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

Applies to: REDLINE NOVA S

This guide covers the lens options for a REDLINE NOVA S (2”, 2.5”, 3” 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 2.5” 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 NOVA S ships with a 2.5” (63.5 mm) lens. It can also use a 2” (50.8 mm), a 3” (76.2 mm) or a 4” (101.6 mm) lens. Each focal length has its own advantages. A shorter 2” 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 NOVA S optics kit contains:

Spare 25 mm mirrors ×2

Spare lens retainer rings ×2

2” (50.8 mm) lens with housing ×1

3” (76.2 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 3”, 2.5” and 2” lenses and mounts them securely in the laser head.

The 4” lens has its own dedicated housing, 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 2.5” lens

Only one lens should ever be installed in the laser head at a time. Every lens change starts by removing the stock 2.5” 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. Find the air hose connection on the right side of the laser head. Push the blue retainer ring into the brass part of the fitting, then pull the air hose free.

   

   

3. On the left side of the laser head, loosen the thumb screw until the sliding lens cartridge is released.

   

4. With the thumb screw loose and the air hose disconnected, remove the sliding lens cartridge from the laser head.

   

5. Gently wiggle and pull the red lens housing out of the sliding lens cartridge. It is held by magnets, so no tools are needed.

   

   

6. Store the 2.5” 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 2” lens

1. Take the 2” lens housing from the optics kit and install it in the lens housing cavity in the sliding lens cartridge. The lens should be on the bottom of the lens housing, so check the orientation before you install it. Press it into the cartridge until it is fully seated.

   

   

2. Reinstall the sliding lens cartridge in the main laser head body. Slide it up until the red housing with the number markings is visible through the window on the laser head. Tighten the thumb screw to secure the cartridge, then reattach the air hose.

   The exact position of the cartridge is up to you, because it does not affect the focal distance. We recommend around the 10 marking.

   

How to focus: with the 2” lens installed, simply auto focus from the machine keypad.

Install the 3” lens

1. Take the 3” lens housing from the optics kit and install it in the lens housing cavity in the sliding lens cartridge. The lens should be on the top of the lens housing, so check the orientation before you install it. Press it into the cartridge until it is fully seated.

   

   

2. Reinstall the sliding lens cartridge in the main laser head body. Slide it up until the red housing with the number markings is visible through the window on the laser head. Tighten the thumb screw to secure the cartridge, then reattach the air hose.

   The exact position of the cartridge is up to you, because it does not affect the focal distance. We recommend around the 10 marking.

   

How to focus the 3” lens

1. Auto focus onto your material and note the Z value on the keypad. This value is the focal distance for the stock 2.5” lens. To bring the 3” lens into focus, the bed needs to drop 0.5” (12.8 mm), which puts the material at the 3” 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 sliding lens cartridge. Press it into the cartridge until it is fully seated.

   

   

2. Unscrew the nozzle from the sliding lens cartridge. 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 sliding lens cartridge where the stock nozzle was. Make sure it is fully seated, to prevent errors while focusing.

   

   

4. Reinstall the sliding lens cartridge in the main laser head body. Slide it up until the 4” marking is visible through the window on the laser head. Tighten the thumb screw to secure the cartridge, then reattach the air hose.

   

5. Find the stock 4” lens housing at the top of the laser head. It looks like a small red rectangle, and it will be empty.

   

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

   

7. Take the 4” lens housing with the lens already fitted from the optics kit. Check that the lens faces the right way, dome side up. Looking at the lens from the top of the housing, you should see your reflection right side up, as if in a tiny mirror.

   

8. Seat the 4” lens housing in its position in the laser head. Push on the housing to make sure it is fully seated.

   

How to focus: with the sliding lens cartridge set to the 4” depth, 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: NOVA.

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.