5.2×10^-5	0.15	V-0

Scenario-based laser safety window solution: Customized for CO₂ lasers and welding equipment

MATERIAL	SKU	COLOR	WAVELENGTH RANGE	OPTICAL DENSITY	VLT(%)		DIMENSION	THICKNESS
MATERIAL	SKU	COLOR	(nm)	(OD)	NO ESD	ESD COATED	(mm)	(mm)
PMMA	SLS02C-GN00-02	GN00(Dark Green)	200-450 & 780-1100	＞6	45	40	MAX:1200x2400 MIN:50X50	5mm
	SLS02C-BN00-02	BN00(Brown)	200-540 & 780-1100	＞6	26	22
	SLS02C-OE00-02	OE00(Orange)	200-540	＞4	50	45
PC	SLS03E-GN00-01	GN00(Dark Green)	190-400 & 800-1700	＞6	17	14
	SLS02C-GN01-01	GN01(Green)	190-400 & 800-1700	＞6	17	14
	SLS03E-BN00-01	BN00(Brown)	190-400 & 850-1700	＞4	12	10

Multi-industry applications: Protective and observation panels for laser processing equipment, and alternatives to laser safety acrylic.

Industry	Typical Equipment	Recommended Protection Plan
Automobile Manufacturing	Laser Welding Robot	10 mm thick polycarbonate sheet with an outer diameter of 6 mm, providing protection against 1064 nm laser wavelengths and splash resistance.
Electronic Precision Processing	UV Laser Micro-etching Machine	5 mm thick, OD5 UV-blocking specialty plate with 355 nm protection
Medical Cosmetology	Picosecond Laser Freckle Removal Device	8 mm thick laminated sheet with an outer diameter of 6 mm (dual-band: 532 nm + 1064 nm)
Aerospace	High-energy laser surface treatment equipment	Custom sheet with a thickness of 15mm and an outer diameter of 7, featuring a 10.6μm coating and impact resistance.

Laser Safety Polycarbonate Sheets Applications Across Industries

Fiber Laser Cutting Machines
Laser Welding Workstations
Laser Marking & Engraving Systems
Laser Cleaning Equipment
Research & Lab Laser Safety Screens

EN 12254 Standard: Impact-resistant polycarbonate sheets - OD testing and CE certification process

ANDISCO laser safety polycarbonate sheet passed the test by ECS GmbH institution in accordance with EN 12254:2010 + AC:2011 standard.

It do not merely reflect laser beams,instead, they achieve protection by incorporating a specially formulated absorptive dye into the polycarbonate substrate. These dyes precisely absorb the energy of laser beams at specific wavelengths and safely convert it into heat energy for dissipation, eliminating harmful radiation at its source. This absorption-based technology ensures comprehensive protection, remaining effective even against scattered light and multi-angle reflections.

Marking	Laser Type	Protection grade	Applicable wavelength range (nm)
DIR AB4	Continuous wave(D),Impulse(I), Giant pulse(R)	AB4	875 – 960
DIR AB5	Continuous wave(D),Impulse(I), Giant pulse(R)	AB5	>960 – 1400
DI AB3	Continuous wave(D),Impulse(I), Giant pulse(R)	AB3	>1400 – 1900

Reinforced hard coating on laser-protected PC sheets: improves abrasion resistance and chemical resistance

Hardened laser safety polycarbonate sheets have seen significant improvements in scratch resistance, wear resistance, and chemical resistance. For instance, after coating, the sheets can pass the Taber abrasion test, with a haze change of less than 1.5% after 1000 revolutions, and an initial haze of less than 0.5%. This enhanced surface performance enables polycarbonate to be suitable for harsh industrial environments, ensuring that laser protection windows maintain their optical integrity and protective capabilities over long-term use.
The development of ANDISCO hardening coating technologies is a key factor driving the widespread use of polycarbonate in demanding industrial applications. It transforms polycarbonate from a highly impact-resistant but vulnerable material into a comprehensive and robust solution. This surface engineering is not only a value-added service but, in many cases, a prerequisite for application, especially in scenarios involving frequent contact with chemicals (such as cleaning solvents) and mechanical wear, thereby ensuring the long-term integrity and optical clarity of safety windows.

Installation of Laser Safety Polycarbonate Enclosure

Design principles of laser safety enclosure

The primary goal of a laser safety enclosure is to completely confine laser radiation (including direct beams and any stray reflections) within the designated area under all normal operating conditions and foreseeable faults. The materials of the fence, including observation windows, must be capable of withstanding the laser power without failure.

Frame and sealing

Polycarbonate protective windows must be securely installed in a rigid frame. All seams and gaps must be effectively sealed to prevent any laser leakage. In the design, both the need for ventilation and heat dissipation and the enclosure's airtightness must be considered. Usually, polycarbonate sheets need to be custom-cut and formed according to the specific design of the equipment.

Integration with safety systems

For Class 4 laser applications, the ANSI Z136.1 standard mandates that the fence's doors and movable panels must be interlocked with a safety interlock system. When the door or panel is opened, the interlock must immediately and automatically cut off the laser output, which is one of the most critical engineering control measures.

Is Laser protection Panel Most Sufficient Part for A Laser Safety System?？

Definitel Caution to Laser (1) y no!

The laser protective panel you are viewing has outstanding optical properties and serves as the first physical barrier for the safety of your laser system. However, as your safety partner, we have the responsibility to remind you that a single material layer cannot eliminate all engineering risks.

The laser protection panel is extremely good at handling optical attenuation along known paths, but it is a passive form of protection. In complex engineering installations, please also pay attention to the following:

Gap risk: Is it possible for the laser to bypass the sheet material and leak out through the window frame or structural joints?
Logical gap: When the protective panel is temporarily removed or the door is opened, will the system be able to automatically shut off the laser?
Unexpected reflection: Secondary reflection caused by an irregular workpiece. Is this within the range of your material coverage?

Therefore,the correct selection of components has solved the problem of "light not being able to pass through", but true safety also requires the coordination of component interlocks and system logic.

Maintaince of Laser Safety Products

Establishing and implementing formal maintenance procedures is the cornerstone for ensuring the long-term effectiveness of laser protection systems.

Routine inspections

The laser safety plan should include regular visual inspections of protective windows and barriers. The inspection should cover, but not be limited to, deep scratches, stress cracking (silver streaks), cracks, discoloration, cloudiness, and any signs of damage caused by the laser (such as pits, carbonization or melting marks). 。 Any protective window found to be damaged has lost its protective capability and must be immediately stopped from use and replaced.

Cleaning Procedure

What seems like a simple cleaning task is actually a key control point for maintaining the long-term safety of polycarbonate protective windows. Using the wrong cleaning agent (for example, common ammonia-based glass cleaners) can cause microscopic cracks (i.e., stress cracking) on the material surface that are difficult to detect with the naked eye. These microcracks not only reduce optical transparency but, more seriously, they become stress concentration points, significantly weakening the material's originally excellent impact resistance. Under thermal stress from laser exposure or external mechanical shock, these microcracks may expand, eventually leading to catastrophic failure of the protective window.

Therefore, establishing and strictly adhering to the correct cleaning procedures is not just for aesthetics but a fundamental requirement for maintaining the integrity of engineering control measures.

Material lifespan of Laser Safety Polycarbonate Sheets

Ultraviolet degradation

Standard polycarbonate without special treatment is relatively sensitive to long-term ultraviolet radiation. After being used in direct sunlight for 5-7 years, it may show aging phenomena such as yellowing and fogging, thereby reducing transparency. Therefore, high-quality protective sheets used outdoors or in environments with intense ultraviolet radiation usually extend their service life to 10-15 years or even longer by adding ultraviolet stabilizers or co-extruding an anti-ultraviolet coating on their surface.

Thermal aging

Even in environments far below its heat distortion temperature, prolonged thermal exposure can cause physical and chemical aging of polycarbonate. This process may include molecular chain breakage, microcrack formation, and increased crystallinity, ultimately leading to a decline in mechanical properties (such as Young's modulus), material brittleness, and possible sudden fractures without warning. This is a long-term risk that must be considered for enclosures of high-power laser equipment that generate a large amount of environmental heat.

Laser-induced degradation

Even laser radiation below the single-shot damage threshold can cause cumulative damage through repeated stray light exposure. This may manifest as photobleaching of absorbing dyes or gradual degradation of the polymer matrix, thereby reducing the OD value of the protective window over time. Regular visual inspections are key to detecting such early degradation.

Top 10 Polycarbonate Fabrication and Machining Solution Suppliers You Should Know

(FAQ) about Laser Protective PC Boards: OD Selection, Laser Wavelength Protection, and Customization

1. Do you offer protection for other laser types?

A Yes, we are actively developing and expanding our product line. In addition to SLS03 for fiber laser protection, we are also working on high-performance safety solutions for CO₂ lasers (leveraging PC's natural absorption properties), as well as UV and Green lasers. Please keep an eye on our website for updates or contact us directly for the latest product information.
There are not only polycarbonate sheets but also laser safety acrylic sheets from OD5+ to OD7+.
2. How do I determine the correct OD value and wavelength protection for my laser safety window?

A The most accurate method is to consult your laser equipment's user manual or contact the laser manufacturer to obtain precise laser output wavelengths and maximum power. Then, based on relevant international safety standards (e.g., EN 12254 or ANSI Z136.1) and a risk assessment of your specific application, determine the minimum required OD value. If you are unsure, please feel free to contact our team of experts; we will provide professional advice based on your information.
3. How should I clean and maintain my laser safety window?

A Please use a soft, lint-free cloth (such as a microfiber cloth) with mild soap and water or a specialized polycarbonate cleaner. Avoid using cleaning agents containing ammonia, alcohol, acetone, or other corrosive chemicals, and refrain from using abrasive cleaning tools or materials, as these can scratch or damage the panel surface. Regularly inspect the safety window for scratches, cracks, or discoloration, and replace it immediately if severely damaged.
4. Can you provide custom sizes and shapes for laser safety windows?

A Absolutely. We leverage our advanced CNC machining and thermoforming capabilities to produce laser safety windows in various shapes and sizes, precisely tailored to your specific drawings and dimensional requirements. Whether your equipment has standard dimensions or unique, complex designs, we can deliver precise custom solutions.
5. What are the advantages of Polycarbonate (PC) as a laser safety material?

A Polycarbonate is an exceptional thermoplastic material known for its outstanding impact resistance, making it an ideal choice for laser safety windows that need to withstand splashes or accidental impacts. Furthermore, by incorporating specific absorbing dyes, PC can provide efficient optical density protection for various laser wavelengths while maintaining good visible light transmission.
6. Do your laser safety windows comply with international safety standards?

A Yes, our Laserscreen SLS03 product has obtained CE EN 12254:2010 + AC:2011 certification from ECS GmbH (Notified Body 1883). This signifies that it fully complies with the most stringent European safety requirements for laser working place filters and screens.
7. What is VLT (Visible Light Transmission), and why is it important?

A VLT, or Visible Light Transmission, is the percentage of visible light that passes through the safety window. While ensuring laser safety (high OD value), a higher VLT means operators can observe the working area more clearly, improving efficiency and comfort. Laserscreen SLS03 maintains approximately 40% VLT while providing high OD protection, balancing safety with visual clarity.
8. What is OD (Optical Density), and what does it mean for laser protection?

A OD, or Optical Density, is a logarithmic measure of a laser safety material's ability to block laser light. A higher OD value indicates stronger protection. For example, OD 5 means the material blocks 99.999% of laser energy, while OD 6 blocks 99.9999%. The correct OD value selection depends on your laser's power, wavelength, and the safety level required for your specific application.
9. Which laser types does your Laserscreen SLS03 product primarily protect against?

A The Laserscreen SLS03 is primarily designed to protect against Fiber Lasers and Diode Lasers. Its core protective wavelength ranges are >960nm - 1400nm (providing OD 5 protection) and 875nm - 960nm (providing OD 4 protection). This makes it an ideal choice for fiber laser equipment used in common industrial applications such as laser cutting, welding, and marking.
10. Why does my laser equipment need a laser safety window?

A
Industrial lasers, with their powerful energy output, pose significant risks. Direct or reflected laser beams can cause permanent damage to human eyes and skin. Laser safety windows are mandatory safety components, compliant with international standards (like CE EN 12254), effectively blocking harmful laser radiation. They protect operators, prevent accidental damage to equipment from scattered laser light, and ensure your operations meet regulatory requirements.