Laser Safety - Omtech USB1610c 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 connections 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 gases during processing
• Direct exposure to the laser will cause bodily harm including serious burns and irreparable
eye damage
As such,
• DO NOT modify or disable this device's provided safety features. 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.
• NEVER leave any part of the cabinet open during operation except (when needed) the pass-through doors.
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. When using the pass-through doors or otherwise
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 properly. When you first get 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 ever under ANY circumstances use this laser engraver if the water cooling system is not working
properly. Always activate the water cooling system and visually confirm that water is flowing through the entire
system before turning on the laser tube. Use this engraver with an industrial water chiller or its equivalent. We do
not recommend using a water pump and bucket for cooling high-powered laser tubes such as the one in this
engraver. Do not use ice water or water that has become hotter than 100°F (38°C). For best results, keep it between
60–70°F (15–21°C). Replace heated water but never allow the system to run without water or allow the water to
become colder than 50°F. Immediately stop use if the water cooling system malfunctions.
• DO NOT use generic coolant or antifreeze in your cooling water, as they may leave corrosive residues and
solidify inside your hoses and piping, causing malfunctions and even explosions. Use custom laser-safe
formulations or use and store your engraver in a climate-controlled area.
• 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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