Handheld modes: weld, cut, and clean¶
Handheld operation changes the risk profile. The beam is no longer confined to a fixed CNC path, and specular reflections can travel unpredictably. Treat the controlled area, head configuration, ground, gas, optics, trigger/interlocks, and process selection as one setup.
Specialist laser-safety controls are required
A handheld high-power fiber laser is an open-beam Class 4 system. Establish a controlled area with barriers suitable for the wavelength, prevent access, remove reflective paths, use wavelength/optical-density-specific PPE selected by a competent person, control fumes/fire, and keep every engineered interlock functional. Eyewear is not a substitute for enclosure and access control.
Choose the workflow¶
- Convert from CNC head to handheld mode
- Set up the wire feeder and weld
- Use handheld cutting mode
- Use cleaning mode safely
The mode-change rule¶
Before touching an optical, electrical, gas, wire-feed, or head connection: stop software output, disable the laser source, isolate required energy, wait the specified discharge time, and verify the state. Cap optical connections immediately and keep them clean. After conversion, verify the software mode and physical head match before re-enabling the source.
Never do these¶
- Do not point the head at a person, door, window, reflective bench, cylinder, cable, or unknown material.
- Do not test-fire into open air or use a shiny scrap as a beam stop.
- Do not tape, hold, bypass, or bridge a trigger, work-clamp condition, safety switch, or interlock.
- Do not use ordinary safety glasses as laser eyewear.
- Do not weld/clean painted, plated, solvent-wet, or unknown material without hazard assessment and suitable extraction.
- Do not leave a hot or smoldering workpiece unobserved.
NIOSH notes that welding fumes can affect the lungs and nervous system and recommends appropriate controls; source capture is preferable to relying on general room ventilation alone (NIOSH welding resources).