cincinnati CL-900 Maintenance Manual

OPERATION, SAFETY, AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL

CINCINNATIR

cl-900 SERIES LASER SYSTEM

(IPG FIBER LASER RESONATORS - 5x10, 6x12 FRAME)

CINCINNATIR

C I N C I N N AT I I N C O R P O R AT E D C I N C I N N A T I, OHIO 4 5 2 1 1

EM-550 (N-04/11)	COPYRIGHT 2011
	CINCINNATI INCORPORATED

CL-900 SERIES		CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
SECTION 1	IDENTIFICATION
SECTION 2	INSTALLATION
	LIFTING AND MOVING..................................................................................	2-1
	FOUNDATION.................................................................................................	2-2
	INSTALLATION of machine........................................................................	2-2
	CHILLER.........................................................................................................	2-2
	LEVELING.......................................................................................................	2-2
	PRELIMINARY LEVELING.......................................................................	2-3
	FINAL LEVELING.....................................................................................	2-3
	ELECTRICAL CONNECTION.........................................................................	2-5
	SAFETY DEVICES.........................................................................................	2-5
SECTION 3	SAFETY
	SAFETY IS EVERYONE’S JOB......................................................................	3-1
	INTRODUCTION TO LASER SAFETY.....................................................	3-1
	SAFETY STANDARDS AND PUBLICATIONS................................................	3-2
	LASER HAZARD CLASSIFICATION .............................................................	3-2
	CONTROL MEASURES..................................................................................	3-3
	EXPLANATION OF LASER RADIATION........................................................	3-4
	LASER TYPES..........................................................................................	3-4
	HAZARDS - CINCINNATI LASER SYSTEMS - Fiber laser......................	3-5
	EYE HAZARDS.........................................................................................	3-5
	SKIN HAZARDS........................................................................................	3-5
	NOMINAL HAZARD ZONES...........................................................................	3-6
	BEAM EXPOSURE CATEGORIES...........................................................	3-6
	ASSOCIATED HAZARDS...............................................................................	3-7
	FIRE..........................................................................................................	3-7
	FUMES AND DUST..................................................................................	3-8
	GAS STORAGE..............................................................................................	3-8
	COMPRESSED GAS CYLINDERS..........................................................	3-8
	CRYOGENIC LIQUID.............................................................................	3-10
	TRAINING.....................................................................................................	3-11
	Machine HAZARDS AND WARNINGS......................................................	3-11
	MOVING MACHINE MEMBERS.............................................................	3-11
	WARNING (AWARENESS) LIGHTS.......................................................	3-11
	CUT AREA SAFETY ENCLOSURE........................................................	3-11
	SAFETY SIGNS............................................................................................	3-12
	SAFETY GUIDELINES.................................................................................	3-14
	SAFETY MAINTENANCE CHECK...............................................................	3-14
SECTION 4	SPECIFICATIONS
	DIMENSIONS.................................................................................................	4-1
	SPECIFICATIONS..........................................................................................	4-1
	PIPING CONNECTIONS................................................................................	4-2
	EXTERNAL OPTICAL ELEMENTS.................................................................	4-3
	GAS REQUIREMENTS...................................................................................	4-3
	AMBIENT TEMPERATURE............................................................................	4-5
	CAPACITIES...................................................................................................	4-5
	PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION.........................................................................	4-6
	CONTOURING ACCURACY...........................................................................	4-6
SECTION 5	SETUP AND USE
	LOADING MATERIAL.....................................................................................	5-1
	Gauging.......................................................................................................	5-1
	CUTTING Y-AXIS MATERIAL STOPS......................................................	5-1
	X AND Y-AXIS SQUARENESS.................................................................	5-2
	X-AXIS MATERIAL STOPS.......................................................................	5-3

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SECTION 6	machine CONTROLS
	OPERATOR CONTROL STATION..................................................................	6-1
	machine OPERATOR PANELS....................................................................	6-2
	FRONT PANEL CONTROLS....................................................................	6-2
	SIDE PANEL CONTROLS........................................................................	6-4
	LOAD FRAME EMERGENCY STOP..............................................................	6-6

SECTION 7	OPERATION
	FOR ADDITIONAL SETUP AND OPERATION INFORMATION FOR THIS
	machine, REFER TO EM-551, SECTION 7 - OPERATION, A SUPPLEMENT TO
	THE OPERATION MANUAL FOR THE CL-900 LASER SYSTEM.................	7-1

SECTION 8	OPTIONS
	FUME BLOWER.............................................................................................	8-1
	BALL TRANSFER LOAD STATION................................................................	8-1
	MODULAR MATERIAL HANDLING SYSTEM (mmhs)..................................	8-1
	AIR ASSIST GAS FILTER AND DRYER.........................................................	8-1

SECTION 9	MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTS
	LUBRICATION REQUIREMENTS..................................................................	9-1
	DRIVES LUBRICATION............................................................................	9-1
	Z-AXIS LUBRICATION..............................................................................	9-1
	FUME SYSTEM LUBRICATION...............................................................	9-2
	MATERIAL CLAMP LUBRICATION..........................................................	9-2
	MAGNETIC TRACK MAINTENANCE.............................................................	9-2
	PALLET DRIVE MAINTENANCE....................................................................	9-2
	GEAR REDUCER.....................................................................................	9-2
	CHAIN DRIVE TENSION ADJUSTMENT ................................................	9-2
	SCRAP REMOVAL....................................................................................	9-3
	PALLET GUIDE RAILS...................................................................................	9-3
	ENCODER MAINTENANCE...........................................................................	9-3
	ENCODER CLEANING.............................................................................	9-4
	OPTICS HANDLING AND CLEANING...........................................................	9-4
	LENS INSTALLATION AND REMOVAL....................................................	9-5
	LENS CLEANING.....................................................................................	9-5
	AUTO FOCUS CUTTING HEAD.....................................................................	9-6
	MAINTENANCE........................................................................................	9-6
	AUTO FOCUS TROUBLESHOOTING.....................................................	9-7
	AIR DRYER.....................................................................................................	9-8
	PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE....................................................................	9-10
	DAILY MACHINE INSPECTION.............................................................	9-10
	WEEKLY MACHINE INSPECTION ........................................................	9-10
	SEMI-ANNUAL (1000 HOURS) MACHINE INSPECTION.....................	9-10
	ANNUAL MACHINE INSPECTION.........................................................	9-11

SECTION 10	SERVICE AND PARTS
	ORDERING REPAIR PARTS .......................................................................	10-1
	RETURNING PARTS FOR CREDIT.............................................................	10-1
	SERVICE......................................................................................................	10-1
	TECHNICAL TRAINING................................................................................	10-1
	CUSTOMER INFORMATION CENTER........................................................	10-1

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INTRODUCTION

CINCINNATI CL-900 series LASER SYSTEM - FIBER LASER

TheFiberLaserSystemproducestwo-dimensionalcontouredshapesfromflatmaterialbymovingafocused laser beam along a programmed path. The beam from a stationary laser generating unit is directed to a moving lens by a fiber optic cable routed through a moving gantry.The workpiece remains stationary while a narrow strip of material is removed along the path made by the lens. Material is removed by vaporization and melting where the lens concentrates laser power into a small spot on the workpiece. Assist gas is also used to control the cutting process.

Thegantrymovesthelenstoproducetheprogrammedworkpiecegeometry.Amotioncontrollercommands servo drives to control the gantry motion. The program provided by the user includes commands to specify feed rate, laser power, and assist gas.

PART QUALITY

The following factors affect part quality:

•Machine condition

•Operator ability

•Setup and Programming

•Quality and type of material

CINCINNATI machines are designed to be rugged and durable. However, improper adjustment or lack of maintenance can reduce the quality of parts produced on the machine. The quality of a laser-cut edge depends on the combination of a uniform laser beam of adequate power, properly focused on the workpiece with an adequate supply of the correct assist gas, traveling at a speed compatible with the material removal rate.

Criticalmanualadjustmentsare:lensfocalpointlocationandlens-to-nozzlecentering.TheAutoFocus Cutting Head eliminates manual focal point adjustment.

Partqualitydependsontheprogramtocommandthecorrectcombinationoflaserpower,assistgas,and feedrate for the material type and thickness being processed. Part accuracy depends on the program for proper use of kerf width compensation and for selection of feedrate within radius contouring accuracy limits.

Material quality can affect the repeatability of process parameters. Material with uniform composition, uniform thickness, and a smooth, clean surface will minimize variations in part quality.

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SECTION 1	IDENTIFICATION

CINCINNATI CL-900 SERIES laser system - FIBER LASER

1.	FIBER LASER	11.	E-STOP BUTTON
2.	LASER STATUS INDICATOR LIGHT	12.	BALL TRANSFER REMOTE (OPT)
3.	SERVICE SAFETY DOOR	13.	PALLET DOOR
4.	SAFETY ENCLOSURE	14.	REMOTE STATION
5.	OPERATOR SAFETY DOOR	15.	SCRAP BIN ACCESS DOOR
6.	LASER STATUS INDICATOR LIGHT	16.	OPERATOR CONTROL STATION
7.	MATERIAL SUPPORTS	17.	MAIN FRAME
8.	MATERIAL CLAMPS	18.	REMOTE STATION CONNECTION
9.	LOWER PALLET	19.	CONTROL ENCLOSURE
10.	LOAD FRAME	20.	POWER ENCLOSURE

Figure 1-1 Front View

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1.	FIBER LASER MAIN DISCONNECT	6.	MAIN BREAKER INTERLOCK BYPASS KEY
2.	FIBER LASER E-STOP	7.	POWER ENCLOSURE
3.	FIBER LASER GAS AND COOLANT CONNECTION	8.	CONTROL ENCLOSURE

4.MAIN ENCLOSURE

5.MAIN DISCONNECT

Figure 1-2 Rear View

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1. I/O ENCLOSURE

2. DRIVE ENCLOSURE

3. SAFETY ENCLOSURE

Figure 1-3 Rear View

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1.	X-2 AXIS WAY COVER	5.	Z-AXIS FIBER CABLE CARRIER
2.	ASSIST GAS PROPORTIONAL VALVES	6.	RIGHT GANTRY ENCLOSURE
3.	LEFT GANTRY ENCLOSURE	7.	SCRAP TRAYS AND SCRAP TRAY CAPS

4.Y-AXIS CABLE CARRIER

Figure 1-4 Rear View of the Gantry

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1.	ASSIST GAS HOSE	5.	7.5 INCH LENS DRAWER (EMPTY MANIFOLD SEAL)
2.	Z-AXIS MOTOR	6.	5 INCH LENS DRAWER (INSTALLED)
3.	LENS DOOR	7.	LOWER TIP ASSEMBLY
4.	10 INCH LENS DRAWER (EMPTY MANIFOLD SEAL)	8.	Z-AXIS CABLE CARRIER

Figure 1-5 Y-Plate and Auto Focus Head Assembly

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SECTION 2	INSTALLATION

IMPORTANT: Before proceeding, contact CINCINNATI Laser Service for pre-installation instructions.

LIFTING AND MOVING

Machine weights are provided in Section 4 - SPECIFICATIONS.

The main frame is lifted using four standard lifting clevises attached to four lifting links (C.I. Part # 920584) with spacers(C.I.Part#920585).Thefourliftinglinks(supplied by CINCINNATI) are attached to the inside of the main frame with 1”-8 UNC SHCS bolts. See Figure 2-1.

Whenliftingwithchains,cables,orstraps,usethemaximum length possible to reduce the side loading generated at the lift points. Use spreader bars or intermediate lifting beam if ceiling height will not allow a high pick.

Before lifting the main frame, be sure that lifting links (C.I. # 920584) and spacers (C.I. # 920585) are installed. Do not use eyebolts or other devices not designed for excessive side loads. Using improper lifting devices could result in serious injury or death to bystanders and/or cause extensive damage to the main frame and fiber laser.

IMPORTANT: Extreme care must be taken not to subject the machine to shock loads. The machine must be lifted and set down gently.

The load frame can be lifted using straps with S-hooks at each of the four outer corners. The S-hooks are hooked in the access holes located at the bottom of the load frame. Adequate padding must be used at all points to protect the machine’s finish.The straps can be gathered and lifted with a hook attachment. See Figure 2-2.

Figure 2-1 Lifting Main Frame

Figure 2-2 Lifting Load Frame

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FOUNDATION

A Certified Foundation Plan drawing is provided shortly after the machine is ordered. This drawing provides the user with detailed information required to locate the equipment and the eight machine anchors. The customer should prepare the eight anchor locations prior to arrival of the equipment. The eight pads must be pre-leveled to lie in thesameplanewithin.50inches(12.7mm),andtheanchor holes should be drilled as specified on the Foundation Plan drawing. CINCINNATI INCORPORATED provides anchors, studs, nuts, and shims for final leveling.

If the machine is to be installed near shock inducing equipment such as punch presses, turret punches, etc., contact CINCINNATI INCORPORATED.

INSTALLATION of machine

After setting the machine on the anchor studs, place washers and nuts on studs, but do not tighten. Installation consists of the following steps:

1.Remove lifting clevises and spacers.

2.Remove all steel banding and protective wrappings.

3.Install fume fan (optional) and fume duct connecting to fume plenum with flange and fasteners provided. Seal connection with a bead of RTV silicone. Make the electrical connection to the fan drive motor with wiring provided.

4.Connect the customer-furnished fume exhaust system to the fume duct exit port.

5.Complete preliminary leveling procedure described below.

6.CINCINNATI Service will install the operator control station and complete final electrical connections to the control.

7.Install gas lines, wiring, and hoses as described in the pre-installation manual.

CHILLER

The water chiller is a free-standing unit requiring only floor support. Cooling lines are connected to the main frame at the gas and coolant location mounted to the rear of the machine. Hoses are furnished to connect the chiller when located as shown on the Foundation Plan. Consult CINCINNATI INCORPORATED if an alternative chiller location is required. See Section 4 - SPECIFICATIONS for chiller fluid specifications.

LEVELING

Main frame leveling adjustments are made using jackscrews provided at the mounting pads. Figure 2-3 shows the mounting pads. The machine foot mounting pads are located on the outside surface of the main frame in the four corners.

Figure 2-3 Main Frame Leveling Adjustments

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Slotted shims are inserted between the machine foot and steelspacerblockasshownontheFoundationPlandrawing. After shims are inserted, jackscrews are to be backed off or removed. The procedure for leveling is described in the next sections.

PRELIMINARY LEVELING

1.To check cross-leveling, place a precision level on machined pads on each end of the main frame. For preliminaryleveling,alevelwith.004inch/ft.precision is sufficient (0.33 mm per meter). See Figures 2-3 and 2-4. Lift machine with jackscrews and shim under mounting feet (shims are provided).

2.Longitudinal level is checked on the top of the X-axis guide way. Adjust as described above. (See Figure 2-5.)Longitudinallevelingdoesnotrequireaprecision level.

A very powerful magnetic field surrounds the magnet track. Keep all metal (steel) tools away from this track. Place a piece of wood (2x4) over the magnetic track to protect it and personnel.

FINAL LEVELING

Final leveling should be done with a CINCINNATI INCORPORATED Service Representative present.

The purpose of final leveling is to ensure that the gantry does not rotate about the X-axis as the gantry moves from end-to-end. Excessive rotation will cause laser beam misalignment during operation.

1.Use a 15 inch (380 mm) precision spirit level with a sensitivity of .0005 inch/ft. (0.04 mm per meter).

2.Place the level on the top of the gantry and position the gantry at X = 0. See Figure 2-6. The gantry may be moved by manually pushing it when drives are off, or by using JOG mode when drives are on.

3.The top of the gantry is not machined. Therefore, it will be necessary to shim one or both ends of the level to establish a reference reading and make the level sit solidly in place. Paper shims can be used for this purpose.

Figure 2-4 Cross Leveling (Preliminary)

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Figure 2-5 Longitudinal Leveling

Figure 2-6 Final Leveling with Precision Level

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4.Observe the position of the bubble while moving the gantry from X = 0 to X = Maximum travel. The maximum acceptable deviation is one division of the level (.0005 inch per ft. or 0.04 mm per meter) as the gantry moves from end-to-end. This ensures that the frameisnotinatwist.Adjustasdescribedabove,using jackscrews to add or remove shims under mounting feet.

5.When Step 4 is complete, lightly tighten anchor nuts and recheck level as specified in Step 4. Verify that jacking screws are backed off and not supporting the machine.

6.Tighten the anchor nuts.

7.Repeat Step 4 as a final level check.

ELECTRICAL CONNECTION

Each Laser System customer is supplied a complete set of Foundation Plan drawings prior to machine shipment. The electrical load requirements and connection points are called out on these drawings. Be certain that a suitably sized wire is brought to the main disconnect and the proper voltage is supplied.

The standard electrical input is 460 volt, 3 phase, and 50/60 hertz. The machine must be properly grounded in accordancewiththeNationalElectricCodeNFPA70,2002 edition, article 250, sections 50 through 70. CINCINNATI INCORPORATED recommends using an individual electrode per article 250.52 (5) to avoid interference from other equipment. Place ground electrode as indicated on Foundation Plan drawing. Do not start the machine until Section 3 - SAFETY of this manual has been read thoroughly and a CINCINNATI INCORPORATED Service Representative is present.

The machine controls have been designed to operate satisfactorily with good quality incoming electrical power. It is important that the electrical power be free of excessive noise and power fluctuations. Refer to the pre-installation instructions for details of input power requirements.

SAFETY DEVICES

DO NOT START THE MACHINE UNTIL SECTION 3 - SAFETY OF THIS MANUAL HAS BEEN THOROUGHLY READ AND A CINCINNATI INCORPORATED SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE IS PRESENT.

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SECTION 3	SAFETY

SAFETY IS EVERYONE’S JOB

TheCINCINNATILaserSystem-FiberLasermanufactured by CINCINNATI INCORPORATED has been designed to meetthehighestorderofreliabilityandeaseofoperatoruse. This system has been certified under Federal Regulations 21 CFR, subpart J, as a Class 4 Laser product as required by the Federal Radiation Control for Health and Safety Act of 1968. This certification is on file with the Food and DrugAdministration “Center for Devices and Radiological Health” (CDRH) Division, Office of Compliance, 2098 Gaither Road, Rockville, Maryland 20850.

CINCINNATI INCORPORATED recommends the customer read and understand the requirements of the American National StandardANSI B11.21 entitled “Safety Requirements for Design, Construction, Care, and Use of MachineTools Using Lasers for Processing Materials” and ANSI Z136.1 entitled “American National Standard for Safe Use of Lasers”.They are available from theAmerican National Standards Institute, 25 West 43rd Street, New York, New York 10036.

For additional safety information, CINCINNATI recommends:

1.Obtaining applicable safety data from:

a.National Safety Council, 1121 Spring Lake Drive, Itasca, Illinois 60143-3201.

b.The Laser Institute of America, Suite 128, 13501 Ingenuity Drive, Orlando, Florida 32826.

2.Determining responsibilities under state and local safety codes.

3.Requesting assistance from the loss prevention department of the workmen’s compensation carrier.

Personnel responsible for the Laser System operator training program, maintenance, and manufacturing operations must read and understand this Operation, Safety, and Maintenance manual. No one should set up, operate, or maintain this Laser System until thoroughly understanding it and knowing how to do the job safely. Read this manual in its entirety.

INTRODUCTION TO LASER SAFETY

The laser beam is a strong, highly directional beam of energy that, if directed, reflected, or focused upon an object, will be partially absorbed. This absorbed energy can raise the temperature of the object enough to cause material changes at the point where the laser beam hits the object. This process can also produce adverse biological effects in human tissue.

A BRIEF DISCUSSION ON RADIATION

Radiation is energy radiated or given off in the form of waves or particles. It is a general term used to describe energy emitted from a wide range of sources. Some sources are man-made, such as radio waves, and some occur naturally, such as the rays coming from the sun. To keep track of all the various kinds of radiation, scientists developed a system to separate radiation by the length of the wave (or frequency) being sent out by the source. This is called the “electromagnetic spectrum”. This spectrum covers the entire range of energy wavelengths from the very short gamma rays to the much longer wavelength of commercial electricity sent out from the electric company

(for example, 60 cycle current).

All forms of electromagnetic radiation travel at the speed of light, but at differing frequencies. The longer the wavelength is, the lower the frequency. The energy transmitted by radiation is also related to its frequency. Higher frequency radiation can transmit greater energy.

Some radiation interferes with the internal energy that holds atoms together as molecules. If the energy of a ray of radiation is great enough, it will attract electrons away fromanatomoraddadditionalelectronstoit.Thisiscalled “ionizing” radiation. X-rays are an example of this type of radiation. CINCINNATI Laser System - Fiber Lasers do not use ionizing radiation.

Radiation that lacks the energy to deform atoms is called “non-ionizing” radiation. This is the type used in CINCINNATILaserSystem-FiberLaser.TheIPGproduct is a diode-pumped ytterbium fiber laser. The laser beam is emitted in a continuous wave (CW) at a fixed wavelength of 1.07 micrometers. This wavelength is invisible to the human eye. It is just outside the visible spectrum in the near-infrared region and has high heat energy.

Non-ionizing radiation can cause harm. This is a result of the energy being absorbed and raising the temperature of the part of the body being hit. Over time, the heat energy being absorbed will reach a harmful level. This injury is similar to a burn received by standing too close to a bonfire for too long or the burn from being out too long in the sun.

If the body part exposed to non-ionizing radiation is the hardened, dead-cell tissue of the outer skin, minor harm will be done. A reddening of the tissue and mild soreness might be the only result. However, if that same radiation energy gets inside the body to less well-protected tissue, the tissue may not only be heated, but may become permanently damaged as well.

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Forexample,theeyesareverysusceptibletoradiation.The cells of the cornea and retina are not protected by a layer of dead skin and thus can be damaged much easier than the skin. The eye should always be protected from radiated energy.Eyehazardsandeyeprotectionarecoveredinmore detail later in this section.

Figure 3-1 is a chart of the electromagnetic spectrum. The CINCINNATI Laser System - Fiber Laser operates at a wavelength of 1.07 micrometers. As shown in the chart, this wavelength is just above the visible light spectrum in the infrared zone.

This brief introduction has been prepared to alleviate any unwarranted concerns regarding laser radiation safety. A more detailed discussion can be obtained in OSHA Publication 8-1.7 entitled “Guidelines for Laser Safety and HazardAssessment”.

Figure 3-1 Electromagnetic Spectrum

SAFETY STANDARDS AND

PUBLICATIONS

There are a wide variety of laser safety standards and publications. These include regulations of the federal government and of several state and local governments. Additionally there are non-regulatory standards, such as the ones of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and of theAmerican Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). Internationally, the World Health Organization (WHO) has laser safety guidelines, and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has been developing laser safety standards.

In 1968, the U.S. Government passed a law regulating products used in the United States that radiate energy. The law is the “Radiation Control for Health and Safety Act of 1968”. This law sets standards of performance for electrical products that emit radiation. These are called U. S. Federal Laser Product Performance Standards or FLPPS.ManufacturersuseFLPPStoensurethedesignand manufacture of their product properly controls radiation hazards before the product is released to their customers. Examples of some of the products covered under this law are x-ray machines, microwave ovens, hair dryers, and all types of lasers.

The Federal Standards covering Lasers and Laser Products (for example, devices or machines containing a laser) are covered in the Federal Register at 21 CFR Part 1040. In these standards, the level of radiation accessible to persons is used to group lasers into one of four classes. The classes are Class 1, Class 2, Class 3, and Class 4. These classes or risk categories establish the hazard controls required in the product’s design before a manufacturer can turn a product over to a user.

Research studies, along with an understanding of the hazards of sunlight and conventional, man-made light sources have permitted scientists to establish safe exposure limits for nearly all types of laser radiation. Laser safety specialists call these limits Maximum Permissible

Exposures (MPE’s).

Of the standards and publications that apply to users of

CINCINNATI Laser Systems, three will be most helpful:

1.ANSI B11.21 “American National Standard for Machines Using Lasers”. The contents of this standard came from the users and manufacturers of the machines that use laser generated beams to process material.

2.ANSI Z136.1 “American National Standard for Safe Use of Lasers”. This standard, which is technical in content, was developed by the research and health community to cover all types of lasers and laser applications.

3.OSHA Publication 8-1.7 “Guidelines for Laser Safety and Hazard Assessment”. This was developed for OSHA field personnel to help in their job of enforcing workplace safety standards.

LASER HAZARD CLASSIFICATION

As previously indicated, laser products are placed into one of four classes. These are:

Class 1 A Class 1 laser is considered safe based upon

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current medical knowledge. This class includes all lasers or laser systems which cannot emit levels of optical radiation above the exposure limits for the eye under any exposure conditions inherent in the design of the laser product.

Class 2 AClass 2 laser or laser system must emit a visible laserbeam,whosenaturalbrightnesswilllimitexposure bymakingtheeyeturnaway.Momentaryviewingisnot considered hazardous since the average radiant power limit on this type of device must not exceed 1 milliwatt (mW).

Class 3 A Class 3 laser or laser system can emit any wavelength, visible or non-visible. The Class 3 laser is divided into two subclasses, Class 3a and Class 3b. These lasers and laser systems are not considered a fire hazard or a serious skin hazard. Any CW (continuous wave) laser that is not a Class 1 or Class 2 is a Class 3 device if its output power is 0.5 watts or less. Since the outputbeamofsuchalaserisdefinitelyhazardouswhen the beam is allowed to directly enter the eye, control measures for the Class 3 lasers and laser systems center on eliminating this possibility.

Class 4 AClass 4 laser or laser system is any that exceeds the output limits (Accessible Emission Limits, AEL’s) of a Class 3 device. As would be expected, these lasers maybeafireandskinhazard,adiffusereflectionhazard, or both. Very stringent control measures are required for a Class 4 laser or laser system.

Because of the power needed to cut metal, all lasers used to cut metal are Class 4 lasers. Some Class 4 lasers are embedded in enclosures or rooms and called Class

1 laser products or Class 1 laser systems. However, control measures must still be established to insure that the enclosure is maintained and that proper operating procedures are followed.

CONTROL MEASURES

The CINCINNATI Laser System - Fiber Laser has been designed and manufactured using the highest engineering control measures practical. However, even these high standards have limitations. Laser safety requirements call for administrative and procedural controls to be incorporated in the use of lasers in order to minimize or eliminate the potential of personal injury during laser operation.

Laser safety experts have determined that the best way to control hazards presented by laser products is to establish a clear plan of hazard control with specific responsibilities

spelled out for all workers involved. The plan has four worker categories. The Laser Safety Officer (LSO) is one categoryandtheothercategoriesareforpersonnelworking in laser operations, plant maintenance, and laser service.

LASER SAFETY OFFICER

When an organization uses powerful laser products such as those strong enough to cut metal, it is recommended that someone in the organization be designated the Laser Safety Officer (LSO). This is especially true when dealing with Class 4 lasers whether they are embedded in a full enclosure and called Class 1 systems or not.

The LSO should be an employee who is part of the management organization. The LSO must be given the responsibility and authority to monitor and enforce the proceduresestablishedforcontrollinglaserhazards.Unless a great number of laser products are involved, this will not be a full-time job but daily auditing of work procedures is often a good idea. The LSO is responsible for seeing that written standard operating procedures (SOP) for the laser system are available. The information needed to establish these SOP’s will come from the material provided by the laser system manufacturer, auxiliary equipment providers, and company safety rules. Each operator, maintenance person, or laser service person should have access to these SOP’s and fully understand their content.

OPERATING PERSONNEL

These people are responsible for the productive use of the laser cutting system over the full range of its intended function.Thesepersonsshouldbethoroughlyfamiliarwith all operating controls, adjustments, and hazards associated with their function.

MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL

Laser safety procedures classify Maintenance level tasks as those done on machinery when the laser beam hazards are not present. Therefore, maintenance personnel are responsible for procedures that are completed in and aroundalasersystemwiththelaserpoweroff.Maintenance personnel should be thoroughly trained in the performance of those procedures.

SERVICE PERSONNEL

Service personnel do the work required to maintain the laser system. They must have the complete knowledge of laser hazards and the controls provided by the system manufacturer for their protection from those hazards. They are responsible for doing the procedures and adjustments described in the manufacturer’s service manual. The duty of a service person requires a higher level of training and education than that of the maintenance function.

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