Use handheld cutting mode¶
Handheld cutting creates a transmitted-beam hazard behind the work as well as reflections and sparks in front. The area behind the cut is part of the laser-controlled setup.
Provide a suitable beam termination
Do not cut toward a wall, floor, person, cylinder, cable, window, or unknown backing. Use a non-combustible support and beam-management arrangement designed for the actual wavelength and power. Thin metal becoming penetrated does not make the beam harmless.
Setup¶
- Complete the handheld conversion under isolation.
- Identify clean, uncoated material and thickness; assess the fume/fire hazard.
- Remove combustible debris and establish barriers/PPE/access control.
- Provide local extraction that captures fumes without creating an unstable workpiece.
- Fit the correct clean cutting tip/nozzle and confirm the protective window is undamaged.
- Connect the specified assist gas through compatible rated hardware and verify stable delivery.
- Attach any required work/contact clamp to clean metal in the documented configuration.
- Select handheld cutting mode and a verified baseline for the actual source and material.
Controlled test¶
Clamp a short representative coupon so the offcut cannot fall onto a hose or person. Plan the line, body position, cable route, transmitted-beam zone, and stop point. Keep the head at the specified geometry and maintain a steady travel direction. Trigger only after the tip/contact/safety state is correct; release before changing position.
Afterward, isolate or place the system in its documented safe state before examining the kerf. Use tools suitable for hot, sharp metal.
Diagnose without guessing¶
- No penetration: confirm correct mode/source/process, head/tip, focus/stand-off, gas, clean optics, material thickness, and actual output before adding energy.
- Large ragged kerf: check travel consistency, tip condition/geometry, gas, focus, and excessive heat input.
- Cut starts then stops: check contact/work clamp, trigger, gas stability, source/chiller alarms, cable/connector movement, and protective-window condition.
- Sparks or beam toward the operator: stop immediately and redesign direction, support, and beam termination.
Handheld cutting is not a substitute for the CNC enclosure when the table can perform the job more predictably. Prefer the controlled CNC path whenever it materially reduces exposure and handling risk.