Laser Cutting Safety

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Laser Cutting Growing in popularity, laser cutting has become increasingly adopted for numerous uses within in the manufacturing industry. This lesson, will cover how laser cutting machines work and the different types of compatible materials.

Laser Light Hazards In this lesson you learn about the hazards associated with working with lasers and the ways in which you can protect yourself from the risks.

What should you check before operating a laser cutter?

Fire Hazards In the first lesson we learnt that high intensity laser beams can produce extremely high temperatures and significant amounts of heat as the substrate material is burned away. These factors pose significant fire risks, in this lesson you'll learn how to minimise the risks.

Polystyrene foam Prone to melting completely and it also catches on fire really easily.

ABS Plastic In addition to producing toxic fumes it also has a high chance of catching on fire easily.

Cardboard Thicker pieces of cardboard are more prone to catching on fire than thin pieces of card stock or paper.

Wood Avoid oily or resinous wood, as the chemical compounds make it more prone to catching on fire. Common culprits include: oak, teak, maple, cocobolo

Which of these materials are prone to catching on fire easily? All of the materials shown here are prone to catching on fire easily. This is particularly true for thicker paper products like cardboard, and oily or resinous woods.

Which of these materials are prone to catching on fire easily? All of the materials shown here are prone to catching on fire easily. This is particularly true for thicker paper products like cardboard, and oily or resinous woods.

Which of these materials are prone to catching on fire easily? All of the materials shown here are prone to catching on fire easily. This is particularly true for thicker paper products like cardboard, and oily or resinous woods.

Which of these materials are prone to catching on fire easily? All of the materials shown here are prone to catching on fire easily. This is particularly true for thicker paper products like cardboard, and oily or resinous woods.

Air Contaminants Laser cutters will generate fumes, vapours, particulates, and metal fumes from materials being processed. These can be highly toxic. This lesson covers a selection of materials that can release contaminants, and how we can minimise the risks of exposure.

Plastics Laser cutting plastics can generate hazardous compounds such as hydrogen chloride, benzene, dioxins/furans, ethyl acrylate.¹ For example, hydrogen chloride gas can be irritating to the mucous membranes of the nose, throat and respiratory tract. Exposure to high concentrations can lead to swelling and spasming of the throat and suffocation.²

Metals Metal dust is a common by product of laser cutting metal. Long term exposure can impair lung function and may cause acute or chronic respiratory diseases. Hexavalent chromium (a.k.a hex chrome) is produced when cutting into stainless steel and other metals that contain chromium. It's considered on of the most dangerous kinds of dust as it's been proven to cause irritation or damage to the nose, throat, and lungs high concentrations. It's even proven to cause lung cancer.3 4

Woods The smoke that forms when wood or other organic matter burns creates complex mixture of gases and fine particles that include: benzene, formaldehyde and acrolein. For example, Benezene can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and unconsciousness, in the long term it can effect bone marrow and cause anemia and leukemia.5

Charcoal filters Charcoal filters absorb chemicals. It's useful in filtering out vapours and chemical gasses. These are best paired with HEPA filter.

HEPA filter These filter out metal and dust fumes. The use of charcoal and HEPA filters are likely going to catch most types of materials. Note: Filters must be changed regularly according to the frequency of use and the materials cut. Always refer to the manufacturer's specifications.

HVAC exhaust systems HVAC exhausts can be uses remove contaminants.

Extractors Extractors can be used in smaller spaces such as in small business, or classrooms.

Safety Glasses Provides your eyes protection from particles and debris

Hearing Protection Some machines may emit loud noises, this also depends on the type of material you're working with. Always refer to the machine's manual.

Gloves Materials that have been recently cut are very likely going to be very hot. That's why it's important to wear gloves while removing the pieces out of the machine.