Class 4 Laser Enclosures: A Quick Guide
If the laser you’re working with can cut through steel, then it should come as no surprise that it can also harm your workers. They can burn skin immediately, blind people through their eyes, and even start fires within a small amount of time. As a result, high-powered lasers like class 4 systems should never operate without the right enclosures. In this article, we’ll cover what you need to know about class 4 laser enclosures, what to look for in one, some of their many uses, and more.
What Are Class 4 Laser Enclosures?
A class 4 laser enclosure is essentially a covering that contains the potentially dangerous light. They’re made from materials such as steel, anodized aluminum, and polycarbonate, among others. The main purpose of them is to protect workers near the lasers.
One of their main safety features (as most if not all laser enclosures have them) is safety interlocks. If anyone at your shop even attempts to open the enclosure while the laser is working, the entire system shuts down. This, along with many other safety features, work in tandem to reduce workplace injuries.
Most of these enclosures, especially in the United States, adhere to ANSI Z136.1 laser safety standards, and often have CE or ISO certifications as well.
Why Use a Class 4 Laser Enclosure?
As we’ve mentioned already, class 4 laser enclosures are created for safety reasons. Light can easily bounce off surfaces or leak through small openings, which is why a robust enclosure helps prevent the following:
- Eye injuries
- Exposures to skin
- Fire hazards
- Unauthorized access
- Violations of OSHA or other laser safety rules
Though this is not an exhaustive list, it should give you some ideas as to the types of situations you should want to avoid.
What to Look for in a Good Enclosure?
If you’re looking to create an effective laser enclosure, you’ll want to make sure it has:
- Materials that protect against lasers, especially windows and panels.
- Interlock systems that shut down the laser if the door is opened.
- Ventilation, as lasers often generate fumes.
- Compliance with ANSI, CE, or ISO.
- Hazard signs.
Other features, such as cameras and sensors may also be helpful, depending on your setup.
Who Uses Class 4 Laser Enclosures?
Many industries use class 4 laser enclosures, but you can most often find them in:
- Manufacturing
- Research labs
- Aerospace and defense
- Electronics
The Bottom Line
Class 4 lasers are powerful, but dangerous. If you’re using them at your place of business, an enclosure is almost always necessary to protect your employees. What’s more, it can also help you reach and remain in compliance, and can overall reduce the number of accidents in your workplace.
Interested in creating class 4 laser enclosures at your location? Reach out to the experts at MachineEnclosure.com today for a quote on new spaces.
FAQs About Class 4 Laser Enclosures
1. Can a class 4 laser enclosure be built around existing equipment?
In most cases, they can be. Modular enclosures are built with prefabricated parts that fit together, and such parts can be brought in the building through regular entrances, so it’s often a fairly straightforward process.
2. Do enclosures affect laser performance or accuracy?
No, an enclosure won’t interfere with laser operation. In fact, it can even improve consistency by removing dust, controlling airflow, and reducing varying environmental factors.
3. How long does it take to install a class 4 laser enclosure?
Installation times can vary. If your design is simple, then it can be done within a few days; however, if it’s more complicated, or has many advanced features, then it may take a week or two.
4. Can I move an enclosure later on?
Yes, absolutely, especially if the enclosure is modular. It’s fairly simple to disassemble and reassemble the structure elsewhere if need be.
