International safety classes for laser safety

Safety first with Trotec laser machines

Laser machines are divided into internationally valid classes based on their performance and the risk of injury for eyes and skin connected therewith: class one offers the very best safety. With laser cutting and engraving machines of class 4, laser radiation can be emitted. The utilisation of protective equipment such as protection goggles, is very vital here. Trotec laser machines contain a CO2 or a fiber laser source, or both laser sources in the Speedy flexx systems. Discover an outline of laser safety measures and our Trotec protection devices for safe laser processing when operating the laser.

Are Trotec laser machines safe?

By means of the closed design of the Trotec lasers engravers and cutters, the laser user is optimally protected. This concept additionally permits for speedy and efficient extraction of dirt and gas. The closed Trotec flat bed laser machines belong to laser safety class two. Why laser class 2? The laser pointers are designed into Trotec laser machines, in order to point out to the user where the laser impinges the fabric. In line with the internationally valid standard, laser pointers with an output of below one power unit belong to laser safety class two.

Laser machines with laser class 4 are the exception

When a 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 safety class 4. A similar situation results with Trotec lasers with the galvo technology. The laser has to 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).

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Laser safety class classification:

Laser machines of safety class 1:	The accessible laser radiation of this class is harmless - even with prolonged radiation, or the laser is housed in a radiation-impervious manner.
Laser machines of safety class 2:	These comprise visible lasers (e.g. laser pointers with an output below 1mW), which are only safe for the eyes with short-term radiation below 0.25 seconds.
Laser machines of safety class 3:	The accessible laser radiation is dangerous for the eye. Also pay particular attention to reflections (e.g. by reflective material surfaces). Trotec does not have a laser system with laser class 3.
Laser machines of safety class 4:	Here, eye damages and skin can be caused or fires can be triggered within the danger zone of the laser machine. With this laser safety class, the user is obliged to fully comply with protection provisions.

Under which laser safety class do Trotec laser machines fall?

Speedy laser engravers

Product overview	Laser performance (in Watt)	Laser type	Safety class	Protective measures necessary
Speedy 100	30, 45, 60 W	CO₂	2	no
Speedy 100 flexx	30, 45, 60 W CO₂ 20, 30 W fiber	CO₂ and fiber	2	no
Speedy 300	30, 45, 60, 80, 100, 120 W	CO₂	2	no
Speedy 300 flexx	30, 45, 60, 80, 100, 120 W CO₂ 20, 30, 50 W fiber	CO₂ and fiber	2	no
Speedy 360	60, 80, 100, 120 W	CO₂	2	no
Speedy 360 flexx	60, 80, 100, 120 W CO₂ 20, 30, 50 W fiber	CO₂ and fiber	2	no
Speedy 400 *	60, 80, 100, 120 W	CO₂	2	no
Speedy 400 flexx*	60, 80, 100, 120 W CO₂ 20, 30, 50 W fiber	CO₂ and fiber	2	no

*if the laser is equipped with an optional hatch			4	yes

More about Speedy laser engravers

SP laser cutters

Product overview	Laser performance (in Watt)	Laser type	Safety class	Protective measures necessary
SP500 *	40-200 W	CO₂	2	no
SP1500	100-400 W	CO₂	2	no
SP2000	60-400 W	CO₂	2	no
SP3000	60-400 W	CO₂	2	no

*if the laser is equipped with an optional hatch			4	yes

More about SP laser cutters

SpeedMarker marking lasers

Product overview	Laser performance (in Watt)	Laser type	Safety class	Protective measures necessary
SpeedMarker 50	20, 30, 50 W	fiber	4	yes
SpeedMarker 300*	20, 30, 50 W	fiber	2	no
SpeedMarker 700	30, 45 W CO₂ 20, 30, 50 W fiber	CO₂ and fiber	2	no
SpeedMarker 1300	20, 30, 50 W	fiber	2	no
SpeedMarker 1350	20, 30, 50 W	fiber	2	no
SpeedMarker 1600	20, 30, 50 W	fiber	2	no


*if the laser is equipped with an optional hatch			4	yes

More about marking lasers

Laserati

Product overview	Laser performance (in Watt)	Laser type	Safety class	Protective measures necessary
Laserati	100 or 200 W	CO₂	2	no

Which protective devices does a Trotec laser have?

All Trotec laser equipment are CE-compliant and thus meet the necessary safety and health requirements of the EC Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. Find an overview of machine-specific safety and protection devices, which make our laser machines one of the safest in their class worldwide.

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.

laser-safety-moving-light-curtain-SP3000

All-round light curtain system for SP laser cutters

A moving light curtain system around the safety bumpers on the X-axis define an all-round protection zone around the work area. If the user enters this protection zone, the laser is stopped immediately. More about the Trotec safety system

Protective cover

For all closed laser systems, e.g.: Speedy Laser Engraver series or SP Laser Cutter series, the acrylic cover provides extensive protection from the laser light. Depending on the laser source, various protective covers are used. For example, laser cutting and engraving 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, providing extensive protection for the laser user.

Temperature sensor with warning signal

Materials such as acrylic tend to flame, especially during laser cutting. The specially developed temperature sensor will alert the laser user when the temperature in the work area exceeds critical stage. The operator can thus react immediately to the warning sign and interrupt the laser in process. Nevertheless, laser machines should never be left operating unattended. More about the temperature sensor

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

Training on Laser safety

When installing your Trotec laser cutting machine, you will receive important instructions regarding the safe handling of the laser engraving device. In addition, our Trotec Academy offers our customers a comprehensive training program to aid and assist with any enquiries and help needed.

Are you interested in a half-day laser safety training course? Follow the a href="provided below.

Because individual requirements require individual advice.
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