Home / Laser Barrier Curtains / Laser Barrier Curtains | Which One To Use

Laser Barrier Curtains | Which One To Use

Selecting the Right Material for Your Application

What to Know and Who to Ask

To find the best material for your laser application, you'll need to gather the following details about the laser device and how it will be used (including descriptions). This guide is a good place to start, but you should talk to your Laser Safety Officer (LSO) before making your final material choice. If asked, sample materials can also be sent for testing and review.

 

Step 1 - Where to Look

Sample high-powered laser pointers shown near protective laser curtains to demonstrate safety requirements and curtain performance.

The Power Output

This is the amount of energy that the laser beam gives off every second. It is usually given in watts (W), kilowatts (kW), or milliwatts (mW).

There is a label on the housing, a user guidebook, the manufacturer's website, or the software interface of the machine where you can find this information.

Laser wavelength chart showing different colors and corresponding nanometer values by AKON

Wavelength

The number of nanometers (nm) it has tells you what kind of light it gives off, like visible, infrared, or ultraviolet. The wavelength is often found in the same places as the total power. Look at this example:

 

Direct and diffused laser beam comparison showing light spread difference by AKON

Beam

A laser's beam type, whether it's diffused or direct, shows how the light is sent out, how it spreads, and how it hits the screen.

  • Direct Beam: Narrow, focused, and very strong. Used for engraving, cutting, and making points.
  • Diffused Beam: Spread-out, low intensity. Used in scanners, laser levels, alignment tools.

Step 2 - Gather Your Data

To determine the correct material for your laser application, follow these steps:

Step 1: Understand the Application.

  • Direct Beam:
    • The laser beam can hit the curtain or obstacle straight on.
    • Needs materials that can handle direct beam contact.
  • Diffused Beam:
    • The curtain can only be lit by reflections or lights that are spread out.
    • It can be used with products that are rated for diffused exposure.

Step 2: Look at the laser label or the guide.

  • Look for words that describe beam types:
    • "Collimated": Indicates a direct beam.
    • "Divergent": Indicates a diffused beam.

Step 3: Look over the Beam Divergence data sheet.

  • Beam divergence can also be an indicator.
    • Low divergence (<2 mrad): Direct
    • High divergence (>10 mrad): Diffused

Step 4: Check things visually (if needed)

  • Look at where the laser beam is on a surface:
    • Clear and sharp dot: Most likely direct
    • A long glow or line: Probably spread out

Tip for Buyers: If you're not sure which material to use, talk to the laser manufacturer or supplier with your beam specs.

Laser Curtain Selection Tool

Portable

Portable Rigid Panels

Laser curtains are a crucial component for hand-held welding and high output laser devices due to their unparalleled safety benefits. Our rigid panels prevent accidental exposure to hazardous radiation, reducing the risk of injury or damage. If you are looking for a laser barrier protection up to 10,000 W/cm2 irradiance tested for 100 secs at a 1mm beam diameter, then our Rigid Panel is the best option for you. We have multiple sizes to choose from and can form any layout you need.

Build Now

Portable Soft Panels

In stock and ready to ship Portable Laser Curtains. If you are looking for a laser barrier protection up to 575 W/cm2 Tested at 1064nm with 1mm beam diameter, then a portable laser barrier shield is the best option for you. The divider screens can form a single separation partition, a two-sided enclosure, three-sided enclosure, or four-sided enclosure along with multiple other configurations. We can custom build this portable barrier wall with strong, heavy duty steel hardware, locking casters, and laser rated material. An excellent protection option in a small laser environment.

Build Now

Roll Up

SB900L Roll Up

Retractable laser barrier curtains that roll up when not needed. Unlike other styles of laser barrier curtains the retractable roll up laser blocking curtains have a very small footprint. Hand pulled with spring tension roller. This roll up laser blocking curtain has a shade that that extends up to 7.5m. The SB-9000 Laser Curtain provides a space saving alternative to barriers which rest on the floor.

Build Now

SB900L Roll Up | With Post

The SB-9000L Retractable Curtain is a compact, easy-to-use laser safety barrier that extends up to 4.5m and retracts automatically using a spring-loaded roller. Designed for use with IPG LightWeld systems, it protects against high-intensity light and diffusion beams. Its space-saving design uses a simple J-hook attachment for quick setup and shade replacement if damaged. The curtain stays tight with minimal effort and can be extended or retracted by walking it across the work area. When not in use, it neatly rolls away, helping keep your workspace organized, efficient, and protected.

Build Now

Curtain Track

Hanging Curtain Track

The Hanging Laser Curtain Track system makes it easy to move laser safety curtains from side to side with its heavy-duty roller hooks. This track system works great in industrial settings and comes in modular sections that bolt together, so you can customize the fit for your specific space. The roller hooks slide smoothly with very little friction, and they're positioned to line up perfectly with the grommets on your curtain. What's really handy is that these hooks let you quickly remove the curtain when you need access to the work area - something you can't do as easily with clamp-on rollers. If you're working in manufacturing, a lab, or welding shop where you need flexible laser protection that doesn't get in your way, this system gives you the safety you need while keeping things accessible.

Build Now

Freestanding Curtain Track

When you can't hang laser curtain tracks from the ceiling, these freestanding systems work perfectly. They're supported from the floor with sturdy base plates, giving you complete overhead access. The uprights are positioned every 2.4m - 3m, so when you pull the curtain back, there's plenty of room to work. Installation is straightforward - each track has end stops that keep the rollers contained, and you'll want to add a support bracket about every 1.5 meters for best results. If you're using lighter curtains, you can stretch those supports out to 2.4 meters without any issues. It's a practical solution when ceiling mounting just isn't an option.

Build Now

Cover Tarps

Laser Barrier Cover Tarps

Window laser safety covers are a budget-friendly way to protect glass areas in your workspace. You can attach them to walls or doors around windows using grommets, magnets, or hook and loop tape - whatever works best for your setup. They're super easy to put up, take down, or tuck away when you don't need them. These covers handle up to 2,150 W/cm2 for 100 seconds, which covers most laser applications. Grommets let you hang them on hooks or trolleys, while hook and loop tape sticks right to your wall for complete coverage. Magnets work great too - they hold the cover securely in place. You can even add a cleanroom layer that's antibacterial and anti-static for easy cleaning.

Build Now
⚠️ AKON SCHEMA DATA MODULE
Visible only in Beaver Builder editor. Contains Service, Organization, and FAQ Schema.