Safety Tips to Keep in Mind When Using a Fiber Laser Cutter

The use of fiber laser cutters is growing in popularity because it helps increase overall shop efficiency. Also, the high-tech models available today are easy to use and make the lives of workers easier. However, people may still suffer injuries if they do not know what they are doing. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind when it comes to using a fiber laser cutter that all fabricators need to know about.

Keep in mind, it is a good idea to learn as much as possible about these lasers before using them, and Boss Laser can help.

Understand the Machine

While it would be nice to be able to plug in the fiber laser cutter and get started, this is not a good idea. Instead, users need to learn as much as they can about the machine they are using. The first step is to read the manual provided by the manufacturer. This is what is going to let staff members know where the safety gears are and what to do if an emergency situation occurs.

The guidelines created also need to let the metalworkers know what types of materials the machine can handle. For example, it is not a good idea to try to cut plastic using a fiber laser tube cutting machine. These machines get extremely hot, which means a fire may occur if the laser happens to melt through the plastic being cut. Also, the manual can provide information about the thickness capabilities of the equipment. It is important to never try to cut through materials that are thicker than what the tool can handle since it will never make it through. Not only can this be a safety hazard, but customers are not going to be satisfied with the final product.

Clean the Work Area

After someone has become familiar with the machine, the need to ensure that the workspace remains clean. A fiber laser will not spew dust particles because everything will be disintegrated because of the heat. However, if a piece of scrap metal is left too close to the equipment, it may create a serious fire hazard. Also, an explosion may occur at the shop. This is something that no one wants to deal with. This means that fabricators need to clean the surrounding area before starting a project. While this may seem like a small step, it can help prevent serious headaches down the road.

The Proper Safety Gear Is a Must

Another step that all workers need to take before using a fiber laser tube cutting machine is to make sure their safety gear is in order. A fiber laser is one of the most dangerous types of equipment in any fabrication shop. This is because the lasers reach very high temperatures. Also, if there is any scrap metal flying off the cutting area, someone may get hurt. This is why it is so important for individuals to wear personal protective equipment, which will help ensure they remain safe.