5 Ways to Make Used Laser Marking Machines Safer

In response to the safety risks posed by second-hand laser markers, the company has proposed five key directions for upgrading protection, including upgrading the laser shield, optimizing the emergency stop, and improving the exhaust system.

Why do second-hand machines need safety modifications?

Those who have bought a used laser marking machine know that although these machines offer a good price-to-quality ratio, their safety features are often not up to the latest standards.I've seen many factories where inadequate safety measures have led to injuries from laser accidents or frequent breakdowns in equipment.In fact, with a little investment, you can upgrade your old equipment to a more modern standard and make it more reliable.

The first upgrade was to add an extra layer of laser protection.

The outer casing is designed to prevent scattering.

The acrylic covers that come with used equipment tend to turn yellow and crack over time. It is recommended that you replace them with laminated glass covers with metal frames.A 45-degree angled plate is attached to the side of the machine, which reflects the scattered laser beam onto a channel on the ground, preventing the machine operator from being injured.

Linkage switches.

Don't use an old-fashioned mechanical switch. Nowadays, infrared devices are popular which automatically cut off the laser power when the cover is opened.The last time I helped a customer add this function, their employees didn't have to worry about forgetting to turn off the machine before working on it.

Key protection upgrade 2: Optimized emergency braking systems.

Multiple emergency stop buttons.

Older equipment usually has only a red button on the control panel, and if something goes wrong, there's no time to run over and press it.He suggested that the four sides of the equipment be fitted with a pull-cord emergency shut-off device, so that pulling any of the cords would shut off the electricity within 0.2 seconds.

Sound and light alarms are linked.

When the emergency stop is activated, the machine must not only stop, but also emit a 120 decibel alarm and flashing lights.A car parts factory that has adopted the system told me that it has cut the response time to accidents by 70 %.

Critical upgrade 3: Strengthening of the smoke and dust removal module.

Double filtration.

The single filter that comes with second-hand equipment can't stop metal dust. Adding a cyclone separator and a HEPA filter can actually reduce PM2.5 levels from 800 to below 50.

Air pressure monitoring.

Installing a pressure sensor in the exhaust pipe is especially practical. When you discover that suction has decreased, you know it's time to clean the ash.A customer who makes jewelry told us that this feature has helped them avoid three potential fires that might have resulted from clogged filters.

Critical upgrade 4: Ageing protection for circuit systems.

Insulation on the power lines was reinforced.

When they take apart equipment that's ten years old, they often find that the insulation on the wires is brittle.I wrapped the critical lines with heat-shrink tubing and sprayed on an arc-resistant coating, and the feeling of security came right back.

Overload protection upgraded.

The old-fashioned fuse is out of date; it is time to replace it with a smart circuit breaker that can monitor current fluctuations in real time.After one electrical repair shop made the changes, there were no more cases of burned-out motors.

Key upgrade 5: Interface safety.

Hierarchical administration.

We put a three-level password on the screen, so that ordinary workers can only use basic functions. Adjusting parameters requires the authority of a supervisor or higher.This prevents mistakes and stops inexperienced users from fiddling with the parameters.

Visual safety guidance.

They affixed glow-in-the-dark stickers to the sides of the equipment, and made a poster with icons showing the steps in the process.Many old hands don't actually remember the written instructions, and find it easier to follow the pictures.

These changes may sound like a lot, but they cost less than 20 % of the price of new equipment.The key is to be able to keep the cost-performance ratio of the old equipment while meeting current safety requirements.If you are not sure about a concrete plan, it is recommended that you find an experienced maintenance company to do a thorough inspection. They will be able to give you more precise upgrade advice based on your actual working conditions.