[fyrebug]

so laser engraving related and not drill related..

wondering if anyone knows of any (affordable) plexiglass or plastic protection sheets to make a viewing window for a cnc laser engraver.

I'm going to build a relevantly low powered one with a 405nm laser, but 'low power' is still more than enough to blind someone. I'm looking to make the safety glasses a second line of defense rather than first.

thanks!

[underthetire]

You need more than just "plastic" to be compliant with regulations..

Laser Marking Safety

You will need to find the correct coated material for your lasers wavelength. Cheap does not really exist on true laser windows i'm afraid.

[fyrebug]

thanks for the ratings info underthetire. good to know.

cheap isn't what I'm looking for. just affordable. some of the sheets I've seen are int he $200 range. I'm hoping someone here might have info on something more in the $50 range.
you can't always put a price on safety, but at the same time, there are glasses that cost $9 that have been tested to block laser light just as well as the $80 ones. I'm sure the window sheets are in the same situation.

[SolidPete]

How much can an iPhone 4's Gorilla Glass really handle? I stepped on my phone after about a year of having it and cracks showed up. It's still completely usable, I just cover the front with plastic wrap and rubberbands until I get it fixed or replaced.

[SolidPete]

And does it's strength wear down over time?

[Ajancnc]

CNC Laser cutting machine operator need to protect eye with welding goggle and face shield to prevent eye damage. So you need to go for right coated material.

[jeffery926]

Check out McMaster-Carr light filters. I have done some testing with a 445nm and the red blocked the blue light as good as the laser safety glasses did. I plan on laminating the light filter film between two pieces of glass or Plexiglas for my CNC laser diode engraver. It's a thin film, so you could double it if necessary.

McMaster-Carr