This guide is intended only as a practical planning reference for common 1060–1080 nm industrial fiber laser applications. It should not be used as a substitute for a laser hazard evaluation or engineering analysis. Barrier selection should always be based on the specific laser wavelength, beam characteristics, maximum expected irradiance, exposure duration, system geometry, and applicable laser safety standards. Final barrier selection is the responsibility of the employer, Laser Safety Officer (LSO), or other qualified individual responsible for the laser safety program.
Introduction
Selecting a laser safety barrier for a 1060–1080 nm fiber laser is not as simple as matching the laser's power to a barrier rating. The appropriate barrier depends on factors such as wavelength, beam size, distance, expected exposure, system layout, and the results of the laser hazard evaluation.
That said, many customers simply want to know where to begin. Based on our experience supplying laser safety barriers for industrial fiber laser applications, the recommendations below provide practical starting points for common laser welding and laser cleaning systems. They are intended to help with preliminary planning and should not be used as a substitute for a laser hazard evaluation.
Practical Rule of Thumb
Typical Laser Power Range | Practical Starting Point* | Common Applications |
Up to 2 kW | 575 W/cm² Softwall | Handheld laser welding, smaller robotic welding cells, and general industrial laser containment. |
2–6 kW | 625 W/cm² Softwall | Higher-power laser welding, many laser cleaning systems, or applications where another layer of material redundancy is desired. |
6–12 kW | 2,500 W/cm² Hardwall | Higher-power fiber laser systems, automated laser cells, tighter working distances, or applications where a more robust engineering control is preferred. |
12 kW+ | Contact us | Application-specific guidance is recommended. |
These recommendations assume typical 1060–1080 nm industrial fiber laser applications where the barrier is intended to contain expected laser radiation during normal operation—not continuous intentional exposure to the direct beam.
When 575 W/cm² Protection Is Commonly Used
A 575 W/cm² softwall barrier is commonly selected for many fiber laser welding applications where a flexible containment solution is appropriate. These barriers are frequently used around handheld laser welding stations, robotic welding cells, and other industrial workstations where the barrier is intended to contain expected laser radiation during normal operation.
For many industrial welding applications, this serves as the standard starting point.
When 625 W/cm² Protection May Be Preferred
A 625 W/cm² softwall barrier is often selected when higher-power fiber lasers are being used, laser cleaning applications create less predictable reflections, or the customer prefers an additional layer of material redundancy.
Some organizations also standardize on 625 W/cm² barriers throughout their facility to provide additional flexibility for future equipment changes while maintaining a consistent containment solution.
When 2,500 W/cm² Hardwall Protection Is Preferred
A 2,500 W/cm² hardwall barrier is often preferred for higher-power fiber laser applications, automated laser cells, or installations where a more robust containment solution is desired.
Unlike softwall systems, hardwall barriers provide a rigid containment solution while remaining portable and modular, making them well suited for facilities that require higher tested irradiance capability without constructing permanent laser enclosures.
Every Application Is Different
Two facilities using the same laser power may require different barrier solutions.
One installation may be well suited for a softwall barrier based on its layout, expected exposure conditions, and hazard evaluation.
Another installation using the same laser may benefit from a hardwall system because of shorter distances, different beam geometry, or higher expected irradiance at the barrier.
Laser power should be viewed as a practical starting point—not the sole factor in barrier selection.
Disclaimer
This guide is intended only as a practical planning reference for common 1060–1080 nm industrial fiber laser applications. It should not be used as a substitute for a laser hazard evaluation or engineering analysis. Barrier selection should always be based on the specific laser wavelength, beam characteristics, maximum expected irradiance, exposure duration, system geometry, and applicable laser safety standards. Final barrier selection is the responsibility of the employer, Laser Safety Officer (LSO), or other qualified individual responsible for the laser safety program.