Operating a laser cutting machine can be a highly efficient way to cut through various materials with precision. However, like any powerful industrial equipment, it requires proper safety protocols to ensure the safety of operators and maintain the machine’s longevity. This article will guide you through the essential steps to safely operate a fiber laser cutter, covering everything from pre-operation checks to emergency procedures.

1 Before Use

Before using a laser cutter, users should familiarize themselves with safety protocols. This includes:

1. Operational Safety: Thoroughly read the user manual to understand the equipment’s safety features and operating principles. Before operation, designate safety managers and restricted areas to prevent unauthorized personnel from accessing the machine. And only trained operators who meet the required standards and have approval from the safety manager should operate the machine.
2. Emergency Stop: Operators must be familiar with the location, function, and operation of the Emergency Stop button to promptly halt the machine in case of an emergency.
3. Fire Safety: Ensure that functional fire extinguishers are readily available around the equipment.
4. Gas Usage and Laser Safety: During cutting, the machine uses oxygen, nitrogen, or compressed air. It is essential to strictly follow the machine’s requirements for gas pressure and purity. Besides, the laser source in the equipment can cause burns if it comes into contact with any part of the body, particularly the eyes and skin. To avoid accidental injuries, keep all body parts out of the laser’s path.

2 Precautions during Installation

The size and weight of a CNC fiber laser cutter are significant, so it’s crucial to prioritize safety during unloading and installation.

1. Lifting the Equipment: Only certified personnel should operate cranes and forklifts during the lifting process. It’s crucial to ensure that all ropes and lifting gear can handle the machine’s weight. Also, under no circumstances should any part of the body be under the crane during lifting.
2. Electrical Connections: All electrical work should be performed by qualified personnel. To prevent electrical shock, ensure the machine is properly grounded before any connections are made. During the process, the factory’s main breaker must be turned off, and a warning sign should be displayed to alert others that wiring is in progress. If wiring runs along the ground, protect it with a secure, robust shield to prevent damage.
3. Equipment Inspection: After installing the machine, perform a thorough inspection before powering it on. This includes checking that all electrical connections are secure, components are adequately lubricated, and plugs are firmly connected.

3 Pre-Operation Safety Checks

Before operating a CNC fiber laser cutting machine, always perform a thorough pre-operation check. This includes:

1. Surrounding Area Check: Inspect the work area and the machine’s movable parts for any obstacles. Check the floor for water or oil to prevent slipping. And avoid leaving flammable materials in the laser control area.
2. Equipment Check: Ensure that every door and safety guard is securely closed. Verify that all safety devices are functioning correctly and are free from faults or damage. Also, ensure all axes and guide rails are adequately lubricated 
3. Cutting Material Check: Confirm that the cutting material and thickness are within the machine’s operational range. If dealing with an unknown material, consult the manufacturer before cutting—never proceed blindly.
4. Power-On Check: After turning on the power, listen for any abnormal sounds from the motor gears, electrical cabinet cooling fans, or other mechanical components.

4 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucial when operating a fiber laser. The following PPE should be worn at all times:

1. Laser Safety Glasses: Operators and anyone near the laser during its operation should wear laser safety glasses. Also, maintain good indoor lighting to ensure the operator can work efficiently.
2. Gloves: When operating the machine, minimize skin exposure by wearing appropriate clothing, including long sleeves and pants, preferably high-temperature-resistant one.
3. Hair and Accessories: Long hair should be tied back, and a protective helmet should be worn to prevent entanglement in the machine’s moving or rotating parts. Avoid wearing any jewelry, such as watches, that could get caught in the machine’s moving components.

5 Safety Precautions during Operation

When operating the CNC fiber laser cutter, follow these procedures to ensure safe and efficient operation:

1. During operation, it is crucial to avoid certain actions to maintain a safe working environment. Do not enter any movable parts of the machine while it is running, and never place any part of your body under the cutting head. And direct contact with the laser pointer’s red light, laser beam, or scattered light can lead to serious injuries, so avoid these at all costs. During operation, never tighten, measure workpieces, remove chips, or clean around the machine during operation. Besides, when operating switches, keys, or buttons, do not wear gloves.
2. Material Handling: After cutting, do not touch materials with your bare hands to avoid injuries from burrs or heat.
3. Alarm Handling: If the machine does not operate normally, displays an alarm message, or shows signs of malfunction, immediately notify the equipment monitoring and maintenance personnel.
4. Proper Shutdown: After completing a cutting job, follow the proper shutdown procedure. Sequentially turn off the equipment control system, laser control signal, laser source power supply, and water chiller.

6 Post-Operation Safety Checks

After using the laser cutting machine, it’s essential to perform post-operation checks to maintain the machine’s condition and ensure the safety of future operations:

1. Clean the Machine: Remove any debris, dust, or residue from the cutting bed and laser lens. Keeping the machine clean helps maintain its precision and prolongs its lifespan.
2. Log the Operation: Record the details of the operation in a maintenance log. This should include the type of material cut, the settings used, and any issues encountered. This log helps track the machine’s performance over time and identifies potential problems early.

7 Common Hazards and How to Avoid Them

When using a laser cutting machine, operators should be aware of common hazards and take steps to avoid them:

1. Fire Risk: Laser cutting can generate heat, which poses a fire risk, especially when cutting flammable materials. Always keep a fire extinguisher nearby and ensure the cutting area is free of combustible materials.
2. Laser Protection: Direct or reflected laser beams can cause severe eye and skin injuries. Always wear appropriate PPE and never look directly at the laser beam.
3. Mechanical Failures: Mechanical components of the laser cutter, such as the motors and belts, can fail if not properly maintained. Regular maintenance checks are essential to prevent unexpected breakdowns.
4. Electrical Hazards: Both the machine and the laser system operate at lethal voltages, requiring extreme caution. Only qualified electrical engineers should perform any electrical work. After powering down the system, it is essential to wait at least 5 minutes before touching any terminals, as high voltage may remain between power line terminals for some time.
5. Gas Hazards: The cutting process involves the use of oxygen, nitrogen, and compressed air, which must strictly meet the pressure and purity requirements of the cutting machine. Improper handling of these gases can lead to explosions, so it is crucial to exercise caution.

Operating a CNC fiber laser cutter is an experience-based process that benefits greatly from continuous education. By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure a safe working environment and extend the life of your laser cutting machine, leading to better productivity and higher-quality results.