Miller OptX 2kW - Reflected Beam Hazard During Welding

Safety and Compliance Information
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OM-296747A | 4/15/24
2.4.5 Reflected Beam Hazard During Welding
Often there can be numerous secondary laser beams produced at various angles
near the laser output aperture. These beams are called “Specular Reflections” and
are produced when the laser light reflects off a surface where the primary beam
is incident.
Laser welding systems can create specular reflections due to the interaction of the
laser beam and the parts being processed. Although these secondary beams can
be less powerful than the total power emitted from the laser, the intensity can be
great enough to cause damage to the eyes and skin as well as materials surround-
ing the laser.
The following guidelines apply to all models. To achieve Safe Operating Conditions:
1. Proper Mode Selection Based on Material and Thickness.
2. Proper Nozzle Selection Based on Joint Geometry - See Table 11 [▶46].
3. Proper nozzle installation - See sections 7.3.2 [▶109] and 7.3.3 [▶109].
4. Proper angle and position of the torch - See Figure 4 [▶ 47].
When operating the system in CLEAN laser mode, there are 3 additional nozzles
available. Refer to Table 11 [▶46].
WARNING
 Avoid / minimize specular reflections. This primary laser in this product emits
invisible laser radiation, corresponding to laser Class 4, at or around a wave-
length of 1070nm (infrared).
 In addition, the guide laser in this product emits visible laser radiation, corre-
sponding to laser Class 2M, at or around a wavelength of 600-700 nm (red).
WARNING
 Highly reflective metals such as aluminum and copper can cause some
portion of the beam energy to be reflected from the target weld site and
require additional precautions.
 Specular reflections can also present a hazard to the operator and observ-
ers if any portion of the beam is reflected from multiple surfaces.
 Take precautions to understand the expected cone of specular reflection
for each processed part and do not attempt to view the part or place any
part of the body within the expected specular reflection cone. See Figure 4
[▶ 47].
WARNING
Operators and observers must also be aware of reflections at all times. More
reflections are likely to occur if laser parameters are not set correctly to achieve
melting of the target part.
IMPORTANT
For safety reasons, Miller recommends that OptX device operators only use Miller
nozzle tips. The part number for the Miller Nozzle Tip Kit is specified in the
Accessories Table 14 [▶61]. Replacement nozzle tips are available for purchase.