Choosing the Right Laser Barrier or Curtain
When selecting a laser safety solution, it is important to understand your specific hardware needs and the level of protection required. This guide focuses on two key areas: the differences between our current softwall barrier and curtain protection levels and hardware options.
575 W/cm², 625 W/cm², and 2,250 W/cm² Softwall Protection
Our softwall laser barriers and curtains are available with different maximum irradiance ratings depending on the product and configuration:
575 W/cm² and 625 W/cm²: Our standard softwall materials have been tested at 520 nm, 1,064 nm, and 10,600 nm using a 1 mm beam for 100 seconds.
2,250 W/cm²: A higher-rated softwall material is available in our standard 5' × 7' in-stock barrier configuration. This material has been tested at 1,064 nm using a 1 mm beam for 100 seconds.
4,000 W/cm² Hardwall: Our rigid aluminum Hardwall Barrier provides our highest tested irradiance rating and has been tested at 1,064 nm for 1 mm beam for 100 seconds. Hardwall systems also provide a more rigid and durable containment solution.
Misconception Alert: A common misconception is that a 1,500 W laser requires a 1,500 W/cm² barrier or curtain. Laser output power in watts and barrier irradiance ratings in W/cm² are not directly equivalent. In practice, barriers and curtains are generally used to contain reflected or diffused laser radiation at the perimeter of a controlled area, although our materials undergo controlled direct-hit testing to establish their maximum irradiance performance.
For more information on laser safety practices, see our Class 4 Laser Safety Guide.
Our systems are meant to contain scattered or diffused laser energy effectively, ensuring safe working conditions around the laser setup. effectively, ensuring safe working conditions around the laser setup. The following image generally illustrates the concept of how irradiance decreases with increasing distance from the point of diffusion:
Key Considerations
Material and Cost: Different irradiance ratings may use different materials or material configurations, which can affect product availability and cost. The 625 W/cm² configuration incorporates an additional layer of material compared with the 575 W/cm² configuration, while the 2,250 W/cm² option uses a different higher-rated softwall material.
Hardware Options
Curtains
Laser safety curtains are a fixed solution designed to block or contain laser radiation in a defined area. If the curtain is to attach to a wall, a peelback adhesive strip is used. They can be configured using:
Velcro Attachments: Ideal for static installations where reconfiguration is minimal but still adjustable as needed.
Grommets: Allow curtains to slide easily, making them suitable for use as doors or for areas requiring frequent access.
If the curtain is to attach to a wall, a peelback adhesive strip can be used. If desired, a divider can be applied to connect or re-configure any laser barrier system.
Both the velcro and grommets options provide flexibility and can be mounted to free-standing poles, walls, or ceilings depending on your space requirements.
Barriers
Barriers offer a mobile alternative to curtains. These systems are ideal for applications where the safety solution needs to be repositioned frequently, or you don't want the system to be a fixture of the room. Options include:
Casters (Wheels): Provide easy mobility for reconfiguring spaces.
Stand-Alone: Stationary solutions for areas where movement is not required. Unlike curtain systems, which become fixtures of the room, stand-alone barriers are still moveable but do not have wheels.
Both options can be easily daisy-chained together with dividers we provide, which are often 1 foot wide however can be sewn to any width. This enables you to create a system that can go around corners and be custom-made to fit your specific situation. To be clear, we in-house are sewing and anything is possible. We do custom work with our laser safety material all of the time.
Installation Made Simple
Installing our laser safety barriers and curtains is intuitive and efficient. A professional maintenance person can typically set up the system in just 15 to 30 minutes. All necessary metal hardware is included with your purchase, ensuring a seamless installation process.
While we provide a complete solution, it's worth noting that many welders opt to purchase only the curtains or barriers and fabricate their own hardware to meet specific needs.
We provide expert consultations to help you determine:
Which softwall protection level is appropriate for your application.
The hardware setup that best suits your needs.
Contact us today to get started with your laser safety solution.