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Laser Safety Curtain System![]()
Curtain Tracks Available in Seven Lengths Wheel Runners for Mounting Curtains to the Tracks Post for Attaching to Floor Mounting Column Track Connectors are Used to Attach Two or More Curtain Tracks Together Laser Curtain System Constructed Around a ScienceDesk Workstation Related Items ![]() Please Wait Laser Curtain System Component Selection Process
Common ConfigurationsTo see more configurations, please see the Common Configurations tab. Features
Thorlabs' Laser Safety Curtain System provides a modular assembly that imparts the ability to fully customize a system to fit most lab spaces using a standard system of components. This system features laser curtain panels, curtain tracks, track connectors, and floor mounting adapters that are each sold individually. The flexibility inherited from using standard components makes it easy to augment an existing Thorlabs laser curtain system or replace specific parts in it. The laser curtain system can be used at an entrance way, as a barrier around an optical table or workstation, to cover windows, or as a barrier for any other laser-controlled area. For example system configurations with part lists, please see the Example Configurations tab above. Please note that these laser curtains are not intended to be used as long term beam blocks and are rated for short term exposures. The curtain materials have been tested individually by a third party using EN specifications; see the Certifications tab above for more details. For terminating a pulsed or CW laser, see our selection of beam blocks and traps. To begin constructing a laser safety curtain system for your lab, simply follow the steps outlined in the Component Selection Process to the right. Curtain tracks are available with seven length options to choose from, including a curved, 90° track. Various track connectors are provided to connect two, three, or four tracks together. Most track connectors also include mounting slots or additional brackets to help attach the curtain system to a wall, ceiling, or floor element. Dedicated wall, ceiling, or floor mounting adapters are also provided to secure the system in place. When mounting a curtain system, we recommend installing track supports for every 1 m of track for ceiling supports and every 1.2 m of track for floor supports. Please contact Thorlabs Tech Support with any questions about how to configure a system for your lab. Due to different building codes, material types, and room designs, we do not include any hardware needed to mount the system to floors, ceilings, or walls. Please be aware of the overall weight of the mounted system and choose screws and fittings that are suitable and have enough holding strength for use in your wall or ceiling. If you are uncertain, please consult a specialized retailer. Laser Safety Curtain Kits are also available that include all components needed to mount laser curtains to a Nexus®Optical Table Workstation Frame, which has an overhead shelving unit installed, or directly to our Free-Standing Shelves. Kits that fully enclose a 1 m x 2 m, 1.2 m x 2 m, or 1.2 m x 2.5 m optical table are available. Each kit provides approximately 2.2 m (7.2') of overhead clearance when mounted, has continuous tracking for uninterrupted movement of the curtains, and includes enough laser safety curtains to fully enclose the optical table.
DISCLAIMERThese Laser Curtain materials have been tested by third parties using a variety of state regulations and EN specifications. Due to manufacturing variances, mechanical wear, and laser damage, Thorlabs assumes no responsibility for laser material failure. Please consult your local laser safety specialist before purchasing to ensure that the fabric is suitable for your application. To minimize risk, inspect the material before each use and ensure that it is in excellent condition.
The modular design of Thorlabs' laser safety curtain system allows them to be easily customized to fit into most labs. Example configurations are shown below with links that provide information about which Item #s are used. Examples 1-6 assume a 2.13 m (7') tall laser curtain is used, while examples 7-10 assume a 2.44 m (8') tall laser curtain is used and that bases are bolted to the floor. Depending on the room design and ceiling height, different or additional mounting hardware may be required; please contact Tech Support if assistance is needed. When constructing a curtain system, we recommend ordering enough curtains so that the curtains' combined width is roughly 7-10% longer than the overall length of the curtain tracks. This allows the curtains to be draped along the length of the track, ensuring that the lab area will be properly enclosed. The curtains have a magnetic strip sewn along each edge allowing them to be attached to one another with a light-tight seal. When mounting a curtain system, we recommend installing track supports for every 1 m of track for ceiling supports and every 1.2 m of track for floor supports. Due to different building codes, material types, and room designs, we do not include any hardware needed to mount the system to floors, ceilings, or walls. Please be aware of the overall weight of the mounted system and choose screws and fittings that are suitable and have enough holding strength for use in your wall, ceiling, and floor. If you are uncertain, please contact a specialized retailer.
Laser Safety and ClassificationSafe practices and proper usage of safety equipment should be taken into consideration when operating lasers. The eye is susceptible to injury, even from very low levels of laser light. Thorlabs offers a range of laser safety accessories that can be used to reduce the risk of accidents or injuries. Laser emission in the visible and near infrared spectral ranges has the greatest potential for retinal injury, as the cornea and lens are transparent to those wavelengths, and the lens can focus the laser energy onto the retina. Safe Practices and Light Safety Accessories
Laser ClassificationLasers are categorized into different classes according to their ability to cause eye and other damage. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a global organization that prepares and publishes international standards for all electrical, electronic, and related technologies. The IEC document 60825-1 outlines the safety of laser products. A description of each class of laser is given below:
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![]() Click to Enlarge Wheel runner shown being added to a curtain track. Each curtain includes one wheel runner for each eyelet.
Thorlabs' Laser Safety Curtains are certified to EN 12254: 2010(E); certification levels can be found in the table to the right. Each curtain is made using a rubber compound fabric and includes a 380 mm x 280 mm document pocket on the front of the curtain. The back of the curtain includes the Item # as well as a red label detailing safety compliance information, manufacturing date, and protection level information. The panels can be connected to each other using magnetic strips that are sewn along the vertical edge of each curtain, providing a light-tight seal. Curtains are available from stock in two lengths (2.13 m and 2.44 m) and three widths (1.45 m, 2.14 m, and 2.90 m). The curtains include one wheel runner for each eyelet. To mount a curtain onto a track, available above, simply insert the wheel runners into the track's bottom channel, as shown in the image to the right. When choosing a laser curtain, we recommend ordering enough so that the combined width is roughly 7-10% longer than the overall length of the curtain tracks. This allows the curtains to be draped along the length of the track, ensuring that the lab area will be properly enclosed. *DISCLAIMER ![]() ![]() Click to Enlarge Each track contains a top channel for mounting adapters, two side channels for end stops and T-nuts, and one bottom channel for wheel runners. ![]() Click to Enlarge LPCC90 Curved Track
These aluminum tracks are designed to support the laser safety curtains sold above. Straight tracks are available in six lengths, while a curved, 90° track allows the system to wrap around corners. Track connectors (sold below) allow sections of track to be combined to create customized curtain systems in a variety of sizes (see the Example Configurations tab above). Dowel pin holes at ends of each track accept dowel pins included our track connectors, ensuring proper alignment. The bottom of each track provides a path for the curtain wheel runners, while a slot in the top of the track allows the system to be mounted to the wall, floor, or ceiling using the accessories sold below. LCP05 curtain end stops (also sold below) can be added to the system using the side channels in each track. When mounting a curtain system, we recommend installing track supports for every 1 m of track when using ceiling supports and every 1.2 m of track when using floor supports. Please contact Thorlabs Tech Support with any questions about how to configure a system for your lab.
![]() Various track connectors are provided to connect together two, three, or four curtain tracks (sold above) with our various floor, ceiling, and/or wall mounting elements (sold below) for construction of a curtain system. Most track connectors include mounting slots or additional brackets to help attach the curtain system to a wall, ceiling, or floor element. The tables list the track connectors, the type of track connection they provide, the mounting elements with which they are compatible, and additional information needed to decide the appropriate component needed for your setup.
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The LPCFB12 Mounting Base is used to mount the modular laser saftey curtain system to the floor. Each base accepts an LPCFC7 or LPCFC8 mounting column, which can be used with a 2.13 m or 2.44 m laser curtain, respectively. They can then accept a track support or track connector to start forming the frame of your laser system. The mounting column attaches to the mounting base using a 6 mm hex key (not included) and included M8 cap screws and washers. We recommend a support column and base for every 1.2 m of track. *Due to different building codes, material types, and room designs, hardware to mount this system to floors is not included with any of our curtain system products. Please choose screws and fittings which are suitable for use in your floor and have enough holding power. For reference, chosen hardware should be able to withstand shear forces of approximately 30 N (6.7 lbf) and tensile forces of approximately 440 N (98.9 lbf). If you are uncertain, please contact a local specialized retailer. It is not recommended to use this system before bolting the base plates to the floor. ![]() ![]() Click to Enlarge LPCFJS Support Shown Attached to a Curtain Track
The LPCFJS Rail Support is used to provide additional support for the tracks. The LPCFJS attaches to a When floor mounting a curtain system, we recommend the use of a floor mounted support every 1.2 m. ![]() ![]() Click to Enlarge The LPC04 and LPC16 allow vertical adjustment of the track, when using the LPC02 rod, by an amount equal to or less than the track-to-ceiling separation of the bracket. ![]() Click to Enlarge LPC04 Mounted on a Track so that it can be Attached 14.0 mm from a Ceiling ![]() Click to Enlarge LPC08 Mounted on a Track so that it can be Attached 6.0 mm from a Ceiling
These mounting brackets are used to attach a curtain track to a ceiling. Each bracket attaches to the top-located channel of the curtain tracks using a 6 mm hex key (not included) and included M8 cap screws and T-nuts with the center through hole. This allows the track to be positioned before it is secured in place. Three versions are available, each offering a different track-to-ceiling separation: LPC08 (6.0 mm separation), LPC04 (14.0 mm separation), and LPC16 (55.0 mm separation). The LPC08, LPC04, and LPC16 each have two through holes, offset from center, that are used to attach the brackets directly to the ceiling. These through holes can also be used with the LPC02 Off-Ceiling Mounting Rod, available below, which allows the curtain track to be mounted up to 2 m below the ceiling. Additionally, when the LPC02 is used with the LPC04 and LPC16, the tracks can be vertically adjusted on the rod by an amount equal to or less than the track-to-ceiling separation of the bracket, without interfering with other components mounted on the track. An example can be seen in the photo to the far right. This adjustment range can be used to level the system or change the height at which it is mounted. Please note that we recommend adding a ceiling support for every 1 m of track to create a more stable system. *Due to different building codes, material types, and room designs, hardware to mount these brackets to ceilings is not included. Please be aware of the overall weight of the mounted system and choose screws and fittings that are suitable and have enough holding strength for use in your wall or ceiling. If you are uncertain, please contact a specialized retailer. ![]() ![]() Click for Details The LPC14 is used to hang a curtain track 138.0 mm from a support wall. ![]() Click for Details The LPC03 is used to hang a curtain track so that it can be flush with a support wall.
The LPC03 and LPC14 Mounting Brackets are used to attach a curtain track flush with or The LPC03 bracket includes three Ø6.8 mm x 10.0 mm through slots and the LPC14 includes two Ø9.0 mm through holes so that they can be mounted to a wall*. *Due to different building codes, material types, and room designs, hardware to mount these brackets to a wall is not included. Please be aware of the overall weight of the mounted system and choose screws and fittings that are suitable and have enough holding strength for use in your wall or ceiling. If you are uncertain, please contact a specialized retailer. ![]() ![]() Click to Enlarge An adapter is included so that the two rods can be attached. This is ideal when the system needs to be attached to higher ceilings. ![]() Click to Enlarge An M8 threaded T-nut is included so that the rods can be directly attached to a curtain track.
The LPC02 Mounting Rod is designed to mount curtain tracks to a high ceiling for support. It can also be attached to a curtain end stop bracket to attach to a far wall to prevent system sway. Please note that the rod is only designed to hold axial loads and should not be used to support loads when mounted horizontally. The LPC02 includes two 1.0 m long steel rods, one 24.0 mm long thread adapter to connect the rods, and mounting hardware, listed in the table to the left, to attach the rod to a curtain accessory. When mounting to the ceiling, the LPC02 can be attached directly to the top channel of the curtain tracks using the included M8-T-nut or it can be attached to an end stop bracket, available below, using the included M8 lock nuts. When mounting to a wall, the LPC02 will need to be attached to a wall mounting bracket, available above, using the included lock nuts. Please see the manual for detailed wall and ceiling mounting instructions. Please note we recommend adding a ceiling support for every 1 m of track to guarantee a stable system. *Due to different building codes, material types, and room designs, hardware to mount these rods to walls or ceilings is not included. Please be aware of the overall weight of the mounted system and choose screws and fittings that are suitable and have enough holding strength for use in your wall or ceiling. If you are uncertain, please contact a specialized retailer. ![]() ![]() Click to Enlarge End Stop Shown Attached to the Side of a Curtain Track to Stop the Movement of the Wheel Runners ![]() Click to Enlarge The LPC05 shown attached to the top of a track with an LPC02 to create a horizontal restraint that prevents swaying of the system.
The LPC05 is used to provide a hard stop for a curtain mounted to a track. As shown in the image to the right, it is designed to attach to the side channel of the curtain track using the provided drop-in nut and M4 cap screw. The drop-in nut can be placed into the channel from anywhere on the track; it does not need to be slid in on the end of the track. When the curtain's wheel runner is in place, the end stop can be positioned with the bottom slot around the hook of the wheel runner. The end stop and held wheel runner can then be adjusted along the length of the curtain track by loosening the M4 cap screw that secures the end stop in place. The LPC05 can also be attached to the top channel of the curtain track to provide additional wall support for the curtain system. See the image to the right for details and the manual for specific, step-by-step mounting instructions. ![]() ![]() Click to Enlarge Wheel runners shown being added to a curtain track. Each laser curtain includes one wheel runner for each eyelet. The LPC07 contains a pack of 10 replacement wheel runners that are used to attach the laser safety curtains to a curtain track. First, insert the wheels of the LPC07 into the bottom channel of the curtain track. Then slide the hook of the wheel runner into the eyelet of the laser curtain. Please note that Thorlabs' laser safety curtains come with one wheel runner for each eyelet in the panel. ![]() ![]() Click to Enlarge M8-Threaded T-Nuts are Used in the top Channel of the Curtain Tracks to Attach Mounting Adapters and Track Connectors The LPC06 contains a pack of 10 T-Nuts that can be used in the top channel of the laser curtain tracks. These T-Nuts effectively add M8 tapped holes to the laser curtain track, which allows the track connectors, mounting rods, and wall/ceiling mounting brackets in our modular curtain system to be mounted. They can also be used to replace the T-Nuts included in our Laser Curtain Kits to connect the tracks to the main support frame. Please note that T-Nuts are provided with each laser curtain accessory. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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