Summary
Custom N-BK7 precision optics for industrial fiber laser marking systems. AR coated lens & prism, OEM custom size for North American laser marking machine manufacturers.
A North American laser equipment OEM needed a matched N-BK7 lens, beam-routing prism and protective window for a 1064 nm fiber laser marking platform. Felix Glass supplied drawing-based precision components with application-matched polishing, CNC edge features and optional anti-reflection coating.
The original case reported unstable transmission, surface damage and beam distortion during extended fiber laser marking operation. For the equipment team, those issues affected fine text and small-pattern consistency while increasing the frequency of optical-component replacement.
N-BK7 was selected for its stable visible-to-near-infrared optical behavior, polishability and suitability for broadband AR coating. The original project stated more than 90% single-surface transmission without coating and used the material across the lens, prism and protective-window positions.
N-BK7 can be a practical choice for low- and medium-power 1064 nm marking equipment, but substrate and coating selection should still be checked against pulse characteristics, fluence, beam diameter, contamination exposure and operating temperature. For material comparison, see the BK7 vs. fused silica lens guide.
Used for collimation or focusing, with focal length, diameter, thickness and AR band defined from the optical design.
A polished 45-degree face routes the beam within the marking head; coating and splitting behavior are specified by the system designer.
A thin replaceable N-BK7 window at the machine outlet helps keep spatter and process debris away from internal optics.
Related component families are available in laser focus lenses and optical prisms.
| Substrate | N-BK7 optical glass |
|---|---|
| Design wavelength | 1064 nm fiber laser marking system |
| Component set | Plano-convex lens, right-angle prism and protective window |
| Surface flatness | Up to λ/4 as stated in the original case; final tolerance depends on drawing and aperture |
| Coating | Single- or double-sided broadband or wavelength-matched AR coating |
| Custom geometry | Diameter, thickness, focal length, chamfer, step, counterbore, groove and special outline |
| Inspection | Spectral scan, dimensional inspection, surface inspection and interferometric testing when specified |
These values describe the original case and available customization scope. Final specifications must be confirmed against the customer's drawing and laser operating conditions.
The stated production route starts with an N-BK7 blank and proceeds through CNC grinding, fine polishing, edge deburring and ultrasonic cleaning. Five-axis machining can be used where steps, counterbores, mounting grooves or special outlines are part of the drawing.
The original case described an optional 400–1100 nm AR coating and stated transmission above 92% per coated surface. A production coating should be defined by center wavelength or working band, angle of incidence, polarization, allowable reflection, environmental durability and laser exposure rather than by a generic AR label alone.
For higher peak power, short pulses or small beam diameters, the laser-induced damage threshold of the complete coated optic should be reviewed before material approval.
Each batch in the original workflow was checked by spectral scanning across the visible and near-infrared range. Interferometric inspection was used to control wavefront-related surface quality, with flatness stated up to λ/4. Dimensional, cosmetic and coating inspections can be aligned with the purchase drawing and acceptance plan.
A matched component set helps the R&D team coordinate beam routing, collimation, focusing and outlet protection around one mechanical envelope. The simplified arrangement below follows the sequence in the original case.
A US metal-processing equipment manufacturer replaced its ordinary glass optics with the custom BK7 assembly and evaluated it over six months of continuous operation. The original case reported lower beam distortion, improved qualification of fine text and small patterns, stable marking on stainless steel, aluminum and alloy workpieces, and a fourfold extension of the optical-component replacement cycle.
These are reported results from one customer project, not performance guarantees. Results vary with laser parameters, optical design, coating, contamination, alignment and maintenance.
Finished lenses and prisms are separated in anti-collision, dust-controlled trays and vacuum sealed for export transportation. The original case stated 7–10 working days for prototype samples and 15–20 working days for mass orders, subject to drawing complexity, coating schedule, inspection scope and order quantity.
The original case positions N-BK7 for low- and medium-power 1064 nm fiber laser marking equipment. Suitability cannot be determined from average power alone; pulse width, repetition rate, beam diameter, peak fluence, coating damage threshold, contamination and thermal management must also be reviewed.
Yes. A single wavelength, narrow band or broader visible/NIR band can be reviewed. Include the incidence angle, polarization, reflection target, laser parameters and environmental requirement so the coating can be matched to the actual optical path.
The original case stated 7–10 working days for prototype samples and 15–20 working days for batch production. Actual timing depends on blank availability, geometry, coating, inspection and quantity and should be confirmed with the quotation.
Send the optical layout or component drawings, 1064 nm laser parameters, lens prescription or focal length, prism geometry, protective-window size, coating target, quantity and inspection requirements. Felix Glass can review the matched BK7 lens, prism and protective-window set for manufacturability and quotation.
Submit Your Laser Optics Requirements