Focus Lenses for Trotec Laser Machines.

The right lens for perfect results.
Optimal results during laser engraving or laser cutting are achieved by using different lenses. This works in the same way as for a camera that uses different lenses for close-up and wide angle photographs. The various lenses differ by their respective focal distances. The focal distance is indicated in inches. This is the distance from the lens to the focus. The focus, in turn, is the smallest beam diameter (before and behind the focus, the beam expands again). A small beam diameter means a high energy density (= intensity), i. e. an 'aggressive' beam. A focal distance of 2 inches, for example, means that the maximum intensity is reached when the workpiece surface to be cut or engraved is positioned 2 inches (= 5.08 cm) underneath the lens.

How to choose the right focus lens.
The decision on what lens to use depends on a number of factors: laser power, type of material, degree of detail and resolution of the graphic (dpi), thickness of the material. The following rule of thumb can be applied: The greater the degree of detail of the graphic, the shorter the focal distance during laser engraving. The thicker the material during laser cutting, the greater the focal distance.
The following lenses are available for Trotec laser systems:
(⚪ = optional, ⚫ = standard)
Lens | 100 | 100 fiber | 100 flexx | 300 | 300 fiber | 300 flexx | 360 | 360 fiber | 360 flexx | 400 | 400 flexx | 500 | 1500 | 3000 | Q400 | Q500 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1.5 inch CO2 | ⚫ | ⎯ | ⚪ | ⚫ | ⎯ | ⚪ | ⚪ | ⎯ | ⚪ | ⚪ | ⚪ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ |
2.0 inch CO2 | ⚪ | ⎯ | ⚪ | ⚪ | ⎯ | ⚪ | ⚫ | ⎯ | ⚪ | ⚫ | ⚪ | ⚫ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⚫ | ⚫ |
2.0 inch CO2 clearance lense | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⚪ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ |
2.5 inch CO2 | ⚪ | ⎯ | ⚪ | ⚪ | ⎯ | ⚪ | ⚪ | ⎯ | ⚪ | ⚪ | ⚪ | ⚪ | ⚫ | ⚫ | ⎯ | ⎯ |
2.5 inch CO2 clearance lens | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⚪ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ |
2.85 inch flexx | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⚫ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⚫ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⚫ | ⎯ | ⚫ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ |
3.2 inch fiber | ⎯ | ⚫ | ⚪ | ⎯ | ⚫ | ⚪ | ⎯ | ⚫ | ⚪ | ⎯ | ⚪ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ |
3.75 inch CO2 | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⚪ | ⎯ | ⚪ | ⎯ | ⎯ |
4.0 inch CO2 | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⚪ | ⎯ | ⚪ | ⚪ | ⎯ | ⚪ | ⚪ | ⚪ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⚪ | ⚪ |
5.0 inch CO2 | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⚪ | ⚫ | ⚪ | ⎯ | ⎯ |
5.0 inch fiber | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⚪ | ⚪ | ⎯ | ⚪ | ⚪ | ⎯ | ⚪ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ |
7.5 inch CO2 | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⎯ | ⚪ | ⚪ | ⎯ | ⎯ |
1.5 inch CO2 | Graphics with fine detail, (resolution > 500 dpi), rubber stamps with thin letters | Lower laser power, thin materials (e. g. paper), acrylic < 6 mm, wood of medium hardness < 8 mm. |
---|---|---|
2.0 inch CO2 | Graphics with medium detail and resolution (resolution 500 dpi; with reduced definition up to a resolution of 100 dpi), standard engraving | Medium laser power, acrylic < 8 mm, wood of medium hardness < 12 mm. |
2.0 inch CO2 clearance lens | Mainly used for cutting | See 2.0 inch lens. Increases the distance between laser head and material. Is especially useful if the increased distance is required due to the material and the graphic |
2.5 inch CO2 | Graphics with low detail, low resolution (< 500 dpi). Engraving on heat-sensitive materials (e. g. laminate) if large areas have to be removed completely. | High laser power, acrylic <12 mm, wood of medium hardness <15 mm Better quality of edges during laser cutting than for lower focal distances |
2.5 inch CO2 clearance lens | Mainly used for cutting. | See 2.5 inch lens. Increases the distance between laser head and material. Is especially useful if the increased distance is required due to the material and the graphic. |
2.85 inch flexx | Standard lens for Speedy 300 flexx. Is transmissive for both CO2 lasers and fiber lasers. Both laser sources can be used without changing the lens. Other characteristics as 2.5 inch CO2 lens or 3.2 inch fiber lens | Characteristics as 2.5 inch CO2 lens or 3.2 inch fiber lens |
3.2 inch fiber | Standard lens for fiber lasers with extremely small focal diameter. Graphics with fine detail, ( > 500 dpi resolution) | |
3.75 inch CO2 | Lens for SP500 rotary engraving unit. Permits engraving of round objects with diameters of less than 50 mm | |
4.0 inch CO2 | Engraving by burning of wood, laser engraving of graphics with low detail with high laser powers | Foam rubber |
5.0 inch CO2 | Is not used for laser engraving | High laser power, acrylic < 25 mm, wood of medium hardness < 20 mm Better quality of edges during laser cutting than for smaller focal distances |
5.0 inch fiber | Lens for fiber lasers if materials that are not absolutely plane are to be labeled. The greater focal distance results in a greater tolerance during focusing. | |
7.5 inch CO2 (for SP1500) | Is not used for laser engraving | High laser power, acrylic < 40 mm, Better quality of edges during laser cutting than for smaller focal distances |
Lens | Area of use engraving / marking | Area of use cutting |