During operation and maintenance of a Fiberlaser Cutting machine, it is important to remember some basic safety precautions as well as some simple things to avoid. Fiberlaser cutting systems are advanced systems of cutting technology used in fabricating shops throughout the world and they require an advanced approach to maintenance and care. With proper maintenance, and an eye to safety, you can keep your fiberlaser machine cutting for years to come.

First off know your machine. Read and understand the maintenance manual for the machine, chiller, power source, dust collector and any other components and accessories connected to or running from the Laser Cutting system.  It is imperative that if you have chosen the correct supplier, that your operators receive training, before they are able to operate the system.

Know The Source

It’s important to know that many items have their own power source and although you may have shut off the machines power, the chiller may still be electrified. Know where all circuit cut-off breakers are and how to properly lock them in a safe position.

Make sure your machine has finished its’ cutting cycle – Make sure the fiberlaser machine has completed all motion before attempting any kind of maintenance as sometimes there are pauses in a program, such as shuttle table motions that may not be visible from the operations area.

Don’t Bypass the Doors!

When setting up and during normal operation it is very easy for operators to want to bypass the door switches in order to operate the machine with the front or loading doors open. If these door locks are bypassed on your fiberlaser cutting machine, your operator and surrounding staff will be exposed to not only the Class-1 Fiber Laser Light (which can blind!) but possible loose parts ejected from the machine during a rapid move. Further, anyone accidentally entering the motion zone can be pinched or crushed as the nature of fiber laser cutting systems is to process material at extremely rapid speeds.

Wear Your Safety Glasses

Never before in laser cutting systems has the light source been so intense and powerful then in fiberlaser cutting machines. These lasers are typically guarded by solid cabin designs and expensive green glass protecting the operator and surrounding work area from flashes and eye burn. When maintaining your fiberlaser make sure you take precautions by wearing your Class-1 Laser Light approved safety glasses as well as any other recommended safety gear.

Chill Out

Maintain your chiller properly by checking fans, fluid levels in it and ensuring the filters are clean and clear per your manufacturer’s recommendation. It is also imperative to ensure the chiller is running and cooling prior to turning the solid state fiberlaser resonator on, as a cooling source must be in place.  These fiberlaser power sources/resonators generate an enormous amount of heat during their normal operation that must be removed by the chilling process. A dirty or damaged chiller can cost tens of thousands in repairs to a damaged fiberlaser resonator if not properly maintained.

Steady Hands

When maintaining components of the fiberlaser do not mishandle or drop them. There are very finely tuned and aligned components including optics within the laser system that can be easily damaged or destroyed by an inadvertent drop. Use an extra precaution when maintaining these sensitive components.

Keep it Straight

Although the fiber optic cable is flexible by design, it is not meant to be wound tightly or coiled up like an old extension cord. Remember that inside the shielded larger “cord” like cable is a glass optic that can be fractured or broken which will greatly affect your fiberlaser machines cutting performance. These cables require special equipment and a clean environment to be replaced so it is with an extra precaution that you should be handling them.

Do Not Remove It!

Never remove the Fiber cable from the cutting head or the Laser power source. These areas are very suspect to even the slightest bit of dust and therefore should only be disassembled by a factory trained technician with the proper tools to maintain the head and cable connections cleanliness.

Clear The Area

Make sure the area is clear around the machine when operating it and the shuttle table or loading system. In some instances it is easy for workers to slip inside light guard protected areas during non-operation to retrieve material, scrap etc and this be in a hazardous zone, unprotected when these components are then put into action.