Laser Safety - Omtech USB3020A User Manual

2.3 Laser Safety Instructions
When used as instructed, this machine comprises a Class 1 laser system safe for users and bystanders. However the
invisible engraving laser, the laser tube, and its electrical components remain extremely dangerous. Used or modified
without care, they 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 irreperable
eye damage
As such,
• 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. Do not modify or disable this device's provided safety features.
Dangerous radiation exposure and other injuries may result from the use of adjusted, modified, or otherwise
incompatible equipment.
• NEVER leave any part of the machine open during operation. Never interfere with the laser beam, do not place
any part of your body in any part of the laser path during operation, and never attempt to view the laser directly
with the naked eye. When risking exposure to the laser beam, take measures to protect yourself from potentially
reflected laser beams, including the use of personal protective equipment such as protective eyewear specially
designed to filter the specific wavelength of your engraver's laser with an optical density (OD) of 5+.
• DO NOT stare or allow others to stare continuously at the laser beam during operation even when the cover is
closed and/or wearing protective eyewear.
• ONLY use this engraver if its automatic shutoffs are working. When you first set up this engraver, and if you
subsequently notice any problems, test them (see below) before undertaking any other work. Do not continue use
if the shutoffs do not occur. Turn off the device and contact customer service or your repair service. Never
disable these shutoffs.
• DO NOT, under ANY circumstance, use this laser engraver if the cooling water system is not working correctly.
Always activate the cooling water system and visually confirm that water is flowing through the entire system
before turning on the laser tube. If using the provided water pump, ensure that it is placed in a tank full of cool
or tepid distilled water. Do not use ice water or water above 75°F (24°C). Use a water thermometer to monitor
the cooling water temperature, keeping it between 60–70°F (15–21°C). Replace heated water or add sealed
bottles of frozen water to cool it while never allowing the system to run without water or allowing the water to
become colder than 50°F (10°C). Immediately stop use if the water cooling system malfunctions.
• DO NOT allow the laser power supply to exceed 100°F (38°C). If the supply approaches this temperature, cease
operation for at least 30 minutes to allow it to cool.
• DO NOT use coolant or antifreeze in your cooling water, as they may leave corrosive residues and solidify
inside your hoses and piping, causing premature malfunction and even explosions.
• 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 for working the materials 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 other airborne pollutants, as these might pose a similar risk of reflection,
combustion, etc.
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