Laser Safety Issues of FOCAS Laser Cutting Machine

Our laser cutting machine is designed for a safe operation, and has several safety functions. So, it is something like a laser printer (i.e., you will never notice the danger of the laser if properly used). However, you must understand their correct usage to avoid potential dangers.

• Our cutter uses infrared YAG laser (safety class 3-4).
  • You cannot see the laser light even when you are exposed to the light. So, always be careful and put the safety glasses on when the laser is activated.
• The top and front door (the slit entrance) of the cutter has a window with a green filter. This filter is designed to cut off the laser light.
• However, it is not recommended to see inside through this window while the laser is in operation. Also, do not remove the filter.
  • Our cutter has a safety interlock system. The laser output would be automatically shut down when you open the entrance. window.
  • This picture shows the front slit entrance with a green filter is open. The yellow lamp behind the door indicates that the system is not ready for operation (this time due to the open entrance).
• However, you are recommended to check whether the laser is operating or not before opening it. A small red lamp indicates whether it is in operation or not.

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This picture shows the typical conditions of the laser cutting machine in operation. Note a small red lamp indicating the laser is now ON and the big green lamp indicating the normal operation of the system. If you open the slit entrance, then the small red lamp goes off (i.e., the laser is off), and the big red lamp goes ON (indicating the interlock error).

• You are responsible not only for your own safety, but also for other people's safety.
  • You must prevent other people from coming closer to the laser cutter while the cutter is in operation and you are out of the scene.
  • There are orange caution poles with yellow tape and a sign of "Danger: Laser Operating". Use them to keep them away.
  • You also need to put a "laser operation" sign on the entrance door of the laser cutting room.