Health risks of laser engraving and cutting

People may not need engraved mementos all the time – but when they want to mark special occasions, a laser engraving and cutting machine can help create the right product.

Laser engraving and cutting machines are often the heart of small businesses that rely on creativity and the ability to engrave memories into keepsake items.

Most of these customized engravings are done in the store, and many engravers use computers connected to engraving machines and 3D designs to stand out among others.

Many businesses also combine laser engraving and cutting services with other services such as design, business branding and marketing as well as product design.

In industrial settings, laser engraving is also often used to mark certain products and materials.

Laser engraving and cutting machines can pose a health risk

Laser engravers and cutters work with wood, glass or other hard surfaces to engrave logos, messages of personal interest and for special occasions such as wedding or anniversary presents. They also make glass and acrylic awards for companies and sporting organizations.

The laser cutting machines should ideally produce smooth edges that don’t require polishing, they should work quietly and produce no dust, and they should have a fast processing speed, high precision, less waste and high efficiency.

Unfortunately, even large laser cutting machine manufacturers acknowledge that the dust and fumes produced in the engraving process can pose a health hazard.

That is why many machines come with a blower, vacuum, fan or other device to pull dust and fumes from the work area of the laser machine. Not only can the dust damage the equipment itself and destroy the optics, the fumes can be irritating and unhealthy.

By connecting a portable air cleaner with activated carbon and HEPA to the laser cutting machine, operators can remove chemical vapors, laser cutting fumes and fine particles while preventing the constant clogging that plagues other air cleaning systems.

Electrocorp has developed highly effective source capture air cleaners for laser engraving and cutting, to remove airborne pollutants before they become airborne and circulate.

This capture method offers superior protection for laser cutters and engravers, prevents product contamination and safeguards sensitive laser optics on the machine.