What Is a Laser Machine Enclosure? A Simple Guide
If you hang curtains around your laser system, your space won’t be very well protected; it can reflect, scatter, or burn whatever isn’t built to stop it. If you’re working with serious lasers, like Class 3B or Class 4, you’ll need more than a flimsy barrier.
With laser machine enclosures, you can block radiation and other dangers, and help your facility meet ANSI Z136.1, OSHA, and other standards. In this guide, we’ll cover what laser machine enclosure is, some of their most important features, uses, and more.
What Is a Laser Machine Enclosure?
A laser machine enclosure is simply a barrier that surrounds a laser system. Its chief purpose is to prevent laser light from escaping the production areas. It is also used to help dust, fumes, and heat that may be emitted during operations.
As you might expect, laser enclosures can come in many shapes and sizes. Some are quite small, and can cover a desktop engraver. Others, such as modular laser rooms, can enclose large automated systems, or even multiple machines. These can come with many safety features, including interlocking door switches that shut off the laser when someone tries to access the space.
In comparison to curtains, enclosures create full containment. And this, of course, can create Class 1 safety conditions (according to ANSI Z136.1), and this typically means that no personal protective equipment (PPE) is required.
Where Are Laser Machine Enclosures Used?
These days, there are many industries using laser machine enclosures. Here are a few of the most common:
- Automotive
- Aerospace
- Electronics
- Medical Devices
- Research Centers
Important Features for Laser Machine Enclosures
Further, not all laser enclosures are created equally. Some will have more safety features than others, some may be more flexible, etc. Here are a few of the most important features for laser rooms:
- Light-Tight Panels: You’ll almost always want to make sure that lasers are blocked completely, including scattered or reflected light.
- Interlock Systems: As we touched on already, safety can be improved if doors have sensors that shut down the laser when opened.
- Safety: Laser enclosures should help you meet ANSI Z136.1 and OSHA standards for safety.
- Ventilation: Laser cutting can sometimes create smoke, so often built-in fans and exhaust systems are added.
- Viewing Panels: Laser-rated windows can let staff see inside without needing to enter.
- Tough Materials: Enclosures can be made with a lot of different materials, but many use aluminum frames, coated steel, fiberglass-reinforced plastic, acrylic, and other strong materials. This is important for safety as well as longevity.
The right enclosure will always depend on the type and power of your laser, as well as how you plan to use it. If you’re working with a Class 4 laser (the highest hazard level), a full enclosure with interlocks is usually required.
The Bottom Line
If you’re working in an environment with high-powered lasers, you’ll need more than curtains or signs. Laser machine enclosures help protect your team, contain radiation, and will keep your business compliant with ANSI and OSHA standards.
Interested in setting up laser enclosures at your facility? Reach out to the experts at MachineEnclosure.com for expert guidance and a quote on new buildouts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Laser Machine Enclosures
1. Can laser enclosures reduce noise from the machine?
Yes, absolutely. Many laser machine enclosures can also be made with soundproofing or sound-dampening materials. This can improve working conditions if your operation is especially loud.
2. Can enclosures help with temperature control?
Yes, they can be designed to connect to existing HVAC systems, or we can even provide separate ones. Some working equipment needs to fall within a narrow temperature range, and this can be easily accommodated.
3. What’s the typical lead time for a custom laser enclosure?
As with installation time, lead times will similarly vary depending on the complexity and size of the enclosure. That being said, most custom modular enclosures can be designed, built, and delivered within a few weeks. Expedited delivery options may be available, depending on the manufacturer.
