Fire Warning
Your laser system uses a high intensity beam of light that can generate
extremely high temperatures when it comes into contact with the
material being engraved, marked or cut. Some materials are extremely
flammable and can easily ignite and burst into open flame setting the
machine afire. This open flame is very dangerous and has the potential
to destroy not only the machine, but the building in which it is housed.
Experience shows that vector cutting with the laser has the most
potential to create an open flame. Many materials are susceptible to
igniting, but acrylic, in all its different forms, has been shown to be
especially flammable when vector cutting with the laser.
Please read the following warnings and recommendations and follow
them closely at all times!
Stay with the laser. Never operate the laser system while unattended.
Keep the area clear. Clean around the machine and keep the area free of
clutter, combustible materials, explosives, or volatile solvents such as acetone,
alcohol, or gasoline.
Be prepared with a fire extinguisher. Always keep a properly maintained and
inspected fire extinguisher on hand. Monport recommends a Halotron fire
extinguisher or a multi-purpose dry chemical fire extinguisher. The Halotron
extinguishers are more expensive than a dry chemical, but offer certain
advantages should you ever need to use an extinguisher. The Halotron
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 difficult to clean up.
Use Air Assist. Always use the system’s Air Assist feature when vector cutting.
Use caution when vector cutting. Many materials have the potential to
suddenly burst into flames when cut with a laser – even materials that may be
very familiar to the user. Always monitor the machine when it is operating.
Clean the laser. A buildup of cutting and engraving residue and debris is
dangerous and can create a fire hazard in its own right. Keep your laser system
clean and free of debris. Regularly clean underneath the Vector Cutting Table to
clean any small pieces that have fallen through the grid.
