Are there any set guidelines on when to change a diode laser lens? I clean my lens on a regular basis and it looks the same now as it did when I purchased it [Atomstack X30 Pro 33W & Longer Ray5 10W]. Do they wear out? From what I have researched, the only time that you need to replace a diode laser lens is if it’s cracked, can’t be cleaned, or some other issues such as scratching or something. If it’s crystal clear as it was when purchased, does it ever need to be replaced? Do they wear out? Any info would help. Thanks.
If there is air support, it can keep itself clean and in life for a long time. What destroys lenses mainly is materials that “jump back” during machining. Especially slate, stone and glass can almost explode by engraving.
Great - I use air assist all the time, both cutting and engraving.
Have to add a comment to @bernd.dk statement…
Heat is probably the biggest enemy. That debris that @bernd.dk is referencing ends up on the lens which is troublesome from more than one way.
As you continue lasing, the debris allows some of the energy in the beam to be absorbed by the lens, heating it… doesn’t take a lot to crack a lens.
I also lost a $20 lens trying to engrave stainless with the co2. Got a ok result, but cost me a lens. This was reflective damage.
On my diode laser I managed to destroy 2 lenses - before I got air on it. After that, no further lens operations 
I have also had the reflections on the list, but they must have some dirt to be able to heat or burn something off, otherwise it is not a big problem with this wavelength.
Thanks for the heads up.
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