Fire Safety
Laser cutting and engraving systems can present a significant fire hazard due to the extremely high
temperatures generated by the laser beam.
While the objective of most cutting and engraving operations is
to vaporize material without burning, most materials capable of being cut or engraved are inherently
combustible and can ignite. Typically, this is a small flame of burning material issuing from the cut zone which
self-extinguishes due to the air assist or depowering of the beam. However, it is possible for the flame to
propagate and set fire to the machine and its surroundings.
Always keep a properly maintained and inspected 5lbs. or larger fire
extinguisher on hand.
Full Spectrum Laser recommends a Halogen fire
extinguisher or a multipurpose dry chemical fire extinguisher. Halogen
extinguishers are more expensive than a dry chemical, but offer certain
advantages should you ever need to use an extinguisher. The Halogen
extinguisher discharges a clean, easily removable substance that is not
harmful to the mechanics or wiring of the laser system. The dry chemical
extinguisher discharges a sticky, corrosive powder that is very difficult to
clean up.
Stacking materials (especially organic materials such as paper) can
lead to increased risk of flame propagation or work piece ignition.
Never operate your machine unattended. There is a significant risk of
fire if the machine is set improperly, or if the machine should
experience a mechanical or electrical failure while operating.
Always use the air assist, especially while vector cutting.
Vector cutting
movements are relatively slow and apply an extremely large amount of heat
to the workplace. This buildup of heat can create a significant fire risk.
Never run a laser with the lid open.
Always be sure the lid is closed and
never tamper with lid safety mechanism.
Always keep the area around the machine clean and free of clutter,
combustible materials, explosives, or volatile solvents such as acetone,
alcohol, or gasoline.
Always use air assist when vector cutting.
Be cautious when vector cutting.
Many materials have the potential to
burst suddenly into flames – even materials that may be very familiar to the
user. Always monitor the machine when it is operating
Vector cutting with the laser has the most potential to create an open
flame.
Acrylic in all its different forms is especially flammable when vector
cutting with a laser.
Never cut PVC (polyvinyl chloride) under any circumstances:
fumes are
highly toxic and potentially lethal.
Never store any flammable materials in or near the device.
Debris and
left over produced materials within the machine must be removed to
prevent a fire.
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