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Section I. Safety
Fire Safety
Section I. Safety
Fire Safety
Fire Safety
Laser engraving systems can present a signicant re hazard due to the extremely high
temperatures generated by the laser beam. While the objective of most engraving operations is to
vaporize material without burning, most materials capable of being engraved are inherently combustible
and can ignite. Usually this is a small ame of burning material issuing from the cut zone which self-
extinguishes due to the air assist or depowering of the beam. However, it is possible for the ame to
propagate and set re to the machine and its surroundings.
CAUTION
• Always keep a properly maintained and inspected 5lbs. or larger re
extinguisher on hand. Full Spectrum Laser recommends a Halogen re extinguisher or
a multipurpose dry chemical re extinguisher. Halogen extinguishers are more expensive
than a dry chemical, but offer certain advantages should you ever need to use an
extinguisher. The Halogen extinguisher discharges a clean, easily removable substance
that is not harmful to the mechanics or wiring of the laser system. The dry chemical
extinguisher discharges a sticky, corrosive powder that is very difcult to clean up.
• Stacking materials (especially organic materials such as paper) can lead to
increased risk of ame propagation or work piece ignition.
• Never operate your machine unattended. There is a signicant risk of re if the
machine is set improperly, or if the machine should experience a mechanical or
electrical failure while operating.
• Always keep the area around the machine clean and free of clutter, combustible
materials, explosives, or volatile solvents such as acetone, alcohol, or gasoline.
• Be cautious when vector cutting. Many materials have the potential to burst suddenly
into ames – even materials that may be very familiar to the user. Always monitor the
machine when it is operating
• Vector engraving with the laser has potential to create an open ame. Acrylic in
all its different forms has been shown to be especially ammable when vector cutting
with a laser.
• Never cut PVC (polyvinyl chloride) under any circumstances: fumes are highly
toxic and potentially lethal.
• Never store any ammable materials in the immediate vicinity of the device.
Debris and left over produced materials within the machine must be removed to
prevent re hazard.