Calculate combined shade & VLT when stacking lenses
WARNING: always confirm that your laser filter(s) match the frequency (nm) of your laser.
Verify the OD and frequency with a Laser Safety Officer.
Lenses in stack
—
Combined shade
—
Combined VLT
Light transmission—
0% opaque100% clear
Standard welding shade guide
Shade
VLT %
Typical use
Fiber laser welding — eye protection by power
Power
Weld shade
Laser OD @ 1064 nm
Typical use
800 W
Shade 3
OD 7+
Light sheet metal, stainless steel up to ~1 mm
1200 W
Shade 3–5
OD 7+
Thin carbon/stainless steel, light aluminum
1500 W
Shade 5
OD 7+
Most common handheld power; steel up to ~3 mm
2000 W
Shade 5
OD 7-8+
Medium-thick steel, aluminum/copper up to ~5 mm
3000 W
Shade 5
OD 7–8+
Heavy structural steel, thick aluminum; robotic systems
Welding shade (ANSI Z87.1) filters visible arc/plume brightness.
Laser OD (ANSI Z136.1) filters the invisible 1064 nm beam — both requirements must be met simultaneously.
Shade 3 (~14% VLT) keeps the alignment/preview beam visible; Shade 5 (~1.9% VLT) gives greater arc protection at higher powers.
Always verify with a Laser Safety Officer — OD requirements depend on beam power, spot size, and exposure geometry.