How to Cut Thick Lenses

MetaBEAM coherent laser cutting machineMSI’s new 400-watt laser is perfect for cutting polycarbonate/polyester lenses up to .25 thick. The product label materials that this laser can cut cleanly and efficiently include:

  • .25 thick Polycarbonate
  • .125 thick Stainless Steel
  • .090 thick Aluminum
  • .25 thick Mild Metal
  • 1″ Thick Plastics

Our new Coherent laser features 100% automated camera registration for a print-to-cut tolerance of +-.010. Actual cutting tolerances for product labels can vary slightly due to the type of material cutting, but in most cases, will be +-.010.


Laser cutting machines at Marking SystemsThe other important factor in making perfect lenses is the actual label printing. MSI utilizes a 6-color carousel screen printing press to print high-quality, scratchless lenses. This incredibly efficient press allows our team at Marking Systems to touch the lens only two times. Once to load the press and again to remove the lens from the press once all of the colors have been printed. This eliminates scratches in the windows for the product labels.


SpeedCoach GPS product lensThe lens you see pictured is made with the following materials:

  • Material: .080 Polycarbonate with Duravue 1000 hard coating (excellent abrasion and chemical resistance)
  • Adhesive: 3M4947 VHB foam tape (The 3M4947Fis completely watertight)
  • Printing: Screen printing
  • Cutting: Laser