00 Trotec Speedy 400 Safety Information & Machine Overview

The laser cutter is a Class I CO2 laser device, when all of its panels are closed and interlocks are not disabled.

The CO2 laser energy is in the infrared spectrum and is invisible to the naked eye. A visible laser is also in place to allow for visualizing the target of the laser.

A Class I laser is safe under all conditions of normal use. This means the maximum permissible exposure (MPE) cannot be exceeded when viewing a laser with the naked eye or with the aid of typical magnifying optics (e.g. telescope or microscope).

Our laser cutter is equipped with a pass-through feature that allows lasing materials larger than the cutting area. In this mode, the interlocks are disabled and the laser beam is not confined to the machine. In this mode, the laser is a Class IV laser device!

Because we do not have protocols in place for containment of a Class IV laser device, this laser cutter may not be operated with any of its doors open.

Operating the laser cutter with its doors open puts not only you at risk, but also everyone else using the space. Laser energy travels a very far distance before losing power.

The biggest danger of using the laser cutter is fires. Certain materials are more likely to flame up than others, but any material could unexpectedly ignite.

For this reason, the laser cutter MUST be watched the ENTIRE time it is cutting.

In the event of a fire:

Lift the lid of the machine: This will stop the laser cutter, and the disruption of airflow is often enough to put out the flame.

Blow out the flame: Often this is all it takes to put out a laser fire if the fire is caught early.

Remove the material: A metal fire can is located next to the machine for this purpose. Remove the material and place it in the can to safely extinguish.

Halotron Fire Extinguisher: A halotron fire extinguisher is located near the laser cutter. This fire extinguisher will not damage the optics or the electronics of the machine.

Dry-chem Extinguisher: Dry chem extinguishers are located at strategic places throughout the space.

Certain materials cannot be cut or etched using the laser cutter because they contain chemicals that would harm the laser or members nearby.

Materials containing Chlorine, in particular, CANNOT be cut or etched on the laser. The chlorine gas released during cutting is corrosive to the laser optics and can harm people exposed to it.

This includes most vinyl materials such as vinyl fabrics and vinyl records, and PVC.

Always check the composition of materials before using them in the laser cutter.

MSDSs can be a good source of information about the decomposition hazards of materials.

Check for hazards to firefighters or hazardous products of decomposition.

The MSDS shown here is only an example (this is the MSDS for PVC pipe), you may have to do some sleuthing to find the information you're looking for.

When in doubt about any material, post a message on https://talk.lansingmakersnetwork.org asking for help!

Machine overview

Status Light: When on, laser is powered on. When you open the lid, the laser automatically cuts power to the laser tube.

Emergency Stop Switch: Cuts power to the machine in the event of an emergency.

Power Key: Power switches for main power, laser supply, and internal lighting.

Focus Tool: Use to find focus on your material.

Focus Buttons: Raise and lower the platform for focusing.

Exhaust Vent: Secondary vent pulling fumes outside is located in the loft above, use this switch to turn on.

The X-Axis gantry allows the laser head to move left and right.

The Y-Axis rails allow the X-Axis gantry to move forward and back.

Laser head: The business end of the machine where infrared and visible laser light are emitted.

Pieces of cut items can pass through the metal screen on the bed and need to be cleaned out before additional jobs are run.

Locate the small knob latches in the four corners of the screen and push down firmly. These spring loaded latches should be taller after.

If they are not working, you may need to twist the latch and try again.

Open the front door slightly, and lift up the metal screen to remove any debris found underneath.