Depending on their performance and the risk of injury for eyes and the skin therein, laser machines are divided into internationally valid safety classes. Class 1 has the highest safety, while lasers of class 4 can emit laser radiation. For these class 4 lasers, it's necessary to wear protective equipment like protection goggles. Trotec laser machines contain either a CO2 or a fiber laser source. Speedy Flexx systems have both. On this page you will find an overview of the safety measures and protection devices that Trotec employs for safe laser processing.
How safe are Trotec laser machines?
Due to the closed design of Trotec lasers, the user is maximally protected. This design also allows for the fast and efficient extraction of dust and gas. The closed flat bed laser machines are in laser class 2. Why only laser class 2? Because laser pointers are built into Trotec devices, showing the user where the laser will touch the material. According to international standards, any laser pointer that has an output of less than one milliwatt goes in laser class 2.
Except laser machines with laser class 4
If the Trotec laser plotter has a hatch, then the body has an opening where laser radiation can exit. These devices must therefore fall within laser class 4. A similar situation occurs with Trotec lasers that contain galvo technology. These lasers must be classified with laser class 4 if they don't have the corresponding housing. Lasers in safety class 4 must only be operated with special protective gear like protective glass, shields, or protection goggles.
Please contact us for any personalized information or advice on laser safety.
Either the laser radiation is harmless even with prolonged exposure, or the laser is housed in a way that protects the user from any radiation.
Laser machines of class 2:
This includes visible lasers (e.g., laser pointers with an output below 1mW), which have radiation that's only safe for the eyes in the short term, below a quarter of a second.
Laser machines of class 3:
Any accessible laser radiation is dangerous for the eyes. Special attention must be made to reflections and reflective surfaces. Trotec has no systems in laser class 3.
Laser machines of class 4:
In laser class 4, damage can be done to the eyes and skin and fires can be triggered within the laser's danger zone. In this class, the laser user must completely protect themselves with proper protective equipment.
Which safety class do the individual Trotec laser machines have?
Which protective devices does a Trotec laser have?
Each Trotec laser machine is CE-compliant and therefore meets the necessary health and safety requirements of the EC Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. Below you will find an overview of the machine-specific safety and protection mechanisms that make our devices some of the safest in their class around the world.
Interlock safety switch
Protection from the laser is provided through cladding elements, side covers, a front hood and a protective cover. These covers have interlock safety switches built in. If any interlock-secured cover is opened, a signal is sounded and the laser machine will immediately interrupt the laser process. This ensures that the user is totally protected at all times.
All-round light curtain system for SP laser cutters
Near the safety bumpers on the X-axis, a moving light curtain system is used to create an all-round protection zone around the work area. If anyone enters the protection zone, any laser process is immediately interrupted.
Each closed laser system (e.g., Speedy Laser Engraver series or SP Laser Cutter series) has an acrylic cover that fully protects the user from laser light. A different cover is applied depending on the kind of laser source used. For instance, CO2 laser sources require a blue acrylic cover, while fiber laser sources need a green cover. Because of the colouring in the acrylic glass, the laser light is absorbed, ensuring the safety of the laser user.
CO2 laser source: Blue protective cover
Fiber laser source: Green protective cover
The temperature sensor enhances safety during laser cutting
Temperature sensor with warning signal
There are some materials like acrylic that can burn or flame, particularly during laser cutting. The special made temperature sensor in Trotec machines warn the user when the temperature in the work area increases past the critical point. The resulting alert sound allows the user to instantly respond and stop the laser process. Nevertheless, laser machines should never be left operating unattended.
Safety switch for immediate interruption of the power supply
In a critical situation, the power supply can be disrupted through different safety switches and buttons. Pressing one of these will immediately stop the laser process.
Main switch: Main power supply is disconnected
Key switch: Motor, laser source and electronics are de-energized
Emergency stop button: Electric circuit is interrupted, the laser beam and all movements are stopped
Laser safety training
During the installation of your Trotec laser machine, you will be given important instructions about safely handling your laser. Additionally, our Trotec Academy offers a comprehensive training program.
Are you interested in a half-day laser safety training course?
