MOPA & Fiber Laser: Safety First
Disclaimer
Read this disclaimer completely and carefully before proceeding with the rest of the manual content.
1. As-Is
This OMTech product is sold ‘as is’ and without any express or implied warranties, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
2. Product Modifications
Any modifications or alterations to OMTech products void any warranties and may result in damage or injury. OMTech shall not be liable for any damages resulting from such modifications or alterations.
3. Compliance with Laws
Customers shall be liable for ensuring that the use of OMTech products complies with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions. OMTech assumes no responsibility for any violations of laws or regulations resulting from the use of OMTech products.
4. Correct Use
Always use OMTech products only as directed in the accompanying manuals. Failure to follow instructions may result in injury or damage.
Always ensure the assembly, installation, operation, maintenance, or repair of OMTech products is carried out by a competent person.
Always make maintenance regularly throughout OMTech products’ lifecycles; you have the liability to keep the products operating as intended.
Always wear appropriate protective gear.
5. Third-Party Products
OMTech shall not be liable for any damages or losses resulting from the use of third-party products in conjunction with OMTech products. Customers shall refer to the third-party’s guidelines or/and warranties (if any) for any third-party products used.
6. Limitation of Liability
OMTech shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, punitive, incidental, special, or consequential damages to property or life, whatsoever arising out of or connected with the use or misuse of OMTech products. In no event shall OMTech’s liability exceed the value of the products sold.
This disclaimer states the entire obligation of OMTech with respect to OMTech products. If any part of this disclaimer is determined to be void, invalid, unenforceable, or illegal, including but not limited to the warranty disclaimers, liability disclaimers, and liability limitations set forth above, the invalid or unenforceable provision will be deemed superseded by a valid and enforceable provision that most closely matches the intent of the original provision and the remainder of the agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
Symbol Guide
The following symbols are used on this machine’s labeling or in this manual:
General Safety Instructions
- Your engraver should come with instruction labels in the following locations.
If any of these labels is missing, illegible, or damaged, it must be replaced.
- Use this laser marking device only in accordance with all applicable local and national laws and regulations.
- Use this device only in accordance with this instruction manual and the manual for the engraving software included with it. Only allow this device to be installed, operated, maintained, repaired, etc. by others who have also read and understood both manuals. Ensure that this manual and the software manual are both included with this device if it is ever given or sold to a third party.
- DO NOT leave this device unattended during operation. Observe the device throughout operation and, if anything seems to be operating strangely, immediately cut off ALL power to the machine and contact either our customer service or your dedicated repair service. Similarly, ensure the device is FULLY turned off in the correct order after each use.
- DO NOT allow minors, untrained personnel, or personnel suffering from physical or mental impairment that would affect their ability to follow this manual and the software manual to install, operate, maintain, or repair this device.
- Any untrained personnel who might be near the device while it is in operation MUST be informed that it is dangerous and fully instructed on how to avoid injury during its use.
- Always keep a fire extinguisher, water hose, or other flame-retardant system nearby in case of accidents. Ensure that the local fire department’s phone number is clearly displayed nearby. In the case of a fire, cut electrical power before dousing the flame. Familiarize yourself with the correct range for your extinguisher before use. Take care not to use your extinguisher too close to the flame, as its high pressure can produce blowback.
Laser Safety Instructions
This machine uses an invisible CLASS 4 LASER, the strongest and most dangerous class of laser available for public use. Used without care, it can cause serious property damage and personal injury including but not limited to the following:
- The laser will easily burn nearby combustible materials.
- Some working materials may produce radiation or harmful gasses during processing.
- Direct exposure to the laser will cause bodily harm including serious burns and irreparable eye damage.
As such,
- NEVER interfere with the laser beam.
- DO NOT place any part of your body under the laser lens during operation. Take measures to protect yourself from potentially reflected laser beams including the use of screens or personal protective equipment.
- NEVER attempt to view the laser directly without protective eyewear. Always wear safety goggles or glasses designed to filter the specific wavelength of your engraver’s laser with an optical density (OD) of 5+. As even seemingly matte materials can produce harmful reflected beams, care should be taken to keep anyone without protective eyewear from observing the machine during operation. EVEN WITH protective eyewear, do not stare or allow others to stare continuously at the laser beam during operation.
- DO NOT leave potentially combustible, flammable, explosive, or corrosive materials nearby where they could be exposed to the direct or reflected laser beam.
- DO NOT use or leave sensitive EMI equipment nearby. Ensure the area around the laser is free of strong electromagnetic interference during any use.
- ONLY use this machine as described in the Material Safety section of this manual. The laser settings and engraving process must be properly adjusted for specific materials.
- Ensure the area is kept free of airborne pollutants, as these might pose a similar risk of reflection, combustion, etc.
- NEVER use this marking machine with the fiber source’s housing open, as the closed laser light path is necessary to prevent laser radiation leakage.
- DO NOT modify or disassemble the laser and do not use the laser if it has been modified or disassembled by anyone except trained and skilled professionals. Dangerous radiation exposure and other injury may result from the use of adjusted, modified, or otherwise incompatible equipment.
Electrical Safety Instructions
- ONLY use this device with a compatible and stable power supply with less than 5% fluctuation in its voltage.
- DO NOT connect other devices to the same fuse, as the laser system will require its full amperage. Do not use with standard extension cords or power strips. Use only surge protectors rated over 2000J.
- ONLY turn on the power to this device when it is well grounded, either via a firm connection to a 3-prong outlet or via a dedicated ground cable firmly connected to the proper slot on the back of the main tower. Do not use with an ungrounded 3-to-2 prong adapter. The device’s grounding should be checked regularly for any damage to the line or loose connections.
- Turn the device on and off using its key and power buttons in the correct order. The mainboard, galvanometer, and laser have separate power supplies that are grounded in order. Activating everything at once, too quickly, or in the wrong order may send electrical current to an ungrounded component, causing short circuits and other electrical hazards.
- ONLY use this device with one hand at a time. The laser is powered by an extremely high voltage connection and placing two hands on the machine at one time during operation has the potential to create a closed circuit with the human body, resulting in electrical shock.
- The area around this laser marking device should be kept dry, well ventilated, and environmentally controlled to keep the ambient temperature between 40℉–95℉ (5℃–35℃). The ambient humidity should not exceed 70%.
- Adjustment, maintenance, and repair of the electrical components of this device must be done ONLY by trained and skilled professionals to avoid fires and other malfunctions, including potential radiation exposure from damage to the laser components. Because specialized techniques are required for testing the electrical components of this marking system, it is recommended such testing only be done by the manufacturer, seller, or repair service.
- Unless otherwise specified, ONLY undertake adjustment, maintenance, and repair of the device when it is turned off and disconnected from its power supply.
Material Safety Instructions
- Users of this fiber marking machine are responsible for confirming that materials to be processed can withstand the heat of a class 4 laser and will not produce any emissions or byproducts either harmful to people nearby or in violation of any local or national laws or regulations. In particular, do not use this device to process polyvinyl chloride (PVC), teflon, or other halogen containing materials under any circumstances.
- Users of this fiber laser are responsible for ensuring that every person present during operation has sufficient PPE to avoid any injury from emissions or byproducts of the materials being processed. In addition to the protective laser eyewear discussed above, this may require goggles, masks or respirators, gloves, and other protective outer clothing.
- Users must exercise special caution when working with conductive materials as buildup of their dust and ambient particles may damage electrical components, cause short circuits, or produce other effects including reflected laser radiation.
This machine can be safely used with the following materials:
• Aluminum
• Brass
• Carbide
• Gold
• Silver
• Steel
• Stone, including Granite, Marble, etc.
• Titanium
• Tungsten
See §5.4 Instructions for Specific Materials (Page 52) for the recommended parameters for the most commonly engraved materials.
This machine CANNOT be used with the following materials or with any materials which include them:
• Artificial Leather containing Hexavalent Chromium (Cr[VI]), due to its toxic fumes
• Astatine, due to its toxic fumes
• Beryllium Oxide, due to its toxic fumes
• Bromine, due to its toxic fumes
• Chlorine, including Polyvinyl Butyrale (PVB) and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC, Vinyl, sintra, etc.), due to its toxic fumes
• Fluorine, including Polytetrafluoroethylenes (teflon, PTFE, etc.), due to its toxic fumes
• Iodine, due to its toxic fumes
• Paper and Paperboard, due to their high flammability when exposed to the concentrated laser
• Phenolic Resins, including various forms of Epoxy, due to their toxic fumes
• Wood, including MDF, Plywood, Balsa, Birch, Cherry, Oak, Poplar, etc., due to its high flammability
This machine can be used with some other metals, hard plastics, and other materials with some care. For other materials, if you are unsure about its safety or laserability with this device, seek out its material safety data sheet (MDS). Pay especial attention to information about safety, toxicity, corrosiveness, reflectivity, and reaction(s) to high heat. Alternatively, contact our support department for further guidance.
Disposal Safety Instructions
Electrical products should not be disposed of with household products. In the EU and UK, according to the European Directive 2012/19/EU for the disposal of electrical and electronic equipment and its implementation in national laws, used electrical products must be collected separately and disposed of at the collection points provided for this purpose. Locations in Australia, Canada, and the United States may have similar regulations. This engraver’s R-410A refrigerant also requires special handling for reuse or legal disposal. Contact your local authorities or dealer for advice.
Comments
0 comments
Please sign in to leave a comment.