7
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. Usually 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.
Pro Tip! Experience shows that vector cutting with the laser has the most
potential to create an open flame. Acrylic in all its different forms has been
shown to be especially flammable when vector cutting with a laser.
ALWAYS
keep a properly maintained and inspected 5lb 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.
BE AWARE t
hat 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
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 CAREFUL
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.
Technical Support is available from 8:00 am (PST) to 5:00 pm (PST) Monday through Friday at
.
