Optics Kit Guide: Available Lenses and Installation (REDLINE MIRA S)

Applies to: REDLINE MIRA S

This guide covers the lens options for a REDLINE MIRA S (1.5”, 2”, 2.5” and 4”) and how to install each one safely. To learn about the use cases for each lens and about focal lenses in general, see Focal Lenses: Types and Applications.

When to change the lens

The stock 2” lens is versatile across a range of tasks. Switching to another lens lets you match the focus and precision of the laser to a specific project, based on the material, its thickness and the level of detail you want.

What you need

• Microfiber cloth
• Compatible alternative lens
• Powder-free nitrile gloves

Video

Which lenses are available?

A REDLINE MIRA S ships with a 2” (50.8 mm) lens. It can also use a 1.5” (38.1 mm), a 2.5” (63.5 mm) or a 4” (101.6 mm) lens. Each focal length has its own advantages. A shorter 1.5” lens is ideal for fine detail and engraving smaller, delicate pieces. A longer 4” lens is preferred for cutting thicker materials, because it holds focus over a deeper range.

Optics kit contents

Every REDLINE MIRA S optics kit contains:

Spare 25 mm mirrors ×2

Spare lens retainer rings ×2

1.5” (38.1 mm) lens with housing ×1

2.5” (63.5 mm) lens with housing ×1

4” (101.6 mm) lens with housing ×1

Empty lens housing ×1

Used together with the 4” lens, as described below.

4” lens nozzle ×1

Used together with the 4” lens, as described below.

Lens housing anatomy

Apart from the lens itself, the lens housing assembly has four components:

• Lens housing: the main structure that holds the 2.5”, 2” and 1.5” lenses and mounts them securely in the laser head.

The 4” lens has its own mounting location, near the top of the laser head.

• Retainer rings (×2): these secure the lens in the housing so the optics cannot move or wobble while the machine runs.
• Spacer: this fills the cavity the lens would normally occupy. It stabilizes the lens housing in the machine and stops it wobbling inside the laser head.

Remove the 2” lens

Only one lens should ever be installed in the laser head at a time. Every lens change starts by removing the stock 2” lens.

1. Place something under the laser head, on the honeycomb or blades, to catch any small pieces that would otherwise drop into the bed of the machine.

2. Gently wiggle and pull the red lens housing out of the laser head. It is held by magnets, so no tools are needed.

   

3. Store the 2” lens housing in the empty slot in the optics kit left by the lens housing you are about to install. Then follow the section below for that lens.

Install the 1.5” lens

1. Take the 1.5” lens housing from the optics kit and install it in the lens housing cavity in the laser head. The lens should be on the bottom of the lens housing, so check the orientation before you install it. Press it into the laser head until it is fully seated.

   

   

How to focus: with the 1.5” lens installed, simply auto focus from the machine keypad.

Install the 2.5” lens

1. Take the 2.5” lens housing from the optics kit and install it in the lens housing cavity in the laser head. The lens should be on the top of the lens housing, so check the orientation before you install it. Press it into the laser head until it is fully seated.

   

   

How to focus the 2.5” lens

1. Auto focus onto your material and note the Z value on the keypad. This value is the focal distance for the stock 2” lens (11.0 mm in the example image). To bring the 2.5” lens into focus, the bed needs to drop 0.5” (12.8 mm), which puts the material at the 2.5” focal point.

   

2. Use the Z down key on the keypad to lower the bed 12.8 mm. The Z value on the keypad increases as the bed lowers. In this example, it moves from 11 mm to 23.8 mm. This leaves ample clearance between the laser head and the material, which is ideal for jobs like engraving 40 oz tumblers.

   

Install the 4” lens

1. Take the empty 4” lens housing from the optics kit and install it in the lens housing cavity in the laser head. Press it into the laser head until it is fully seated.

   

   

2. Unscrew the nozzle from the laser head. Store it in the empty slot in the optics kit left by the nozzle you are about to install.

   

   

3. Take the 4” nozzle attachment from the optics kit and screw it into the laser head where the stock nozzle was. Make sure it is fully seated, to prevent errors while focusing.

   

   

4. Unscrew the planar lens from the laser head. Store it in the empty slot in the optics kit left by the 4” lens you are about to install.

   

   

5. Take the 4” lens from the optics kit and screw it into its mounting location on the laser head. Make sure it is fully seated.

   

   

How to focus: with the 4” lens installed, simply auto focus from the machine keypad.

After any lens change

Run a 5 point test to confirm the alignment through the new lens is good and the beam fully exits the nozzle. See 5 Point Test: MIRA.

Summary

Choose the lens that suits the job, whether that is fine detail, deep cutting or a balance of the two, and follow the steps for that lens. Always handle optics with care and check alignment with the 5 point test.

AEON Laser USA is not responsible for any damages or injuries that may result from following these suggestions. Use caution at all times.