Laser Safety

Safe Production Environments with Trotec Laser Machines

Laser machines are all divided into internationally valid 'classes' based on their performance, as well as the risk of injury to the eyes and skin if contact is made with the laser beam; Safety Class 1 offers the highest safety, while Safety Class 4 has the potential to emit radiation. The use of protective gear (goggles, gloves) is necessary here.

How Safe are Trotec Laser Machines?

Trotec laser machines have a functional, sealed-off design, ensuring the user is always optimally protected. This concept allows for rapid and efficient extraction of dusts and gases. The closed Trotec flatbed laser machines belong to laser Safety Class 2 - laser pointers are built into the Trotec devices, and this shows the user where the laser beam will hit the material. According to the internationally valid standard, laser pointers with an output of less than one milliwatt must belong to laser Safety Class 2.

Except laser machines with laser class 4

If the Trotec laser plotter is equipped with a hatch, the chassis has an opening through which the laser radiation can exit. Such laser machines thus fall into laser class 4. A similar situation results with Trotec lasers with galvo technology. The laser must be classified into laser class 4 if it doesn't have a corresponding housing. Lasers of the safety class 4 may then only be operated with special protective gear (protective glass, shields, protection goggles).

Classification of the Laser Safety Classes:

Safety Class 1:	The laser radiation of this class is completely harmless - even with prolonged exposure. Or, the laser itself is housed in a radiation-impervious manner.
Safety Class 2:	This class comprises visible lasers (laser pointers with an output below 1mW), which are only safe for your eyes with short-term radiation below .25 seconds.
Safety Class 3:	The accessible laser radiation is, in any case, dangerous to the eye. You also need to be particularly careful of reflections. Trotec does not offer any machine from this class.
Safety Class 4:	Damage to the skin and eyes can be caused, and fires can be triggered within the 'danger' zone of the machine. Here, the user is obliged to fully comply with all protection provisions.

Which safety class do the individual Trotec laser machines have?

Speedy

Product overview	Laser type	Safety class	Protective measures necessary
Speedy 50, 100, Speeedy 300, Speedy 360	CO₂	2	no
Speedy 300 flexx, Speedy 360 flexx	CO₂ and fiber	2	no
Speedy 400 *	CO₂	2	no
Speedy 400 flexx*	CO₂ and fiber	2	no
SP500*	CO₂	2	no
*if the laser is equipped with an optional hatch		4	yes

More about Speedy laser engravers

SpeedMarker

Product overview	Laser type	Safety class	Protective measures necessary
SpeedMarker 50	fiber	4	yes
SpeedMarker 300*	fiber	2	no
SpeedMarker 700	CO₂	2	no
SpeedMarker 700	fiber	2	no
SpeedMarker 1300, SpeedMarker 1350, SpeedMarker 1600	fiber	2	no
*if the laser is equipped with an optional hatch		4	yes

More about marking lasers

Interlock safety switch

Cladding elements, side covers/front hood and the protective cover serve as protection for the laser. These covers are fitted with interlock safety switches. If the protective cover or another interlock-secured cover is opened, a signal sounds and the laser machine immediately interrupts the laser process. Thus ensuring maximum safety for the user at all times.

Protective cover

For all closed laser systems, e.g.: Speedy Laser Engraver series the acrylic cover provides extensive protection from the laser light. Depending on the laser source, different protective covers are used. For example, laser machines with a CO₂ laser source have a blue acrylic cover, while machines with a fiber laser source have a green cover. Due to the coloring of the acrylic glass, the laser light is completely absorbed, thus providing extensive protection for the laser user.

Temperature sensor with warning signal

Some materials (e.g. acrylic) tend to flame, especially during laser cutting. The specially developed temperature sensor alerts the laser user when the temperature in the work area exceeds a critical value. The operator can react instantly to the acoustic warning signal and interrupt the laser process. Nevertheless, laser machines should never be left operating unattended.

Safety switch for immediate interruption of the power supply

In a dangerous situation, the power supply can be interrupted by means of various safety switches and buttons. The laser process is immediately stopped.

Main switch: Main power supply is disconnected
Key switch: Motor, laser source and electronics are de-energized
Emergency stop button: Electric circuit is interrupted, the laser beam and all movements are stopped

Because individual requirements require individual advice.
We’ll advise you free of charge.