Laser welding machines are commonly used for butt welding and repair welding of metal materials. The operating principle of laser welding involves using high-energy laser pulses to heat a small area of material. Thermal energy diffuses from the surface of the material to its interior, creating a specific weld pool after melting. During the entire process, the materials are maintained in a high temperature state.
So how can we safely operate a laser welding machine?
Precautions for Safe Use of Laser Welding Machine
- In case of an emergency such as water leakage or abnormal laser sound, it is crucial to immediately press the emergency stop button and turn off the power supply immediately.
- Before operating the laser welding machine, be sure to turn on the external water circulation switch. This is because the laser system uses a water-cooled mode, while the laser power supply uses an air-cooled mode. If the cooling system fails, it is strictly prohibited to start the machine.
- It is strictly prohibited to touch any circuit components while the machine is in operation. The circuit is high voltage and carries a strong current during laser welding operations, therefore only trained personnel should operate the machine.
- To avoid eye injuries, it is prohibited to look directly into the laser while it is in operation. Furthermore, the use of external equipment to reflect the laser during operation is prohibited.
- Do not disassemble any part of the machine or operate it with the safety door open. Also, do not point the laser head at any part of the equipment.
- To prevent fire and explosion, do not place flammable or explosive materials in areas where the laser light path or beam can reach.
Laser welding machine safety and security during laser welding
The laser from a laser welding machine has biological effects such as ripening effect, light effect, pressure effect and electromagnetic field effect, similar to ordinary light.
However, if adequate protective measures are not implemented or if protection is inadequate, these biological effects can lead to direct or indirect damage to human tissues such as the eyes, skin and nervous system.
To ensure the safe and protective use of laser welding, it is important to strictly control laser hazards and properly implement engineering controls, personnel protection and safety management.
1. Engineering control
Engineering controls refer to structural safety measures taken for laser or laser processing systems, mainly including:
Protective Cover: Used to prevent workers from receiving more than the maximum permitted exposure.
Safety interlock: A device that automatically connects to the protective cover and prevents radiation when the cover is removed.
Safe Optical Path: Closes the optical path that may cause combustion or secondary radiation by irradiation.
Key Switch: Generally refers to the ability to turn off the laser when the key is removed.
Beam terminator: To prevent the laser beam from exceeding the controlled processing area, an attenuator can be used as a beam terminator.
2. Personal protection
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) plays a crucial role in ensuring laser safety. To stay protected, it is important to wear fire- and heat-resistant laser protective clothing, wear laser protective glasses that effectively reduce specific laser wavelengths, wear a laser protective mask for UV laser sources, and use laser protective gloves to prevent damage. direct or scattered laser beams.
3. Security management
Effective security management involves establishing dedicated organizations or personnel, clearly defining responsibilities and rights, conducting security training, and providing ongoing supervision.
Safe Operation Process of Optical Fiber Laser Welding Machine
- Prioritize laser welding machine inspection
Before starting a laser welding operation, inspect all parts of the laser welding machine to ensure they are operating normally. After operation, check the machine and workplace to eliminate possible hazards and ensure a safe working environment.
- Preventing fire caused by laser irradiation
Direct exposure to laser beam or strong reflection may cause ignition and fire. Additionally, the laser contains thousands to tens of thousands of volts of high voltage, which can pose a risk of electric shock. To avoid direct exposure, the laser optical path system must be completely metal encased. In addition, the laser welding worktable must be shielded to prevent radiation.
- Protection against laser-induced eye damage
The laser welding machine uses high power density (units: g/cm 3 or kg/m 3 ) and a thin beam, which can easily cause damage to eyes and skin. To protect the eyes, professional laser protective glasses must be worn during operation.
- Prevention of skin burns caused by laser irradiation
Direct skin exposure to the laser beam can result in burns. Furthermore, prolonged exposure to diffuse reflection can cause skin aging, inflammation and even skin cancer in the operator. To reduce the effects of diffuse reflection, field operators must wear protective clothing.
Precautions for using laser welding machine
Laser welding is a process in which a single, high-efficiency laser pulse is used to heat specific areas of raw materials. The kinetic energy of the laser radiation source is transferred into the raw materials through heat conduction, causing the raw materials to melt and form a specialized solution assembly.
Laser welding is a state-of-the-art welding method, particularly suitable for electrical welding of thick-walled raw materials and high-precision parts. It can perform various types of welding, such as butt welding, overlap welding and seal welding, with high depth-to-length ratio, minimum total welding width, small heat-affected area and minimum deformation.
Laser welding is also faster than traditional electric welding and produces a smooth, attractive finish. Additionally, it requires no post-weld cleaning and produces high-quality results without air holes. With its precise operation and small focus spot, laser welding offers a high level of precision and can be easily automated.
How to use laser welding machine correctly?
Safety analysis of common problems in the proper application of laser welding machine:
1. Preparation before starting the laser welding machine
- Check whether the laser welding machine's switching power supply and water circulation system are working properly.
- Make sure that the steam connection of the system's machines and equipment is in good condition.
- Make sure the surface of the equipment is free from dust, stains, oil stains, etc.
2. Laser welding machine on/standby
Laser welding machine start:
- Connect the switching power supply and turn on the main power supply main switch.
- Start the chiller and laser generator in the correct sequence.
- Open the argon valve and adjust the total airflow to the ideal setting.
- Enter the main parameters of the working day into the system.
- Start the electric welding process.
Laser welding machine standby:
- Remove the program flow and turn off the laser generator.
- Next, turn off the dust remover, the cooler and any other machines and equipment.
- Then close the argon cylinder gate valve.
- Finally, turn off the main switch.
3. Common problems in laser welding machine safety application
- In case of emergency during the operation process (such as water infiltration or abnormal sound from the laser generator), immediately press and hold the direction change button and quickly disconnect the power supply.
- Before starting operation, be sure to turn on the external laser welding cooling circulating water switch.
- Because the water cooling method is selected for the laser generator system software and the air cooling method for the laser generator, do not start operation if there are common failures in the cooling system.
- Do not disassemble or assemble equipment components at will and do not weld with the equipment's protective door open.
- It is prohibited to look directly at the laser or laser reflector with both eyes while the laser generator is in use. To avoid injury to both eyes, look at the laser welding head with both eyes.
- Do not place flammable or explosive materials in the path of the laser light or in areas where the laser can reach, to avoid fire or explosion accidents.
- The power circuit of the laser welding machine is under high voltage and strong current flow during operation. Do not touch the electronic devices on the equipment's power circuit while working.
- Without proper learning and training, employees are strictly prohibited from operating the equipment.
