Tag Archives: laser danger

Laser Repair — When Industrial Lasers Fail, RUN!

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I’ve been involved in laser repair and maintenance for decades. Just when I think I’ve seen almost every industrial laser situation and scenario, I’ll hear about something new. Some situations just leave me shaking my head. Take these photos — and the video of the burning laser bellows, at the bottom of this post — I received recently.

The first one shows a CO2 Cincinnati laser during arc out. The next one shows the result of the arc out.

A CO2 laser during arc out. Don't take pictures of this! Turn the power off and RUN!When I saw these photos, my jaw literally dropped. Later, I told a friend:

“That laser arc out picture was amazing to see for sure.  The polymer block has a super high dielectric strength so it’s stunning to see it go all that way across it like that. The block had to be replaced. 
 
If they had reached 20,000Vdc, it would have gone through them instead (since people are conductive.)
 
It’s a good way to be killed or at the very least burned inside and out.”
 
The aftermath of a near disaster with a laser-cutting machine

Most importantly, and the lesson I want to impress on your mind, is this: Industrial laser machines are powerful. Treat them right, and they will work hard and do good work for you. But they can be extremely dangerous. In a situation like this, the people who took the photo of this industrial laser arc-out were VERY lucky!

 
They could have died.
 
Be Safe Around Industrial Laser Machines

Don’t die just for the sake of taking a cool photo or a selfie. Be aware of your surroundings. Treat your laser machines with care. If something like this starts to happen, if something doesn’t look, sound, smell or feel right, TURN OFF THE POWER!

If you can’t find something wrong, contact a qualified laser tech who can run a thorough check on your machine and repair or replace what’s needed. (In other words, call me BEFORE something like this happens!)

Perform Regular Laser Maintenance Before You Need Laser Repair

Even more important: Maintain your machines. Laser repair costs much more than routine, expert laser service and maintenance. Don’t let your machines get in a bad way, where your safety is compromised. I recommend having a routine laser service and maintenance plan, such as the laser services that we at LMG offer.
An ounce of prevention ….

Take care!

Scott, the Laser Service Guy
LaserSolutions@Comcast.net
423-593-7206

Here’s another example of what NOT to do: The laser was still cutting, but much more slowly than normal. The laser was off track and cutting through the laser machine’s bellows. DON’T VIDEO A DISASTER! It is dangerous (and makes laser repair much more difficult.) Shut down the laser machine!