GCC Technologies X380 - Chapter I - Safety; Principles of a CO2 Laser; Safety Ratings; The Safety Interlock System

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Chapter I - Safety
1.1 Principles of a CO2 Laser
LASER is the acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. A CO
2
laser works by
electrically stimulating the molecules within a carbon dioxide gas mixture. When focused through a lens,
this highly-intense, invisible beam will vaporize many materials. Depending on the speed and intensity of
the projected beam, a CO
2
laser may be used to engrave or cut through a wide variety of materials.
1.2 Safety Ratings
The LaserPro X380 is equipped with a sealed carbon-dioxide laser that emits intense and invisible laser
radiation with a wavelength of 10.6 microns in the infrared spectrum. The laser system is designated as a
Class I laser device, meaning that the system is equipped with key safety features and an enclosed laser
head to completely contain the laser under normal use. One of the key safety features found on the
LaserPro X380 is a Class 3R red dot safety guidance pointer (similar to a laser-pointer presentation pen)
allowing the operator to see the exact location where the laser beam will fire. Even though the LaserPro
X380 is equipped with our most powerful laser to date, proper usage and hardware safeguards make it an
extremely safe machine. When the front door and back door are open, machine becomes a Class 4
equipment and users must wear goggles to operate the machine.
1.3 The Safety Interlock System
The laser system is equipped with a safety interlock system utilizing magnetic sensors on the top and side
access doors, laser-activation and door LED lights on the control panel. The magnetic sensors will
deactivate the laser when either door is opened. At this time, the “door” LED light found on the control panel
will illuminate, indicating an open or improperly closed door. When the laser is in operation, the “laser” LED
will illuminate to inform the operator that the laser is activated. If at any time, any of the access doors are
open and the “laser” LED is illuminated, IMMEDIATELY unplugs the laser system and contact GCC
technical support for service instructions.
WARNING
 DO NOT operate the laser system if any component of the safety system is
malfunctioning.
 DO NOT attempt to remove or modify any component of the safety interlock
system.