Tips On How to Protect Yourself and Laser Cutting Machines
A laser can be used to cut a wide variety of materials. With a laser cutting machine, paper and plastic can be easily cut precisely. Even plywood up to 1″ thick can be cut by this machine. It can be used to cut metal sheets as well. Typically, the power of the laser is modulated to select various levels of cutting. Tips On How to Protect Yourself and Laser Cutting Machines
Small mirrors are used to guide light from the laser to a particular location on the material. The base of the cutting area is made from a honeycomb material to let the laser light pass through. This has to be replaced periodically.
A laser metal cutting machine is distinct from traditional mechanical cutters. Since the laser never makes physical contact with material and there is less opportunity for the material to become contaminated. Laser cutting machines also cut material with higher precision than that mechanical means. Besides its advantages over conventional mechanical cutting, laser cutting is a quiet process. Safety is also important and, as a result, most laser machines are fully enclosed to prevent accidents.
A laser machine is powerful and of grave importance in the metal industry. To protect yourself and the machine there are several things that you need to put into consideration. Here are some of the things that you need to do:
Protect your eyes
It’s impossible to see CO2 laser with your naked eyes, but the beams can burn your retinas within a fraction of a second if reflected in your eyes. To protect yourself, purchase CO2 laser safety goggles.
Clean the machine
Many people don’t clean their laser metal cutter which is very wrong. Unclean scrap drawers, dust collectors, processing areas and ducting pose a thermite hazard. Thermite is a mixture of aluminum and an oxide of another metal. When ignited, it produces high temperatures which cause damage to your equipment.
A dirty machine is also unsightly and ineffective
You should get rid of debris, grease, dust, and grime as soon as you are through with your work. You can clean the machine on your own or hire a cleaning contractor to do it for you.
Be cautious of what you cut
In addition to metal, you can also cut wood, cardboard, and acrylic without damaging the machine or posing any danger. You should avoid cutting anything containing chlorine, vinyl, and PVC. It’s also recommended that you avoid cutting glass. The reason for this is that some materials may start a fire or give fumes that may harm you. Other materials such as glass reflect the beams thus damaging your machine.
DSP controller
Metal cutting machine come with software programs that allow you to control the machine. Unfortunately, not everyone is savvy enough to use the programs. If you are one of the people that have problems using the programs, you should consider buying a DSP controller. A DSP controller is a tool that gives you the freedom to choose the software that you want to use thus you don’t have to feel trapped using a program that you don’t like or find hard to use.
Conclusion
These are some of the things that you need to do to keep yourself and your machine safe. For your laser machine to give you the service you need for a long time, you should buy a high-quality machine. This calls for you to research and find a reputable store in your area. It’s also recommended that you hire a laser machine technician to regularly inspect and fix the machine when necessary.