Hitachi LM-C300 Series User manual

User Manual
CO2 Laser Marker
LM-C300 Series
Thank you for purchasing the Hitachi Laser Marker LM-C300 Series.
This User Manual describes the basic operating procedures, maintenance procedures, and other
detailed handling procedures of the Hitachi LM-C300 Series.
If the Laser Marker is improperly handled or maintained, it may not operate smoothly and may become
defective or cause an accident.
After thoroughly reading the Manual, properly store it for future reference.

CONTENTS
0. WARNING.......................................................................................... 1
1. LASER SAFETY............................................................................... 11
1.1. LASER TYPES ........................................................................................... 11
1.2. LASER SAFETY STANDARDS .................................................................. 12
1.2.1. SAFETY SWITCHES .................................................................................................... 14
1.2.2. PROTECTIVE HOUSING ............................................................................................. 14
1.3. WARNING AND INFORMATION SYMBOLS .............................................. 15
1.3.1. POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY WARNING ............................................................... 15
1.3.2. POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.................................................................................. 16
1.4. COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATION AND LAW ......................................... 17
1.4.1. CDRH REQUIREMENTS.............................................................................................. 17
1.4.2. UNITED STATES FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMISSION REQUIREMENTS... 18
1.4.3. UNITED STATES FCC REQUIREMENTS ................................................................... 18
1.4.4. USER INFORMATION.................................................................................................. 18
1.4.5. EUROPEAN UNION REQUIREMENTS ....................................................................... 19
1.5. FEATURES OF CO2 SYSTEMS................................................................. 23
1.6. WARNING LABELS .................................................................................... 24
2. INTRODUCTION .............................................................................. 25
2.1. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................ 25
2.2. OVERVIEW ................................................................................................ 25
2.3. ACCESS LEVELS....................................................................................... 26
2.4. USER INTERFACE..................................................................................... 27
2.4.1. EXTERNAL CONTROLLERS ....................................................................................... 27
2.4.2. INDICATORS................................................................................................................ 28
2.4.3. SCREENS .................................................................................................................... 29
3. THE LASER MARKER CONNECTION AND OPERATION............. 35
3.1. CONNECTION AND STARTUP.................................................................. 35
3.2. CREATING A MESSAGE ........................................................................... 36
3.2.1. MESSAGE FIELD ......................................................................................................... 36
3.2.2. CREATING YOUR MESSAGE ..................................................................................... 38
3.2.3. SAVING YOUR MESSAGE .......................................................................................... 40
3.3. PRINTING A MESSAGE............................................................................. 42
3.4. ADJUSTING THE PRINTING POSITION.................................................... 44
3.5. N-PRINT FUNCTION.................................................................................. 46
3.6. PRINT COUNTER ...................................................................................... 47
3.7. STOPPING AND TURNING OFF THE LASER MARKER........................... 48
3.7.1. HOW TO STOP OR TURN OFF THE LASER MARKER.............................................. 48
3.8. TOUCH SCREEN MENU DIAGRAM ......................................................... 49
3.9. MODIFYING EXISTING MESSAGES ......................................................... 51
3.9.1. ADDING A NEW FIELD ................................................................................................ 51

3.9.2. EDITING AN EXISTING FIELD..................................................................................... 53
3.9.3. ACCESSING THE FIELD EDITING MENU .................................................................. 55
3.9.4. INSERTING A DATE OR A TIME ................................................................................. 57
3.9.5. DELETING A FIELD ..................................................................................................... 61
3.10. MANAGING YOUR MESSAGES.............................................................. 62
3.10.1. DELETING A MESSAGE............................................................................................ 62
3.10.2. COPYING A MESSAGE (Laser Application) .............................................................. 63
3.10.3. CHANGING THE NAME OF THE MESSAGE (Laser Application) ............................. 63
4. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION ........................................................... 64
4.1. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................ 64
4.1.1. THE BASIC PRINCIPLE OF THE LASER .................................................................... 64
4.1.2. PRODUCT DESCRIPTION........................................................................................... 64
4.1.3. PRODUCT SERIES DESCRIPTION............................................................................. 64
4.2. TECHNICAL DATA ..................................................................................... 65
4.2.1. BLOCK DIAGRAM ........................................................................................................ 65
4.2.2. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS................................................................................... 66
4.2.3. DIMENSIONS ............................................................................................................... 67
4.2.4. REAR PANEL CONNECTORS..................................................................................... 69
4.3. LENSES ..................................................................................................... 75
5. MAINTENANCE & TROUBLESHOOTING ...................................... 76
5.1. PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE .................................................................. 77
5.1.1. CLEANING THE LASER MARKER .............................................................................. 77
5.1.2. CLEANING THE FILTERS............................................................................................ 77
5.1.3. LENS CLEANING PRECAUTIONS .............................................................................. 78
5.1.4. CLEANING THE LENS ................................................................................................. 79
5.2. TROUBLESHOOTING................................................................................ 80
5.2.1. SYSTEM ALARMS ....................................................................................................... 80
5.2.2. WHAT TO DO WHEN DEFECTIVE PRINTING OCCURS ........................................... 84
5.2.3. IF YOU THINK IT IS A MALFUNCTION ....................................................................... 85

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0. WARNING
ALL PRECAUTIONS RELEVENT TO THIS CLASS OF LASER PRODUCT SHOULD BE STRICTLY
OBSERVED.
The company installing the system (installer) hereby undertakes to ascertain the requirements of the
Customer’s Work Place Safety Overseer, Laser Safety and Country Regulations. The installer further
undertakes to install adequate protection to maintain the safety of the Laser Marker supplied by HITACHI.
The installer is responsible for ensuring compliance with all safety precautions and that all Laser Marker
safety devices are handled and used properly. Specifically, the installer is responsible for providing and
installing safety devices to make this class 4 laser product to a safe laser. Safety devices and protection
supplied by HITACHI will not necessarily meet requirements of the Customer’s Work Place Safety
Overseer, Laser Safety and Country Regulations and no warranty or representation is given or made that
they comply with any statutory or other requirement. No liability is accepted by HITACHI in this respect,
as stated in Chapter 1 or this Instruction Manual.
Important: It is very important to read the entire Instruction Manual thoroughly before installing
and starting the system, since the product delivered to you by HITACHI involves an element of risk to
the user if it is not used correctly.
The use of controls or adjusting devices or procedures other than those specified herein may results in
exposure to laser emission.
Strict compliance with the safety precautions set out and referred to in this Instruction Manual and extreme
care in use are essential to minimize the chance of accidental damage to the Laser Marker or personal
injury.
HITACHI does not accept responsibility for any loss or damage resulting from the use of information,
errors or commission contained in this Instruction Manual, or the incorrect use of the Laser Marker.
Production losses caused by downtime or property damage (the damage to material printed or the damage
to the peripheral equipment) caused by the Laser Marker failure or malfunction are not guaranteed.
We acknowledge that there may be errors or omissions in this Instruction Manual.
The following symbols are used in this Manual to inform the user of the nature of the process to be carried out:
This symbol warns the user about the process that must be carried
out with great care for the proper operation and maintenance of the
Laser Marker.
This symbol warns the user of invisible laser emission output
that can be hazardous for the Laser Marker user.
THIS IS A CLASS 4 LASER PRODUCT

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Certain terms are used throughout this Manual or on the equipment labels. Please familiarize yourself with
their definitions and significance.
Danger
Hazards that could result in serious personal injury or death.
Warning
Hazards or unsafe practices that could result in serious personal
injury or death.
Caution
Hazards or unsafe practices that could result in minor personal
injury or product damage.
Note
Points of particular interest for more efficient or convenient
equipment operation; additional information or explanation.
TERMS

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Never look at laser beam directly or through lens. Diffused reflected beam is also
harmful.
CO2 laser does not enter into eye’s retina, however, if it exposed to the eyes, it
can inflict severe corneal injuries.
Wear laser protective goggles for operator’s eyes. The goggles should be used
against scattered beam, and should not be used for the direct or reflected beams.
In order to prevent unexpected exposures from object to be marked or its
peripherals, set protective enclosure which is made of acrylic resin, glass, or
metal to enclose the laser radiation area.
Although this product is equipped with a feature for stopping laser radiation when
the cover is opened, hazard of exposure to laser radiation exists when the cover
is unexpectedly opened.
Avoid human skin from laser beam exposure directly. Burning into deep skin
might result.
Never touch laser beam.
Moreover, be careful not to touch laser beam with clothing as well.
When using the system, do not touch laser beam with human body, papers, or
clothing, etc. Wear protective clothes. Protective clothes should be made of
flame-retardant and fire-resistant material with minimal skin exposure.
Never disassemble the product.
Doing so may cause exposure to the laser beam or electric shock from high-
voltage live parts.
Read all packaged Manuals thoroughly, and do not operate any other methods
except the instructions provided in the Manuals.
Exposure of laser beam might occur.
After power supply of Laser Marker is turned off, laser safety manager must
remove the key and keep it.
WARNING
SAFETY PRECAUSIONS

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Do not use this product near inflammable gas, in a dusty place or anywhere
where fire is strictly prohibited. There is a risk of fire.
Never put this product close to fire or it may cause product malfunction.
Do not install this product in wet place or near flammable objects (organic
solvents such as thinner or gasoline). Otherwise, electric shock, malfunction
and/or fire may result.
Construct interlock systems such as a function to stop laser radiation for the
maintenance door of the protective enclosure.
Use the product within the operating environment conditions.
The product is air-cooled. Please install it where the flow of air cooling is not to be
blocked. Avoid placing heat sources near the controller.
Moreover, please do not insert hands or objects between the gaps of the exhaust
port or inspiratory port.
This product contains ZnSe (zinc selenide). If the lens is damaged, following care
should be taken:
• In order to prevent from swallowing of flakes or particles, inhaling them, or
adhering them to skin, be sure to wear glove, mask and protective goggles.
• When disposing the lens, be sure to obey the disposing method prescribed in
the regulations of user’s region/country fully. Do not dispose the lens with
general industrial waste.
• Do not throw the lens into the fire.
• Do not soak the lens in acid and alkali.
Since this product includes precision parts, please avoid vibration and please use
the product in a place without any shocks.
Marking quality may deteriorate or the optical system may be affected. Moreover,
please do not drop this product.
CAUTION

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While marking is carried out with this product, dust and/or gas may be generated
from the place to be marked. Always provide ventilation and remove them using a
dust collector etc. Depending on the objects to be marked, harmful gas or smoke
may be generated, which may have a bad influence onto the human body and the
Laser Marker. Use a suitable type of dust collector under consideration of the
objects to be marked etc. Or contaminants at the laser emission port or fumes
(smoke) may shade the laser beam, resulting in adverse effects for the printing.
Clean contaminants off the laser emission port of the marker head at regular time
intervals. Contamination of the laser emission port may cause lens burn-in,
resulting in adverse symptoms such as streaking and density reduction of the
marking due to deterioration in laser output.
When re-switching on the power supply, turn ON key switch after turning OFF key
switch of the power supply box in 30 seconds or more.
When carry the head part, do not touch Laser Emission Port and Laser Pointer
Emission Port. They may affect the marking quality badly. If the laser emission
port becomes dirty, clean the port.
If the air filter becomes dirty, clean the filter without delay. Failure to do so may
hinder the air flow, resulting in failure of printing. Clean the air filter periodically.
When Laser Marker's power is ON, do not connect the touch screen, LAN cable,
sensor, encoder and/or IO connector etc. to Laser Marker, or it may cause
malfunction of Laser Marker and/or other peripherals.
Do not touch the Laser Marker (especially connectors on the rear panel)
carelessly as there is a possibility of failure due to static electricity (Laser Marker
malfunction or failure).
To prevent damage caused by static electricity, remove the static electricity that is
charged before starting work.
CAUTION

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When Laser Marker is operated in high ambient temperature, the output of the
laser tube gets lowered. Be careful there is a case where the printed characters
become thin.
Please set the Focal distance to the distance described in the Focal label which
comes with the Laser Marker. If the Focal distance is different from the distance
described in Focal label, be careful it may cause thin print.
■Installation size
Head (LM-C330P, LM-C331P, LM-C330S, LM-C331S, LM-C310P, LM-C311P and LM-C310S)
The head can be fixed from the bottom with M5 screw at eight locations.
■
The inserting length of the screw and the torque
is shown below.
・The inserting length of the screw should fall
between 5 and 7 mm.
・Tightiening torque : between 0.8 and 3.0 N・m.
Base of Head
NOTE

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The lithium battery is installed in this product
When discarding, please follow notes:
• Used batteries should not be mixed with general household waste.
• Recovery and recycling of used batteries, please take them to applicable
collection points, in accordance with your national legislation and Directive
(2006/66/EC).
• For more information about collection and recycling of seed batteries, please
contact your local municipality, waste disposal services, or the point of sale
where you purchased the batteries.
• By disposing used batteries correctly, you will help you save valuable resources
and prevent any potential negative effects on human health and the
environment which could otherwise arise from inappropriate waste handling.
•Penalties may be applicable to incorrect disposal of this waste, in accordance
with national legislation.
• EU Battery Directive (2006/66/EC)
EU Battery Directive obliges proper treatment, recovery, and recycling of
batteries that are used inside the European Union.
• In Case of Disposal in Other Region Outside the European Union
The EU Battery Directive (2006/66/EC) is only valid in the European Union. If
you wish to dispose used batteries in other region, please comply with its
regional regulation. For the correct method of disposal, please contact and ask
your local municipality, waste disposal services, or the point of sale where you
purchased the batteries.
•A chemical symbol [Cd (cadmium), Hg (mercury), Pb (lead)] may be displayed
below the dust bin mark. This complies with the requirements set in the EU
Battery Directive (2006/66 / EC). Exempted products must display a chemical
symbol if the element exceeds the threshold.
When Laser Marker is mounted on the other equipment or when the Laser Marker
is mounted on the wall or ceiling by the bracket, the other equipment or the
bracket shall withstand Laser Marker's weight, vibration, shock etc. which are
applied to it during use.
Laser Marker shall be mounted sturdily and robustly.
In case you fixedly-mount Touch Screen and use it, fix it with M5 screws (4 pcs).
In case you hold Touch screen and use it, pay extra attention NOT to drop it.
NOTE

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Ensure that all electrical wiring, connections and grounding comply with
applicable codes. Properly connect the Laser Marker to its dedicated ground.
Complete the above procedure to avoid electrical shock hazards.
If an extraneous noise enters the Laser Marker, it may cause a malfunction or a
breakdown. For maximum noise immunity, observe the following installation and
wiring precautions:
• Ensure that 100 to 120 VAC or 200 to 240 VAC power cables are not bundled
with other power supply cables.
• Insulate the Laser Marker main body and the touch screen so that they do not
come into direct contact with the conveyor or other devices.
• If the employed print target detector is housed in a metal case, use a plastic
mounting piece for the purpose of insulating the detector from the conveyor and
other devices.
• Be sure that the print target detector wiring is not bundled together with other
power supply cables.
Grounding
WARNING
Installation Environment
CAUTION

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1. LASER SAFETY
1.1. LASER TYPES
There are different types of lasers according to the medium of photon propagation (gas, solid, liquid, etc.)
contained inside the laser tube and the excitation mechanism used to cause the laser process. As a result,
laser emissions of different wavelengths (energy content and power) are obtained. The risks from
exposure to laser emission are different for each type of laser. According to the features mentioned above,
lasers are categorized into 4 classes and their Accessible Emission Limit (AEL) is specified as follows:
•Class I.
Lasers that are safe under reasonably foreseeable conditions of operation, including the use of
optical instruments for intrabeam viewing.
•Class IM.
Lasers emitting in the wavelength range from 302.5 nm to 4000 nm which are safe under reasonably
foreseeable conditions of operation, but may be hazardous if the user employs optics within the
beam. Two conditions apply:
a) for diverging beams if the user places optical components within 100 mm from the source to
concentrate (collimate) the beam; or
b) for a collimated beam with a diameter larger than the diameter specified in table 10 for the
measurements of irradiance and radiant exposure.
•Class II.
Lasers that emit visible radiation in the wavelength range from 400 nm to 700 nm where eye
protection is normally afforded by aversion responses, including the blink reflex. This reaction may
be expected to provide adequate protection under reasonably foreseeable conditions of operation
including the use of optical instruments for intrabeam viewing.
•Class IIM.
Lasers that emit visible radiation in the wavelength range from 400 nm to 700 nm where eye
protection is normally afforded by aversion responses including the blink reflex. However, viewing of
the output may be more hazardous if the user employs optics within the beam. Two conditions apply:
a) for diverging beams, if the user places optical components within 100 mm from the source to
concentrate (collimate) the beam, or
b) for a collimated beam with a diameter larger than the diameter specified in table 10 for the
measurements of irradiance and radiant exposure.
•Class IIIR.
Lasers that emit in the wavelength range from 302.5 nm to 106 nm where direct intrabeam viewing
is potentially hazardous but the risk is lower than for Class 3B lasers, and fewer manufacturing
requirements and control measures for the user apply than for Class 3B lasers. The accessible
emission limit is within five times the AEL of Class 2 in the wavelength range from 400 nm to 700 nm
and within five times the AEL of Class 1 for other wavelengths.
•Class IIIB.
Lasers those are normally hazardous when direct intrabeam exposure occurs (i.e. within the NOHD).
Viewing diffuse reflections is normally safe.
•Class IV.
Lasers those are also capable of producing hazardous diffuse reflections. They may cause skin
injuries and could also constitute a fire hazard. Their use requires extreme caution.

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1.2. LASER SAFETY STANDARDS
The Laser Marker is fitted with basic safety features at the point there might be risk of laser emission if
the allowed AEL limit is exceeded.
The Laser Marker is equipped with a protective housing which, except for the laser aperture, prevents
human access to laser emission exceeding Class I.
Class IIIB and IV lasers (except for those of Class IIIB which do not exceed five times the Class II AEL
limit at a wavelength of 400nm to 700nm) will emit an audible or visual warning when the power source
is activated.
The beam emitted by any Class IM, IIM, IIIR, IIIB and IV laser product should end its effective path in a
diffused reflection material with suitable reflectivity and thermal properties, or an absorbent material.
Whenever possible, the laser beam open patch must be located either above or below eye level.
Mirrors, lenses and beam splitters should be tightly mounted and subject to controlled movements during
laser emission to prevent accidental spectral reflection of the emission coming from Class IIIB or IV laser
product.
There are risk control procedures for each class of laser:
•Classes IM, II, IIM, and IIIR.
They only require precautions to prevent direct, continuous view of the beam. Momentary exposure
due to accidental viewing is not considered dangerous.
•Class IIIB.
These are considered hazardous when the naked eye is exposed to the direct beam or spectral
reflection. In order to prevent these situations, the following precautions must be taken:
(1) The beam must be used in a controlled area.
(2) The beam must end its useful path at a diffused material with a suitable colour and
reflectivity that allows the beam to be positioned while minimizing the risk of reflection.
(3) In the absence of the conditions specified in point 2, eye protection must be worn.
Any part of the laser protective housing which, when removed or
replaced to be repaired, would imply exposure to excessive emission,
requires the use of tools. This prevents exposure to excessive laser
emission in relation to the assigned AEL limit.
The safety interlock is designed to prevent the removal of the panel
until the accessible emission values are lower than the AEL of the
assigned class.
NOTE
Laser marking system protection covers can only be removed by using tools.
NOTE
The final path of the laser beam should end at some diffused reflectivity element.

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•Class IV.
These may produce injuries caused by the direct beam or its specular and diffused reflections. They
also involve fire risk. In addition to the precautions mentioned in the previous section, the following
should also be used:
(1) The Laser Marker must be installed, adjusted and operated only by qualified, trained and
authorized personnel.
(2) The area where the Laser Marker will be operating must be identified with a suitable warning
sign (supplied by HITACHI).
(3) The beam and incidence area must be surrounded by the material resistant to the
wavelength emitted by the laser in order to avoid specular reflection in the invisible
spectrum due to the far infrared laser emission.
(4) The presence of people in the beam path must be avoided in order to prevent exposure to
emission or specular reflections.
(5) Carbon plates or other sufficiently thick refractory materials must be installed at the end of
the beam path. Nevertheless some precautions must be taken, as the surface of these
materials can vitrify after lengthy exposure, causing specular reflection.
(6) Whenever possible, the beam path must be located either above or below eye level.
In spite of all safety elements included in the Laser Marker end user should wear safety goggles that
completely cover the eyes when operating the system, in order to avoid any injury caused by specular
emission. It is also advisable to wear cotton clothing, which is much more resistant to this kind of emission.
Each country establishes its own safety standards concerning the sales and distribution of laser products.
All of them are quite similar.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
In this country, the standards which regulate the use of Class IV laser products concerning labeling and
safety interlocks must be observed.
OFFICE OF COMPLIANCE (HFZ-312)
CENTRE FOR DEVICES AND RADIOLOGICAL HEALTH
US DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
8757 GEORGIA AVENUE
SILVER SPRING, MD 20910
TEL.: [phone]
EUROPE
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
IEC STANDARD
EMISSION SAFETY OF LASER PRODUCTS, EQUIPMENT
CLASSIFICATION, REQUIREMENTS AND USER’S GUIDE.
Safety devices and protections supplied by HITACHI will not necessarily meet requirements of the
Customer’s Local Factory Inspector, Laser Safety and Country Regulations and no warranty or
representation is given or made that they comply with any statutory or other requirement. No liability is
accepted by HITACHI in this respect.

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1.2.1. SAFETY SWITCHES
The Laser Marker includes the safety switch (interlock).
•Lock control. Consist of a micro-switch located on the protective cover of the laser tube. When this
cover is removed while the system is working, the message "Laser Locked" will be displayed on the
Laser Marker screen and the laser is deactivated.
1.2.2. PROTECTIVE HOUSING
The area between the marking head and the printing surface must have a protective housing to prevent
user access to the Laser Marker.
Making this protective housing is the responsibility of the installer in each country.
The housing delivered by HITACHI may not be enough, and each client must adapt the housing to its
production line, because the final protection must be a closed protection, and the housing delivered by
HITACHI may not be completely closed.
This housing is a polycarbonate housing, which prevents the reflections of the laser beams to the user,
as indicated in the following pictures:
The protection is mounted around the lens, and fixed with screws on the top part of the protection.
The polycarbonate does not permit the laser beam to go through it and redirects all the reflections to the
production line.
All the technical requirements that the housing must accomplish found in EN 60825-4 norm (Europe) and
in IEC 60825-4 (International).
One of the principal requirements that the
housing must accomplish is the capacity to
catch all the laser beam reflection that laser
emits when it starts to work and marks.
As we observe in the picture, the reflections
of the laser beam are always inside the
protective housing.
.

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1.3. WARNING AND INFORMATION SYMBOLS
This chapter includes all symbols used in this Instruction Manual or on the Laser Marker to alert both
operating and service personnel to the precautions concerning the care, use, and handling of Laser
Marker.
1.3.1. POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY WARNING
This product emits infrared radiation at a wavelength of 10.6 µm. Direct or indirect exposure to laser
radiation may cause serious damage to the cornea, therefore it is mandatory to wear protective viewing
goggles in areas exposed to the laser beam. Goggles protect against scattered radiation or reflections
from metal surfaces. Protective goggles that block 10.6µm CO2 laser radiation are available from
HITACHI.
RADIATION VIEWING CONDITIONS
The laser exiting the resonator is considered an intense monochromatic light source. Due to these
features it can be seen as a source of high luminosity.
This means that its image is focused on the retina at a point of high-density power. If the beam diverges
and is dispersed on a non-reflective screen, then there would be an "extended view" of the image, with a
decisively less dangerous power density. So there are different types of radiation views based on the
access to the radiation and consequently different degrees of danger.
Direct view of the Laser beam:
This type of view is the most dangerous and can occur at the exit of the laser aperture after having
removed the lens. It must be avoided! Use of protective goggles is not sufficient to protect against
direct view of the beam.
Direct view of the beam after mirror reflection:
This may occur by directing the beam towards a reflective surface.
Viewing a beam reflected off a flat surface is very dangerous and the same as direct viewing.
Direct view of the beam after focusing:
This occurs if the laser beam is not extinguished with an appropriate absorbent at the end of its useful
path. Viewing the beam is dangerous up to a considerable distance.
Dispersive viewing of the beam after focusing:
This is the most frequent viewing condition during Laser Marker operation. Viewing the beam up close
is dangerous, but appropriate filters and goggles can ensure safety, even during prolonged exposure.
The Optical Risk Nominal Distance (O.R.N.D.) for Laser Markers of HITACHI can be over 20m for
direct or reflected radiation, and over 1m for Dispersive radiation.
Only goggles with an Optical Density (O.D.) over 4 can momentarily protect the eyes against
accidental viewing of damaging laser radiation.
Always uses goggles with a conformity certificate. Remember that no goggles can
provide prolonged protection from direct radiation.

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If exposed to intense laser radiation, even briefly, or to less intensity but longer duration, both the cornea
and the retina can be burned and irreparably and permanently damaged.
Direct exposure to focused radiation can burn the skin. In addition, it is necessary to bear in mind that
there may be collateral ultraviolet radiation along with the main radiation. Prolonged exposure may cause
skin cancer.
Enclose the beam path whenever possible. Direct or diffused laser radiation can seriously burn humans
or animals.
U.S. customers should refer to and follow the laser safety precautions in ANSI Z136.1-1993, American
National Standard for Safe Use of Lasers. Procedures listed under the Standard include the appointment
of a Laser Safety Officer, operation of the product in an area of limited access by trained personnel,
servicing of Laser Marker only by trained and authorized personnel, and posting of signs warning of the
potential hazards.
European customers should refer to and follow the laser safety precautions in EN 60825-1, Radiation
Safety of Laser Products, Equipment Classification, Requirements, and User Guide.
Materials processing can generate air contaminants such as vapours, fumes, and/or particles that may
be noxious, toxic, or even fatal. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for materials being processed should be
thoroughly evaluated and the adequacy of provisions for fume extraction, filtering and venting should be
carefully considered. Review the following references for further information on exposure criteria:
ANSI Z136.1-1993, American National Standard for Safe Use of Lasers, Section 7.3 U.S. Government's
Code of Federal Regulations: 29 CFR 1910, Subpart Z. Threshold Limit Values (TLV™s) published by
the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH).
It may be necessary to consult local governmental agencies regarding restrictions on the ventilation of
processing vapors.
1.3.2. POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY
Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified herein may result
in hazardous exposure.

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1.4. COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATION AND LAW
The Laser Marker is subject to several United States and European Union (EU) directives. These
directives impose product performance requirements related to electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and
product safety features for laser products. The associated directives and specific provisions to which the
Laser Marker must comply are identified and described in the following paragraphs.
1.4.1. CDRH REQUIREMENTS
HITACHI Laser Marker is designed to comply with requirements for Class IV laser products imposed by
the Radiation Control for Health and Safety Act of 1968. Under this act, the U.S Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) issued a performance standard in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) for laser
products. This performance standard (21 CFR, Part 1040.10) was developed to protect public health and
safety by imposing requirements upon manufacturers of laser products to provide an indication of the
presence of laser radiation, to provide the user with certain means to control radiation, and to assure that
all personnel are adequately warned of potential hazards through the use of product labels and
instructions.
Federal regulation require that all laser products manufactured on or after August 2, 1976 must be
certified as complying with the performance standard. The manufacturer must demonstrate the product’s
compliance with the standard prior to certification or introduction of the product in the market by filing
reports pertaining to the radiation safety of the product and the associated quality control program to the
Centre for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH). Failure to provide the required reports or product
certification is a violation of Section 360B of the Radiation Control and Health and Safety Service Act of
1968.
Product features included in the design of the laser marking system to comply with CDRH requirements
are built into the system as control panels or indicators, internal circuit elements, or input/output signal
interfaces. Specifically, these features include a key switch, Laser and Ready indicators, emergency stop
button, remote interlock and five-second delay between POWER-ON (Ready indicator) and operation of
laser. Table 1 summarizes the laser marking system product features, indicating type and description,
and which features are required by CDRH regulations.
Common safe operating practices should be exercised at all times when
the laser is in use. To prevent exposure to direct or diffused laser
radiation, follow all safety precautions specified in this Instruction
Manual. The use of controls or adjustments or performance of
procedures other than those specified herein may result in exposure to
hazardous invisible laser radiation, damage to, or malfunction of the
laser. Severe burns may result from direct exposure to the laser beam.
Always wear safety goggles with side shields to reduce the risk of
damage to the eyes when operating the laser.
Safe operation of the laser requires the use of external beam block to
safely block the beam from travelling beyond the desired work area. Use
a firebrick or similar non-dispersive, non-combustible material as the
block. NEVER use organic material or metals as the beam blocker.
Organic material, in general, are combustible and metals act as
reflectors that may create an area of immediate danger.

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This information is available at:
U.S Department of Health and Human Services
Public Health Services
Food and Drug Administration
Centre for Devices and Radiological Health
Division of Small Manufactures Assistance
Rockville, MD 20857
1.4.2. UNITED STATES FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMISSION
REQUIREMENTS
The United States Communications Act of 1934 vested the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
with the authority to regulate Laser Markers that emits electromagnetic radiation in the radio frequency
spectrum. The purpose of the Communication Act was to prevent harmful electromagnetic interference
(EMI) from affecting authorized radio communication services in the frequency range above 9 kHz.
1.4.3. UNITED STATES FCC REQUIREMENTS
The FCC regulation that governs Laser Marker is fully described in 47 CFR. The marking system has
been tested and found to comply by proving performance features that have met or exceeded the
requirements of 47 CFR, Part 15.
1.4.4. USER INFORMATION
NOTE
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device,
pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the Instruction Manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case
the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
CAUTION
The changes or modifications that are not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

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1.4.5. EUROPEAN UNION REQUIREMENTS
The Laser Marking System should be installed and operated at prepared facilities and by duly trained
personnel. Due to the considerable risks and hazards associated with the installation and operation of
this device with its built-in laser, the manufacturer must provide appropriate product warning labels and
instructions to ensure safety. HITACHI assumes no responsibility for the compliance of the system into
which the Laser Marking System is installed, other than to supply and/or recommend components
complying with CE standard and European Directives.
Pursuant to Article 1, paragraph 2 and Article 3 of the Machinery Directive, the Machinery Directive does
not apply to this system. Concerning the incorporation of the laser marking system into equipment that
may fall under the definition of Machinery, HITACHI considers the application of the EMC Directive and
Low voltage directive as sufficient evidence that the laser marking system will not compromise the
compliance of the Machinery into which it is incorporated.
The following hazards would be typical for this product when incorporated to intended use:
(a) Risk of injury from lifting or moving the unit.
(b) Risk of exposure to hazardous laser energy through unauthorized removal of access panels,
doors, or protective barriers.
(c) Risk of exposure to hazardous laser energy and injury due to failure of personnel to use proper
eye protection and/or failure to adhere to applicable laser safety procedures.
(d) Generation of hazardous air contaminants that may be noxious, toxic, or even fatal.
With respect to instances of electromagnetic interference, HITACHI defines marking variations to be an
unacceptable loss of performance, as long as the following criteria are met: (1) There is no damage to
the marking equipment, or machinery into which it is integrated, (2) The marking variation does not cause
a hazardous or unsafe condition, (3) The marking variation is apparent to the operator, and (4) Normal
operation is recovered after removal the interfering signal.
A report of EU service requirements pertaining to the laser marking system is shown below.
European Union Directives
Applicable Standards / Norms
CE mark
IEC 62368-1
EN 61000-6-4
EN 61000-6-2
EN 60825-1, Safety of laser products
Once a product has met the requirements of all applicable EU directives, it can bear the official
compliance mark of the European Union.