What Types of Acrylic Sheets Are Used for Laser Protection?

With the widespread use of laser technology in industrial processing, laser medical treatment, scientific research experiments and other fields, the harm of laser radiation to the human body has attracted more and more attention, especially in industries and laboratories using high-power lasers, where laser protection is essential. Although laser safety glasses are the most common way of personnel protection, laser protection acrylic sheets are widely used as barriers to protect the entire work area. These sheets are designed to block or absorb lasers of specific wavelengths to provide safety for operators and bystanders. In this article, we will explore the types of acrylic laser protection sheets, their characteristics, and how to choose the right sheet according to the actual application.

1. What is laser protection acrylic sheet?

Laser protection acrylic sheets are transparent or colored plastic sheets that filter harmful laser radiation. They are made of optically modified polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), commonly known as acrylic. These sheets are specially designed to absorb or reflect lasers of specific wavelengths, thereby preventing eyes or skin from being exposed to dangerous laser beams. Our laser protection acrylic sheets from LaserPair can absorb lasers of specific wavelengths to protect eyes or skin from laser radiation.

2. Common types of laser protection acrylic sheets

a. Specific wavelength acrylic sheets

These sheets are rated by optical density (OD), which is a measure of the amount of laser absorption by the material. For example:

OD 7+ @ 1064nm protects against Nd:YAG lasers.

OD 5+ @ 532nm protects against green lasers.

When choosing a laser protection acrylic sheet, you must match or select a sheet that exceeds its OD value based on the actual laser output power used.

b. Specific wavelength acrylic sheets

These sheets are designed to block one or more laser wavelengths. Common options include:

① 532nm green laser protection, such as LP-GLW laser protection acrylic sheet from LaserPair can be used to protect against 532nm green lasers.

② 1064nm infrared laser protection, such as LP-YLW laser protection acrylic sheet from Radium LaserPair, is used to protect 1064nm fiber lasers, and has reached the protection level of OD7+. Our LP-YLW laser protection acrylic sheet has obtained the authoritative CE safety certification.

③ 650–660nm red light protection

④ UV laser protection sheet (200–400nm)

c. Multi-wavelength laser acrylic sheet

For environments using multiple lasers, we provide multi-wavelength or broadband protection sheets. These materials are particularly useful in research laboratories or medical institutions where multiple lasers may be running simultaneously. We at LaserPair also have laser protection acrylic sheets for protecting multiple wavelengths.

3. Key Features

When choosing an acrylic laser shield, consider the following features:

① Choose an acrylic laser shield that matches the wavelength of the laser equipment you are actually using

② Certified optical density (OD) rating

③ High visible light transmittance (VLT) for clear visibility

④ Meets ANSI Z136 / EN 207 standards

⑤ Durability and impact resistance

⑥ Easy to manufacture and install

4. Applications of laser shield acrylic panels

Laser shield acrylic panels are commonly used for:

① Laser machine housings

② Medical laser rooms

③ Laboratory partitions

④ Industrial manufacturing stations

⑤ Laser marking and engraving equipment

These panels help create a safe working environment by preventing scattered or reflected laser beams from hitting unintended targets.

5. Conclusion

Choosing the right laser shield acrylic panel is essential to ensuring workplace safety. By understanding the wavelength of the laser and selecting the correct light flux rating, you can effectively protect personnel and equipment. Whether setting up a new laser lab or upgrading existing protection measures, laser safety acrylic panels are a versatile and essential solution.