About Safety

1. What is the safety class of the machine (I, II, III, or IV)?
2. Could a laser beam hurt or blind me?
3. Is it safe to use a laser?
4. Does the machine have adequate ventilation?

 

1. What is the safety class of the machine (I, II, III, or IV)?

Class I is the safest type of laser machine, with a fully enclosed cutting area. All doors and covers have redundant safety interlocks that, when doors are opened, turn off power to the laser and place a shutter over the laser beam path. No eye protection or personal safety equipment is required when using this machine. The Beam Dynamics LMC and Lumen are both Class I laser systems.

Class IV is an open machine, so safety equipment must be used in the laser hazard area. When a 4x8 extension table is added to an LMC, then our system goes from Class I to Class IV. The machine must be open to allow the pass through of the cutting bed.

2. Could a laser beam hurt or blind me?

When used according to regulations, the standard Class I enclosure prevents any exposure to the laser beam. You do not even have to wear eye protection when operating the machine.

3. Is it safe to use a laser?

The standard Class I enclosure is safety interlocked preventing any exposure to the laser beam, fully complying with 21 CFR Chapter 1, Subchapter J. The machine is so safe that no eye protection need be worn when operating the machine. All motors are completely disengaged when the safety cover is open for mechanical safety.

Although Class I means there is little to no possibility of being injured by a laser beam, it is still necessary to take common sense safety precautions. For example, some materials create harmful gasses when laser cut. Other materials may be flammable if correct process techniques are not used. It is important to determine material safety by acquiring a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) from material suppliers. Some materials may require a fume filtration machine and dust collector. Check with Beam Dynamics or the material supplier before cutting any questionable materials.

4. Does the machine have adequate ventilation?

Yes. A dual exhaust machine provides efficient removal of cutting fumes. The vacuum cutting bed provides material hold-down and removes smoke from through-cutting. An additional top exhaust port removes residual smoke from engraving.

Many of our customers simply vent outside, but check the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for its particular properties. Some materials may require a fume filtration machine and dust collector. Check with Beam Dynamics or the material supplier before cutting any questionable materials.