Laser Welding Enclosures: A Quick and Simple Guide
These days, laser welding is pretty much everywhere. It’s used for cars, medical devices, phones, you name it. Unfortunately, however, working with high-powered lasers is not exactly safe. In order to use this powerful technology, many companies are using laser welding enclosures to protect their workers and meet OSHA and other standards.
What Is a Laser Welding Enclosure?
Simply put, a laser welding enclosure is a big box to contain the laser energy (radiation) from escaping and hurting workers who share the same space. Welding usually requires Class 4 lasers, so it’s not something that most businesses want to take lightly. They don’t only block stray light, they also catch sparks, trap fumes, and can keep things less noisy. Most places with big lasers are required by law to have these setups. ANSI Z136.1 and OSHA are the main standards governing laser safety.
Who Uses Laser Welding Enclosures?
Anyone welding metal with lasers can benefit from such enclosures, but in practice, it’s mostly manufacturers who need them. Some common industries or uses include:
- Medical device manufacturing
- Car part suppliers
- Battery and electronics plants
- Aerospace manufacturers
- Robotic welding systems or automation cells
What Are the Benefits of Laser Welding Enclosures?
The biggest benefit of laser welding enclosures is, of course, the safety. No business wants to cause or be responsible for laser incidents. Direct and even reflected beams can cause eye/skin injuries, and the fumes they generate can also affect the health of workers in various ways. Enclosures cut down these risks big time. Plus, they help keep the welding process dialed in with consistent airflow, controlled lighting, and significantly less contamination.
What Should You Look For in a Laser Welding Enclosure?
Unfortunately, it is not as simple as setting up walls. There are many features that you’ll want them to have, the most important of which are the following:
- OD-rated windows (so you can see what’s happening).
- Interlocks, so that if a door pops open, the laser shuts off.
- Vents or fans to pull out the smoke.
- Access holes for robot arms and loading parts.
- Panels tough enough to block the laser.
Bottom Line
If you’re working with a Class 3B or Class 4 laser, you’ll likely need a real enclosure. It keeps your crew safe, ticks all the compliance boxes, and saves you from downtime when something goes sideways.
Interested in setting up laser welding enclosures at your location? Reach out to the experts at MachineEnclosure.com for a quote on new buildouts.
FAQs About Laser Welding Enclosures
1. Are laser welding enclosures legally required?
Yes, absolutely. OSHA and ANSI require proper safety controls for Class 4 lasers, and in most cases, that means using an enclosure.
2. Are laser machine enclosures the same as laser welding enclosures?
Laser machine enclosures are more generic, but the latter is made specifically for welding (that is, made to handle sparks, heat, and fumes that come from the process).
3. What are the enclosures usually made of?
They are usually made from materials such as powder-coated steel, aluminum for framing, laser-proof glass or acrylic for windows, and sealed composite panels.
