Laser Cutter Training

This is the prototype for a series of training sheets for our expensive or dangerous tools.

Safety Risks:

• High-power laser can cause burns or severe eye damage
• Mains 240v inside control panel and high voltages (2kV) in control panel and around laser tube
• Materials can catch fire
• Toxic fumes may be produced depending on materials

Objectives for basic use:

• Awareness that the laser can cause burns and blindness, that the laser compartment must remain closed, and the lid-sensor must not be bypassed.
• Awareness that the laser cutter contains high voltages (2kV, 240V) and that users must keep clear of the wiring in the laser compartment and control panel.
• Know how to power-up the cutter and checking that the extraction, water cooling and air assist are working.
• Know which materials may be cut safely, that some plastics may produce chlorine or cyanide gases, and that some materials may catch fire more easily than others.
• Know that there is risk of fire with *any* material and that the cutter must not be left unattended, even for a minute. Know that there is a pause function and an emergency stop.
• Know that the cutter works best with coolant temperature between 10-20C, should not usually be used above 25C, and how to check the temperature.
• Basic use of the software.
• setting appropriate power/speeds for different materials
• using the cutter's control panel to move the head/carriage
• positioning the workpiece and setting Z (vertical) alignment
• using the test button before cutting

Objectives for basic maintenance:

• cleaning mirrors and lens
• removing dirt and debris
• checking alignment of laser
• minor corrections of alignment (mirrors 2 and 3 only)
• checking alignment of visible laser

Objectives for advanced maintenance:

• removal of bed for extended cleaning
• full alignment
• replacement of laser tube