Laser Safety Acrylic Sheet

Laser Protection | Optical Clarity | Customizable Options |  ​​​​​​CE/ANSI 
Laser protective acrylic 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, Andisco laser safety acrylic sheets meet rigorous safety standards to ensure reliable protection against a wide range of laser wavelengths.

What is Laser Protective Sheets?

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 acrylic sheets.

Laser Safety Polycarbonate Sheet Properties and Benefits

✅ High Laser Protection
Specially formulated to absorb and block laser radiation across critical wavelengths (e.g., CO2, Nd:YAG, and fiber lasers), reducing risks of exposure and accidents.

✅ Optical Clarity
Maintain clear visibility with minimal distortion, allowing operators to monitor laser processes safely without compromising precision.

✅ Impact-Resistant & Shatterproof
10x stronger than glass, these polycarbonate sheets resist cracks, scratches, and harsh impacts, ensuring long-lasting performance even in demanding environments.

✅ Lightweight & Durable
Easy to install and handle, our sheets are heat-resistant, UV-stable, and chemically inert, making them suitable for indoor and outdoor applications.

✅ Customizable Options
Available in multiple thicknesses (3mm to 12mm) and sizes to fit enclosures, windows, barriers, or custom laser safety setups.

Types of Laser Safety Polycarbonate Sheets

1. Far-Infrared Band (CO₂ Lasers: 10.6μm / 10,600nm)

Key Applications

Industrial Manufacturing: CO₂ laser cutting, engraving, and welding machines (enclosures, observation windows).

Medical Aesthetics: CO₂ laser skin resurfacing devices, surgical suite barriers.

Scientific Research: Far-infrared laser spectroscopy systems.

Protection Requirements

Optical Density (OD): OD6–OD7 (for high-power industrial lasers).

 

2. Near-Infrared Band (Fiber/YAG Lasers: 1064nm / 1μm)

Key Applications

Metal Processing: Fiber laser marking, cutting, and welding equipment.

Medical Devices: Nd:YAG laser lithotripters, ophthalmic surgical tools.

Defense Systems: Laser rangefinders, targeting systems.

Protection Requirements

Optical Density (OD): OD4–OD6 (adjust based on pulsed/continuous wave).

 

3. Ultraviolet Band (UV Lasers: 266–355nm)

Key Applications

Precision Manufacturing: UV laser micro-drilling, semiconductor wafer dicing.

Medical Treatments: Excimer lasers (e.g., 308nm for psoriasis therapy).

Research Labs: UV spectroscopy, fluorescence excitation chambers.

Protection Requirements:

Optical Density (OD): OD5–OD7 (UV requires high attenuation).

 

4. Visible Light Band (Green/Blue Lasers: 532nm, 450nm, etc.)

Key Applications:

Entertainment: High-power laser light shows, stage barriers.

Education & Research: Holography experiments, optical alignment systems.

Industrial Inspection: Laser-guided calibration tools.

Protection Requirements

Optical Density (OD): OD3–OD5 (for low-to-mid power setups).

 

5. Mid-Infrared Band (2–5μm: Thulium/HF Lasers)

Key Applications

Medical Surgery: Thulium lasers (1940nm) for urology procedures.

Environmental Monitoring: Gas detection sensors using mid-IR lasers.

Advanced Manufacturing: Plastic welding, 3D printing lasers.

Protection Requirements

Optical Density (OD): OD4–OD6 (varies by continuous/pulsed mode).

Laser Safety Acrylic Sheets Technical Data

No. Wavelength  Range OD) VLT Typical Wavelength
GM1 190–550 nm OD4+/OD6+ 30% 355nm, 405nm, 450nm, 515nm, 520nm, 532nm
GM3 190–450 nm 980nm, 1064nm, 1070nm
800–1100 nm OD4+/OD6+ 60%  
GM9G 190–550 nm OD5+ 532nm, 980nm, 1064nm, 1070nm, 1080nm, 10600nm
900–1100 nm OD5+ 30%  
10600 nm  
GM9 190–450 nm 355nm, 1064nm, 1070nm, 1080nm, 10600nm
900–1800 nm OD5+/OD8+ 35%  
10600 nm  

How To Choose A Right Laser Safety Acrylic Sheets

Wavelength determines the material composition, thickness correlates with the OD value, and the OD value quantifies the level of protection. In practical applications, it is essential to accurately establish the relationship among these three factors through spectral testing and adherence to safety standards, thereby avoiding insufficient protection or overdesign.
Summary: 
- Wavelength dictates the material composition, thickness underpins the optical density (OD) value, and the OD value quantifies the level of protection.
- In practical applications, the interrelationship among these three factors must be accurately balanced through spectral analysis and safety standard calculations to prevent inadequate protection or over-engineering.

Scenario-based Solutions of Laser Safety Polycarbonate Sheet

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 Acrylic Sheets Applications Across Industries

Technical Comparison &Application Laser Safety Acrylic vs. Polycarbonate

Property

Laser Safety Polycarbonate

Laser Safety Acrylic (PMMA)

Impact Resistance

Excellent (Shatterproof)

❌ Poor (Brittle, may shatter)

Scratch Resistance

❌ Moderate (Requires coatings)

High (Harder surface)

Optical Clarity

Good (Slight tint in thick sections)

Excellent (Superior transparency)

UV Stability

Excellent (Minimal OD degradation)

Poor (Dyes degrade → OD loss over time)

Laser Protection Efficiency

Higher OD per mm (Thinner sheets suffice)

Requires thicker sheets for equivalent OD

Flame Resistance

Self-extinguishing (UL94 V-0/V-2)

❌ Burns readily (unless FR-treated)

Long-Term OD Reliability

Stable for decades

Risky (Degrades under UV/light exposure)

Cost

❌ Higher (30–50% more)

Lower

Weight

Lighter (Thinner sheets achieve high OD)

Heavier (Thicker sheets needed)

Best For

• High-impact environments (industrial)
• UV-exposed areas
• Critical safety applications

• Low-impact labs (visible lasers)
• Budget projects
• Short-term use

Maintenance of Laser Safety Acrylic Sheet

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.

Laser Safety Acrylic Certification and Test

Call-to-Action & Support

  • Customization Services 
Beyond standard sheets, ANDISCO specializes in transforming raw polycarbonate into precisely engineered safety windows. Leveraging our advanced CNC machining and thermoforming capabilities, we can produce SLS03 panels in virtually any size, shape, or configuration to perfectly fit your equipment design.
  • Service Available
  1. CNC Routing & Cutting
    1. Laser Cutting 
  2. Thermoforming & Bending
  3. Drilling & Edge Finishing
  4. Hardcoating (ESD anti static,abrasion resistance,anti fingerprint,hydrophobic,weather resistance,etc.)
  • How to Order 
Step 1: Inquire: Tell us your required dimensions, quantity, and application via our contact form or email.
Step 2: Quote: We'll provide a competitive quote and lead time.
Step 3: Confirm: Approve the design and order details.
Step 4: Produce & Deliver: We manufacture and ship your custom SLS03 safety windows globally.
Ready to secure your laser environment with CE certified solutions? Get a Quote Now!

Laser Safety Acrylic Sheet FAQ

  • 1. Can I cut/drill laser acrylic myself?

    A

    Not recommended! Modifications can:

    • Crack the sheet.

    • Create unprotected edges.

    • Compromise OD near cut lines.
      → Order custom-sized sheets from certified suppliers.

  • 2. When should I avoid using laser acrylic?

    A
    • High-impact zones (e.g., workshops with flying debris).

    • UV-exposed areas (windows, sunlit rooms).

    • Ultrafast/high-peak-power lasers (risk of nonlinear damage).

    • Unmonitored environments (no regular OD checks).

  • 3. Is certified laser acrylic safe for all lasers?

    A

    No! It is wavelength-specific. Always:

    • Match the sheet to your laser’s exact wavelength (e.g., 1064 nm, 10.6 µm).

    • Verify its OD rating meets your laser’s power/energy (per standards like EN 207, ANSI Z136).

  • 4. Can I use laser acrylic outdoors or near windows?

    A NO! 
    Ambient UV accelerates degradation. Use only in UV-controlled environments (e.g., windowless labs with artificial lighting). For UV-exposed areas, polycarbonate is mandatory.
  • 5. How long does laser acrylic last?

    A
    • Unprotected: OD degrades significantly in 1–5 years if exposed to UV.

    • UV-stabilized: Specialized sheets last 10+ years (verify with manufacturer testing).

    • Always monitor: Replace if scratches, cracks, or discoloration appear.

  • 6. What are the BIGGEST risks of laser safety acrylic sheet?

    A

    ⚠️ UV degradation: Exposure to sunlight/UV lights causes dye breakdown → OD loss over time (potentially rendering it unsafe!).

    ⚠️ Brittleness: Shatters on impact → not suitable for high-risk industrial environments.

  • 7. What are key advantages of laser safety acrylic sheet?

    A
    • Optical clarity: Superior light transmission vs. polycarbonate.

    • Scratch resistance: Harder surface resists daily wear.

    • Cost-effective: 30–50% cheaper than polycarbonate.

    • Lightweight: Ideal for portable enclosures or eyewear.

  • 8. How does laser safety acrylic sheet protect against lasers?

    A A: The embedded absorbers/dyes convert laser light into heat, preventing transmission. Protection is highly wavelength-dependent (e.g., a sheet for CO₂ lasers won’t work for Nd:YAG lasers).
  • 9. What is laser safety acrylic?

    A

    A: A transparent acrylic (PMMA) sheet infused with wavelength-specific dyes or absorbers to block laser radiation. It’s engineered to achieve a specific Optical Density (OD) to protect users from laser exposure.

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Engineered for Your Demond

ANDISCO is a vertically integrated leading manufacturer that offers polycarbonate & acrylic products' end-to-end process service .From material formulation to final assembly, we ensure superior quality, durability, and customization, backed by proprietary technologies and expert collaboration.
As a vertically integrated manufacturer, we control the entire process from proprietary material formulation to finished product assembly, offering tailored, high-performance polycarbonate and acrylic products.

Contact Us

Add: 1st Floor, Workshop 2, No.15, ChunshanRoad, Chunjiang Street,  Xinbei District, Jiangsu Province
Tel: +86-156 51226398/13801503869
Sales Service: andisco001@esdacrylic.com
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