Laser machines are divided into internationally valid classes based on their performance and the risk of injury for eyes and skin connected therewith: Class 1 offers the highest safety. With lasers of class 4, laser radiation can be emitted. The use of protective equipment (e.g. protection goggles) is necessary here. Trotec laser machines contain a CO2 or a fiber laser source, or both laser sources in the Speedy flexx systems. Here you find an overview of laser safety measures and our Trotec protection devices for safe laser processing.
How safe are Trotec laser machines?
By means of the closed design of the Trotec lasers, the laser user is optimally protected. This concept additionally allows for rapid and efficient extraction of dust and gas. The closed Trotec flatbed laser machines belong to laser class 2. Why only laser class 2? Laser pointers are built into Trotec lasers, in order to show the user where the laser impinges the material. According to the internationally valid standard, laser pointers with an output of less than one milliwatt belong to laser class 2.
Except laser machines with laser class 4
If the Trotec laser plotter is equipped with a hatch, the chassis has an opening through which the laser radiation can exit. Such laser machines thus fall into laser class 4. A similar situation results with Trotec lasers with galvo technology. The laser must be classified into laser class 4 if it doesn't have a corresponding housing. Lasers of the safety class 4 may then only be operated with special protective gear (protective glass, shields, protection goggles).
Please contact us for personal information and advice regarding the topic of laser safety.
The accessible laser radiation of this class is harmless - even with prolonged radiation, or the laser is housed in a radiation-impervious manner.
Laser machines of class 2:
These comprise visible lasers (e.g. laser pointers with an output below 1mW), which are only safe for the eyes with short-term radiation below 0.25 seconds.
Laser machines of class 3:
The accessible laser radiation is in any case dangerous for the eye. Please also pay particular attention to reflections (e.g. by reflective material surfaces). Trotec does not have any laser system with laser class 3.
Laser machines of class 4:
Here, damages to eyes and skin can be caused or fires can be triggered within the danger zone of the laser. With this laser class, the user is obliged to fully comply with protection provisions.
Which safety class do the individual Trotec laser machines have?
Which protective devices does a Trotec laser have?
All Trotec laser machines are CE-compliant and thus meet the essential safety and health requirements of the EC Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. Here you will find an overview of machine-specific safety and protection devices, which make our lasers one of the safest in their class all over the world.
Interlock safety switch
Cladding elements, side covers/front hood and the protective cover serve as protection for the laser. These covers are fitted with interlock safety switches. If the protective cover or another interlock-secured cover is opened, a signal sounds and the laser machine immediately interrupts the laser process. Thus ensuring maximum safety for the user at all times.
All-round light curtain system for SP laser cutters
A moving light curtain system around the safety bumpers on the X-axis define an all-round protection zone around the work area. If the user enters this protection zone, the laser is stopped immediately.
For all closed laser systems, e.g.: Speedy Laser Engraver series or SP Laser Cutter series, the acrylic cover provides extensive protection from the laser light. Depending on the laser source, different protective covers are used. For example, laser machines with a CO2 laser source have a blue acrylic cover, while machines with a fiber laser source have a green cover. Due to the coloring of the acrylic glass, the laser light is completely absorbed, thus providing extensive protection for 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
Some materials (e.g. acrylic) tend to flame, especially during laser cutting. The specially developed temperature sensor alerts the laser user when the temperature in the work area exceeds a critical value. The operator can react instantly to the acoustic warning signal and interrupt the laser process. Nevertheless, laser machines should never be left operating unattended.
Safety switch for immediate interruption of the power supply
In a dangerous situation, the power supply can be interrupted by means of various safety switches and buttons. The laser process is immediately stopped.
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
When installing your Trotec laser machine, you will receive important instructions regarding safe handling of the laser. In addition, our Trotec Academy offers a comprehensive training program.
Are you interested in a half-day laser safety training course?
