Galvo mirror 5 x 7 x 1 mm dielectric broadband 400-700nm

Q: Glass optics vs. acrylic optics – when which?

Acrylic optics (PMMA plastic): low cost, light, dimensionally stable. Optically very good in standard applications, but temperature-sensitive – the refractive index changes with temperature, shifting the focus when variation exceeds ±5 °C. Perfectly adequate for indoor applications with stable conditions. Glass optics: heavier, more expensive, but temperature-stable. The refractive index stays nearly constant across wide temperature swings. Ideal for: outdoor mounting, unheated halls, machines with large temperature swings (welding, sawmills in summer/winter) and applications needing high repeat accuracy over long periods. Glass optics are available as an optional upgrade on our KLM and LLM modules.

Q: Dielectric mirrors vs. metallic mirrors – what are the differences?

Metallic mirrors (aluminium, silver, gold): reflection via a thin metal coating. Typically up to&gt;98 % reflectivity in the visible range. Benefits: broadband (from UV to IR), low cost. Drawbacks: lower power handling, prone to oxidation (especially silver), reflectivity depends on angle of incidence. Dielectric mirrors: reflection via multi-layer glass coatings that reflect through interference. Typically &gt; 99 % reflectivity in the optimized spectral range. Benefits: extremely high reflectivity, high power handling, no oxidation. Drawbacks: narrowband (optimized for a specific wavelength), more expensive. Our LS 50 is a dielectric mirror with &gt; 96–98 % reflectivity in the 400–700 nm range.

Q: What is the aperture of an optic?

The aperture is the usable opening diameter of an optic – the area through which light can enter the lens. Measured in millimetres. A larger aperture collects more light from the source – particularly important for laser diodes with a large emitter (e.g. Nichia NDG7575). Our Colli-LA collimator has a 5 mm aperture, gathering significantly more light than typical 3 mm collimators. Practical effect: brighter, more uniform output beam and less light lost at the diode edge. Related metric: the numerical aperture (NA) describes the ratio of aperture to focal length – and therefore the optic's acceptance angle.

Q: What does the focal length of a lens mean?

The focal length is the distance from the principal plane of a lens to the focal point, where parallel incoming light rays intersect. It is measured in millimetres (e.g. f = 4 mm on our Colli-LA). For collimators the focal length determines at which distance from the laser diode the lens must be mounted to collimate the beam – ideally the diode emits from the focal plane. Shorter focal lengths (3–4 mm): high aperture, good light gathering, compact – ideal for 12 mm modules. Longer focal lengths (8–20 mm): smaller aperture, less light gathering, but a narrower collimated beam – for long-distance applications.

Q: What is an AR coating (anti-reflective)?

An AR coating (anti-reflective coating) is a thin, multilayer coating on optical glass surfaces that reduces reflection and increases transmission. At an uncoated glass–air interface typically 4–8 % of the light is lost to reflection. A modern AR coating reduces this to &lt; 0.5 % per interface. For a lens with two interfaces that means 92 % transmission uncoated vs. &gt; 99 % coated. Benefits: higher optical efficiency, less stray light, lower back-reflection load on the laser diode. AR coatings are wavelength-specific – a coating for 532 nm behaves differently at 650 nm. Always check the spectral range of the optic.

Q: What is a collimator and what does it do?

A collimator is an optical lens or lens system that converts a divergent light beam into a parallel beam. Essential with laser diodes: the bare diode emits a strongly fanned-out beam; the collimator turns it into a bundled, parallel beam. Construction: usually an aspheric glass lens in an M9 × 0.5 or M12 threaded housing. High-quality collimators feature an AR coating (anti-reflective) for minimal light loss at the interfaces. Key parameters: focal length (typ. 3–6 mm), aperture (typ. 4–8 mm) and the AR coating's spectral range (e.g. 420–680 nm for visible light). Glass collimators are more temperature-stable than cheaper acrylic lenses.

Q: Which laser class does an ILP laser projector have?

Our ILP laser projectors are classified as Class 2 per EN 60825-1 in operation. This is possible because the galvo scanners deflect the laser beam at high speed across the area – the optical power is continuously distributed over the entire projection area. The average irradiance at any single point therefore stays well below Class 2 limits. Eye-safe in normal use; no laser safety officer strictly required. Important: in a scan-fail event (galvo stall due to a defect) the full power concentrates on one point – then the class of the installed laser module applies (up to 3B). For safety-critical applications we offer the SafeGuard Pro module.

Q: Can several laser projectors be networked together?

Yes. The ILP series is fully network-capable via 100 Mbit LAN. Up to 16 independent ILP projectors can be addressed per network, each with its own IP address and individual programming. Applications: long production lines with multiple stations, large warehouses with multiple pick-by-light zones, multi-workstation setups in manual assembly. Networking also enables coordinated choreographies – for example projector 1 showing the next position while projector 2 visualizes quality control of the previous one. Connection is typically via PLC or a central control PC.

Q: LaserCAM software – what is it needed for?

LaserCAM is the control software for our ILP laser projectors. It forms the interface between the laser projector and the command source (PLC, PC, operator panel, MES system). Functions: creation and management of projection content (numbers, text, symbols, lines, vectors, images); programming of sequences and workflows; connection to machine controllers via LAN; management of multiple projectors in a network. LaserCAM is licensed separately – it is not included with the ILP projectors. For simple standard applications (e.g. a fixed pick-by-light sequence) the basic licence is usually sufficient; for custom programming there are upgrade tiers.

Q: What is operator guidance with a laser?

Operator guidance is an assistance system that guides workers visually through a work process. A laser projector shows directly on the workpiece or work surface what to do next: which part to pick, where to drill, which step follows. Benefits: dramatically fewer assembly errors (studies show –60 to –80 % error rate), faster onboarding of new staff, higher cycle rates, fewer screen switches. Used in: manual assembly (which screw type), PCB placement, cable harness wiring, inspection and quality control. The ILP series supports operator guidance via the LaserCAM software with PLC and PC connectivity.

Mirror 5x7x1: dielectric galvo mirror, 5 × 7 × 1 mm (400–700 nm, approx. 99%), for CTi 6200/6220 and galvos with a 1-mm slot.

€29.75

Product number: Mirror 5x7x1

Galvo mirror 5 x 7 x 1 mm dielectric broadband 400-700nm

5 × 7 × 1 mm Dielectric galvo mirror: Broadband galvo mirror (400–700 nm, reflectance approx. 99%) for highly reflective mirror deflections, compatible with CTi 6200/6220 and all galvos with a 1-mm mirror slot. Reduced-size version for X-galvo mirrors.

Dimensions: 5 × 7 × 1 mm
Dielectric, 400–700 nm, reflectance approx. 99%
Compatible with CTi 6200/6220 and all galvo scanners with a 1-mm mirror slot

Technical Specifications:

Dimensions	approx. 5 × 7 × 1 mm
Max. laser beam size (mirror aperture)	approx. 3.5 mm
Bandwidth of the reflective layer	400–700 nm
Reflectivity	approx. 99%
Max. laser power	approx. 20 W
Angle of incidence at the mirror	45° (optical)

Note! This mirror is primarily used for the X-axis.

We offer an installation service upon request. To use this service, send us your galvanometer, and we will mount the mirror onto it for you. The turnaround time is approximately 3 days.

Glass optics vs. acrylic optics – when which?

Acrylic optics (PMMA plastic): low cost, light, dimensionally stable. Optically very good in standard applications, but temperature-sensitive – the refractive index changes with temperature, shifting the focus when variation exceeds ±5 °C. Perfectly adequate for indoor applications with stable conditions. Glass optics: heavier, more expensive, but temperature-stable. The refractive index stays nearly constant across wide temperature swings. Ideal for: outdoor mounting, unheated halls, machines with large temperature swings (welding, sawmills in summer/winter) and applications needing high repeat accuracy over long periods. Glass optics are available as an optional upgrade on our KLM and LLM modules.

Dielectric mirrors vs. metallic mirrors – what are the differences?

Metallic mirrors (aluminium, silver, gold): reflection via a thin metal coating. Typically up to>98 % reflectivity in the visible range. Benefits: broadband (from UV to IR), low cost. Drawbacks: lower power handling, prone to oxidation (especially silver), reflectivity depends on angle of incidence. Dielectric mirrors: reflection via multi-layer glass coatings that reflect through interference. Typically > 99 % reflectivity in the optimized spectral range. Benefits: extremely high reflectivity, high power handling, no oxidation. Drawbacks: narrowband (optimized for a specific wavelength), more expensive. Our LS 50 is a dielectric mirror with > 96–98 % reflectivity in the 400–700 nm range.

What is the aperture of an optic?

The aperture is the usable opening diameter of an optic – the area through which light can enter the lens. Measured in millimetres. A larger aperture collects more light from the source – particularly important for laser diodes with a large emitter (e.g. Nichia NDG7575). Our Colli-LA collimator has a 5 mm aperture, gathering significantly more light than typical 3 mm collimators. Practical effect: brighter, more uniform output beam and less light lost at the diode edge. Related metric: the numerical aperture (NA) describes the ratio of aperture to focal length – and therefore the optic's acceptance angle.

What does the focal length of a lens mean?

The focal length is the distance from the principal plane of a lens to the focal point, where parallel incoming light rays intersect. It is measured in millimetres (e.g. f = 4 mm on our Colli-LA). For collimators the focal length determines at which distance from the laser diode the lens must be mounted to collimate the beam – ideally the diode emits from the focal plane. Shorter focal lengths (3–4 mm): high aperture, good light gathering, compact – ideal for 12 mm modules. Longer focal lengths (8–20 mm): smaller aperture, less light gathering, but a narrower collimated beam – for long-distance applications.

What is an AR coating (anti-reflective)?

An AR coating (anti-reflective coating) is a thin, multilayer coating on optical glass surfaces that reduces reflection and increases transmission. At an uncoated glass–air interface typically 4–8 % of the light is lost to reflection. A modern AR coating reduces this to < 0.5 % per interface. For a lens with two interfaces that means 92 % transmission uncoated vs. > 99 % coated. Benefits: higher optical efficiency, less stray light, lower back-reflection load on the laser diode. AR coatings are wavelength-specific – a coating for 532 nm behaves differently at 650 nm. Always check the spectral range of the optic.

What is a collimator and what does it do?

A collimator is an optical lens or lens system that converts a divergent light beam into a parallel beam. Essential with laser diodes: the bare diode emits a strongly fanned-out beam; the collimator turns it into a bundled, parallel beam. Construction: usually an aspheric glass lens in an M9 × 0.5 or M12 threaded housing. High-quality collimators feature an AR coating (anti-reflective) for minimal light loss at the interfaces. Key parameters: focal length (typ. 3–6 mm), aperture (typ. 4–8 mm) and the AR coating's spectral range (e.g. 420–680 nm for visible light). Glass collimators are more temperature-stable than cheaper acrylic lenses.

Which laser class does an ILP laser projector have?

Our ILP laser projectors are classified as Class 2 per EN 60825-1 in operation. This is possible because the galvo scanners deflect the laser beam at high speed across the area – the optical power is continuously distributed over the entire projection area. The average irradiance at any single point therefore stays well below Class 2 limits. Eye-safe in normal use; no laser safety officer strictly required. Important: in a scan-fail event (galvo stall due to a defect) the full power concentrates on one point – then the class of the installed laser module applies (up to 3B). For safety-critical applications we offer the SafeGuard Pro module.

Can several laser projectors be networked together?

Yes. The ILP series is fully network-capable via 100 Mbit LAN. Up to 16 independent ILP projectors can be addressed per network, each with its own IP address and individual programming. Applications: long production lines with multiple stations, large warehouses with multiple pick-by-light zones, multi-workstation setups in manual assembly. Networking also enables coordinated choreographies – for example projector 1 showing the next position while projector 2 visualizes quality control of the previous one. Connection is typically via PLC or a central control PC.

LaserCAM software – what is it needed for?

LaserCAM is the control software for our ILP laser projectors. It forms the interface between the laser projector and the command source (PLC, PC, operator panel, MES system). Functions: creation and management of projection content (numbers, text, symbols, lines, vectors, images); programming of sequences and workflows; connection to machine controllers via LAN; management of multiple projectors in a network. LaserCAM is licensed separately – it is not included with the ILP projectors. For simple standard applications (e.g. a fixed pick-by-light sequence) the basic licence is usually sufficient; for custom programming there are upgrade tiers.

What is operator guidance with a laser?

Operator guidance is an assistance system that guides workers visually through a work process. A laser projector shows directly on the workpiece or work surface what to do next: which part to pick, where to drill, which step follows. Benefits: dramatically fewer assembly errors (studies show –60 to –80 % error rate), faster onboarding of new staff, higher cycle rates, fewer screen switches. Used in: manual assembly (which screw type), PCB placement, cable harness wiring, inspection and quality control. The ILP series supports operator guidance via the LaserCAM software with PLC and PC connectivity.

What can an industrial laser projector do?

An industrial laser projector such as our ILP series projects freely programmable content onto workpieces and work surfaces: numbers, letters, symbols, lines, vectors up to complete images and drawings. Unlike simple line/cross lasers the projection is dynamic – controlled via PLC, PC or operator panel over the network. It is realized via two galvo scanner mirrors that deflect the laser beam at high speed across the area. Thanks to the persistence of vision the viewer sees a stable image. Applications: operator guidance, pick-by-light, marking on workpieces, wiring aids on cable harnesses, non-destructive information display.