What is the Weak Link in Your Laser System?
In additive manufacturing, did you know, the very component designed to protect your laser system could be the weak link in your process chain?
Staff at Manx Precision Optics (MPO) regularly see that contamination on optical chamber windows is a source of process variability, directly impacting part quality.
For developers and users of 3D printing systems in the industrial, medical, and aerospace sectors, this is a familiar challenge. During the build process, vaporized alloy particulates can contaminate these windows, causing several issues:
- Disruption to laser transmission
- Increased inconsistencies in the final product
- Reduced lifespan of optical components due to harsh cleaning methods
MPO’s two-part solution focuses on improving the resilience and maintenance of the optical system. This solution is based on a more durable optical coating with a higher laser damage threshold and a revised, non-damaging cleaning protocol.
The implementation of this solution provides several key benefits for product development and production engineers:
- Improved consistency: By ensuring more stable and consistent laser energy transmission
- Reduced costs: By extending the lifespan of optical components and reducing the frequency of replacement
- Enhanced sustainability: By creating opportunities to recycle and rework the optics
MPO saw the problems that customers were facing and developed a practical solution to improve optical performance and overall system reliability.
About Manx Precision Optics
Manx Precision Optics (MPO) manufactures optical components and precision optics. The company offers customized products as well as a wide range of off-the-shelf components at highly competitive prices. The main categories of MPO’s standard products are:
- Laser line mirrors
- Ultrafast laser mirrors
- Polarization optics
- Large optics
- Lenses
- Etalons
- AR-coated windows
- Uncoated optical substrates
MPO works with customers to determine the most suitable optical coatings for their specific applications. With years of experience and an intimate knowledge of thin film coatings design, MPO can produce customized, quality coatings according to unique specifications.
To request more information or a quotation for Manx Precision Optics products, contact IL Photonics.