Desktop laser engraver, due to its compact design, flexible operation and wide application in personalized service, gets a seat at the table of electronics, craft gifts, jewelry industries. Once you get the package of a new laser marking machine, have you ever searched for the free packed accessory -- laser safety glasses? This guide covers:
1. How does desktop laser engraver work?
2. Laser hazards explained
3. Why do we need a pair of laser safety goggles?
4. How to choose the best laser safety goggles?
5. FAQs
1. How does desktop laser engraver work?
With the growing trend of laser marking machine becoming more "desktop-friendly," an increasing number of non-industrial environments are adopting laser marking machines. These devices use a laser beam to locally heat, ablate, or induce photochemical reactions on the material surface, creating permanent patterns, characters, or codes. A desktop laser engraver offers high precision, non-contact processing, and high automation.
The most commonly used types of desktop laser marking machines include:
- Fiber Laser: 1064nm wavelength – ideal for metals and some plastics
- CO₂ Laser: 10.6μm wavelength – best for wood, leather, rubber
- Infrared Laser: 800-1500nm range – used for glass, plastics, ceramics
- Diode Laser: 450nm wavelength – suitable for wood engraving
2. Laser hazards explained
Laser beams concentrate extreme energy density, posing serious eye risks during operation. Eye damage from lasers is both irreversible and often underestimated. Wearing proper laser protective eyewear is critical for laser safety and preventing permanent vision loss.
The human eye is highly sensitive to lasers, and its structure functions as a natural optical focusing system. Once the laser beam (especially with wavelengths between 400nm and 1400nm) enters the eye, it is focused by the lens onto the retina, resulting in localized high-temperature burns. This retinal damage typically occurs within the wavelength range emitted by fiber lasers, infrared lasers, or certain diode lasers, and it can be highly destructive and irreversible.
While longer-wavelength CO₂ lasers cannot penetrate the lens to reach the retina, their energy is strongly absorbed by the cornea and tear film, causing thermal damage to the tissue. This can lead to corneal burns, edema, chronic inflammation, and even cataracts.
- Laser safety note: Many underestimate protection needs with desktop lasers. Damage depends on wavelength (not machine size), energy density, and exposure time. Standards like ANSI Z136 and EN 60825 require certified eyewear for all systems.3. Why we need a pair of laser safety goggles?
Laser safety glasses protect by absorbing or reflecting specific wavelengths, preventing eye tissue damage. Quality laser safety spectacles block harmful radiation while maintaining visible light transmission (VLT) for clear vision.
3.1 OD (Optical Density)
This indicates the attenuation capability of the glasses for a specific laser wavelength. Each increase of 1 in OD corresponds to a tenfold reduction in laser intensity. For example, an OD4 rating means the eyewear blocks 10,000 times the laser energy.
3.2 VLT (Visible Light Transmission)
This refers to the percentage of visible light that can pass through the lenses, directly affecting visual clarity. A higher OD does not necessarily mean darker vision—quality lenses can provide both high protection and excellent visibility.
3.3 Wavelength Matching
Laser safety glasses are only effective within a specific wavelength range. If the laser wavelength does not match the protection range of the eyewear, the glasses offer no effective protection. It is essential to consult your laser marking machine’s specifications and select eyewear accordingly.
According to the EN 207 standard, each pair of laser safety glasses must be clearly labeled with the applicable wavelength range, OD rating, and protection level. For example, the label D10600 LB5 indicates that the eyewear is suitable for 10.6 μm CO₂ lasers and offers a level 5 optical density.
4. Choosing the Best Laser Safety Goggles
As laser technology advances, laser engraver accessories like laser safety glasses have become essential. Key types:
1. Absorption-Based Laser Safety Glasses
Visual Identity: Deep-tinted lenses (e.g., amber, gray, green) with matte, non-reflective surfaces.
- Working Principle: Dye-infused polycarbonate or glass absorbs specific laser wavelengths, converting light energy to heat.
- Key Models:
- NoIR 2PL: Blocks 190–1800 nm (VLT 32%), ideal for IPL/flashlamp applications.
- NoIR 92: Protects 190–593 nm (VLT 9%), suited for UV/fluorescence work.
- Pros: Cost-effective, scratch-resistant.
- Cons: Low VLT (9–32%), thermal degradation risk under high-power beams.
2. Reflection-Based (Interference Filter) Laser Glasses
Visual Identity: Mirrored coatings (e.g., blue-purple, silver) with high light transmittance.
- Working Principle: Multi-layer dielectric films on glass reflect target wavelengths (e.g., 1064 nm fiber lasers)814.
- Key Models:
- NoIR AGR: Shields 190–400 nm (OD 5+) and 532–640 nm (OD 1.5+), VLT 31%.
- Laser Safety Industries Acrylic Windows: OD 5+ at 10,600 nm for CO₂ lasers.
- Pros: High VLT (31–70%), rapid response.
- Cons: Vulnerable to coating scratches; limited angular protection (±30°).
3. Hybrid (Absorption + Reflection) Laser Glasses
Visual Identity: Dark lenses with metallic coatings and thicker profiles.
- Working Principle: Combines dye absorption and dielectric layers for multi-wavelength defense (e.g., UV + IR).
- Key Models:
- NoIR DBD: Covers 190–534 nm (OD 7+) and 760–1090 nm (OD 5+), VLT 22%.
- NoIR CYN: Dual-band protection for 190–435 nm and 730–1085 nm.
- Pros: Broad-spectrum coverage (e.g., 190–1100 nm).
- Cons: Very low VLT (10–22%).
4. Photochromic/Self-Darkening Laser Glasses
Visual Identity: Transparent lenses that instantly darken upon laser exposure.
- Working Principle: Micro-explosive coatings or photochromic crystals activate under threshold beam intensity.
- Applications: High-power pulsed lasers (e.g., welding, femtosecond systems).
- Pros: High baseline VLT (~70%); no manual switching.
- Cons: Latency risks (~nanoseconds); limited durability.
5. Holographic Diffractive Laser Glasses
Visual Identity: Iridescent lens surfaces with grating patterns.
- Working Principle: Micro-engraved diffraction gratings redirect narrow wavelengths (e.g., 755 nm alexandrite lasers).
- Applications: Dermatology, tattoo removal.
- Pros: Lightweight; high precision.
- Cons: Narrow bandwidth coverage.
From below blank, you can have a clearer comparision for the different laser safety glasses.
| Laser Type | Wavelength | OD | Lens color | VLT | Certificated |
| Fiber laser | 1064nm | OD 6+ | Dark Green/Blue-Purple | 30%/15% | EN 207/ANSI Z136 |
| Diode laser | 450nm | OD 4+ | Orange/Amber | 15% | ANSI Z136 |
| IR laser | 808–1080 nm | OD 5+ | Forest Green | 36% | ANSI Z136 |
| CO2 laser | 10.6 μm | OD 5+ | Clear/Yellowish | 70% | EN 207 |
5. Laser Safety Glasses FAQs
1. Where to buy laser safety glasses?
Online retailers like Laser Safety Industries offer certified options. Most desktop engravers include basic laser safety goggles as free laser engraver accessories.
2. Are the goggles compatitable for all laser engravers?
Unfortunately no, as we mentioned above, each kind of laser type or a range of wavelength should be equipped with different laser safety glasses. Before purchasing, taking OD, VLT and wavelength into consideration.
3. Why do the laser safety glasses have different colors?
Colors indicate protected wavelengths (e.g., amber for UV protection).
| Lens Color (Visual Appearance) | Typical Protected Wavelengths | Example Laser Types |
|---|---|---|
| Red / Orange | 445 nm, 532 nm | Blue lasers, green lasers |
| Green | 808 nm, 980 nm, 1064 nm | Infrared lasers, fiber lasers |
| Yellow / Amber | 355 nm, 405 nm | UV lasers, violet/blue lasers |
| Dark Gray or Clear (non-colored) | 10.6 μm (10,600 nm) | CO₂ laser marking/cutting systems |
Choose the laser safety goggles based on the laser type of your laser engraver machine. More infor would like to know, you can check our blog center!
