2.0 SAFETY
2.2 LASER SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
The Mako Laser Cutter contains a powerful CO2 laser tube, which is used to cut, etch and engrave
materials on its cutting bed. Once focused, the 40W laser has sucient power to vaporize up to 6mm of
plywood in a single pass. It is a very powerful machine and should be treated as such.
For this reason, there are interlocks in place to prevent injury by shutting off the power to the
laser whenever the interlocking cover is in the open position. With the cover closed, the machine
is considered a class 2 laser (lowest hazard level), as any active beam is fully enclosed. This is a
classication that requires no special safety considerations.
WARNING: It is not only dangerous and irresponsible to over-ride or undermine a safety interlock
system, it is also an offense under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
While this power is 100% contained within the machine during normal usage, it is possible, through the
use of keys that open access panels on the side of the machine, to become exposed to the laser beam
or radiation scattered from it. These keys should be kept in a secure location during normal laser use as
they should never be accessed by untrained personnel.
As with all types of radiation, the damage to human tissue is a result of the wavelength, the ux (the
amount of radiation impacting each square meter of tissue) and the duration of the exposure. The
invisibility of infrared radiation to the human eye means that it is impossible to detect an exposure
visually to limit one’s exposure time. As such, the rst indication of exposure to a CO2 laser beam would
be the detection of damaged tissues. Should this tissue be a cornea or retina, the damage could be
permanent and debilitating.
The beam should never be operated while the interlocking door is open, or if the interlock switch or key
on the main door is damaged or disabled in any way.
Laser Safety Information
• To assess the potential dangers laser systems pose, they are classied into 5 safety classes:
1, 2, 3a, 3b and 4. The InkSmith Mako Laser Cutter is a device of class 2 (USA: Class II). This
is guaranteed by the protective housing and the safety installations. Please note that improper
operation of the device can override the status of safety class 2 and can cause the emission of
harmful radiation.
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