Handheld laser welders and cleaners are classified as Class 4 devices, meaning they can cause serious eye and skin damage upon exposure. Additionally, they pose a fire risk near the laser handpiece due to the high intensity of the beam.
Despite some people using these devices without eye protection, it is crucial to treat lasers with the utmost respect and follow all safety precautions. This is particularly important because laser light is invisible, providing no warning of its presence.
Our laser welders focus the beam directly at the welding zone, and while the beam diverges and becomes less intense as it moves away from the handpiece, safety measures must still be strictly adhered to. Always wear appropriate protective gear when operating these devices.
Safety of MIG/TIG Arc Welding vs. Laser Welding
1.Light-based Hazards
Both laser and arc welding (MIG, TIG, etc.) pose risks due to light exposure. While arc welders produce significant UV radiation, which can damage cells and genes, fiber lasers emit less UV but generate more near-infrared (invisible heat) light. Both methods create a bright weld pool, requiring protective shaded lenses—around shade 12 for arc welders and only shade 5 or 6 for laser welders.
2.Fire and Burn Risks
Laser welders have a clear advantage in spatter control. They produce few, small sparks, significantly reducing the risk of burns from molten metal. In contrast, MIG and stick welding often result in hot spatter that can cause burns and discomfort.
3.Fume Exposure
When it comes to fumes, laser welding is safer. MIG and TIG processes release harmful airborne particles, including carcinogenic hexavalent chromium from stainless steel, which pose long-term health risks. Laser welding generates fewer fumes, resulting in a cleaner work environment.
4.Chemical Use
Laser welds often require less post-weld cleaning due to reduced heat input, which minimizes discoloration. In contrast, MIG and TIG welds typically need pickling with hazardous acids, increasing health risks.
How To Reduce The Laser Safety Risk?
Simply put, a protected area is required with signage and correctly rated laser glasses. A light safe enclosure with warning light and interlock on the door is required for complete compliance.
Cloudray Laser Welder equips with Door Switch Interlock. If someone else accidentally enters the welding area, the door switch interlock will shut down the laser to ensure the operator's safety.
The following things should be considered into your safety plan.
1.Anyone in the vicinity must wear properly rated laser eye protection. This includes eyewear with CE marking and a minimum optical density (OD) of 6 for the wavelength range of 1050-1090 nm, or whatever wavelength your machine specifies. Additionally, anyone within 6 meters of the welding area must use both the appropriate eyewear and a laser welding helmet.
2.No one can be near the exit path of the laser (where a lot of the laser beam energy bounces off the surface at the same angle it hits the surface).
3.Maintaining air quality is crucial in any welding environment. Although laser welding creates a smaller Heat Affected Zone (HAZ) and produces less spatter compared to traditional methods, it still generates fumes and particles that can be hazardous if inhaled.
To protect your health, use an effective fume extraction system to remove these contaminants from the air, ensuring a safe breathing environment.
4.Fire safety is a critical requirement for all welding operations, including laser welding. Ensure your workspace is equipped with appropriate fire extinguishers and that fire detection and suppression systems are installed. Additionally, keep flammable materials away from the welding area to reduce fire risks. These measures are essential for maintaining a safe and secure working environment.
