Seven Things to Remember When Using a Laser Cutter

In high-precision tasks such as laser cutting and welding, safe operation is the key to protecting personnel and equipment.It lists seven important points to remember, covering everything from the choice of protective equipment to the inspection process and environmental management guidelines, to help laser technicians avoid safety hazards and improve work efficiency.

Safety goggles are not just for show.

Some people feel that wearing safety goggles is a bother, or they just use ordinary glasses instead. This is a big mistake! Laser beams are extremely powerful, and if they are reflected into the eye, they can cause permanent damage in an instant.The protective goggles must be designed to block the specific wavelength of the laser.Don't think it's a waste of time; safety is a matter that can't be cut.

Don't be lazy about pre-operation checks.

Check whether the cooling system is working.

The laser equipment gets hot when in operation, and if the cooling water circulation gets stuck, the machine will stop working in a matter of minutes.Before starting the machine, listen to the sound of the pump and feel the pipe to see whether it is vibrating. Don't wait until the alarm goes off before you regret it.

The tracks and lenses had to be kept clean.

Metal shavings on the guide rails or dust on the lenses can cause the laser's path to deviate or burn the lenses.Use a lint-free cloth with a little alcohol on it, and wipe it gently twice. Don't use a paper tissue and rub it hard, because the more scratches you have, the more it costs to replace the lens.

Work distinguishes between junk and treasure.

When the laser is working, sparks fly two or three meters, and if there are boxes or oil drums nearby, it is easy to start a fire.It is suggested that a separate area be designated for storage of materials, and that a safety distance of at least 1.5 meters be maintained around the work area.Don't think that you can "put it off for a little bit," because accidents often happen in that "little bit.

An emergency button must be easily accessible.

Each control panel must have a red emergency stop button, the height of which is adjusted to the operator's height. If the operator is standing, the button is placed at waist height, and if the operator is sitting, the button is placed at elbow height.Test your airbag's response time once a month, and don't let it become a mere decoration.

The exhaust system is a big deal.

The smoke from cutting metal contains heavy metals, which are harmful to the lungs if inhaled in large quantities.Air ducts are cleaned of accumulated dust weekly, and air outlets are not directed at pedestrian walkways.If you smell a foul odor, immediately shut down the machine for inspection. Don't wait until the smoke alarm goes off.

Gloves should not be worn at random.

When working with precision controls, wear anti-static gloves, and when moving materials, wear cut-resistant gloves. Never try to save time by using cotton gloves to adjust the light path. If fibers get into the optical components, they are a pain to remove, even worse than embroidering!

Training is not an empty formality.

New employees have to work with experienced staff for at least ten hours, and can't just rely on video instruction.The emphasis is on teaching them to identify abnormal sounds (such as the noise of a cooling pump) and to judge the degree of contamination of the lenses.The lab conducts two safety drills a year, simulating emergencies such as laser misalignment and material fires. Only through repeated drills can the staff be truly ready for an emergency.