IPG IX-6168-PS, Hardware Reference Manual

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IPG Photonics Workstations
IPG Photonics IX-series enclosed laser workstations are Class 1 laser products. While
performing their intended function, Class 1 products must prevent human exposure
to emissions beyond those indicated in Title 21, Volume 8, Chapter I, Subchapter J,
Part 1040.10, Table I. Therefore they typically pose no known laser radiation hazard to
operators, routine maintenance personnel, or the public.
Although the IX-series
enclosed laser systems have an overall Class 1 rating, they do
incorporate UV lasers that generate radiation levels exceeding the Class 1 limit. These
include Class 4 levels of UV radiation, and sometimes Class 2 levels of visible red
radiation from a HeNe alignment laser. Therefore, when operating the beam outside
the enclosure, Class 1 safety assurances may no longer apply.
IPG Photonics workstations that are
not enclosed are Class 4 products.
Airborne Contaminant Hazards
Laser processing generates hazardous airborne contaminants.
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The UV laser beam etches materials by breaking down molecular bonds, resulting
in high-velocity ejection of vaporized materials. This process, called ablation, can
release hazardous fumes and airborne toxic materials.
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The UV laser beam can also interact with the air to generate toxic ozone gas.
To protect personnel from such hazards, IPG Photonics enclosed workstations use
various methods to isolate the processing area, prevent ozone formation, and exhaust
airborne contaminants. In some environments, personnel may need to wear
respiratory protective devices for safe operation of laser devices.
Laser Gas Hazards
IPG Photonics systems may use compressed gases for operating an excimer laser and
for purging the beam delivery system.
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Excimer lasers typically use four gases: helium, neon, fluorine, and krypton or
argon. The laser may be configured to connect to four separate gas bottles, or to
connect to one bottle with helium and one with a mixture of the other gases.
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Some systems use nitrogen to purge the beam delivery system.
These gases pose several kinds of hazards: high pressure, asphyxiation, and fluorine
toxicity.
High Pressure
High-pressure gas bottles can be very dangerous if damaged. When exchanging gas
bottles, take care to handle them safely. If the primary valve on a pressurized gas
bottle is damaged, the escaping gas can produce significant thrust, turning the bottle
into a projectile. For this reason, you must make sure that bottles are restrained at all
times. Always use a bottle cart to transport gas bottles, and never roll or carry them by
hand. When moving a gas bottle, make sure its safety cap is in place.