A specialist in dust and fume extraction is calling on practitioners to get in touch with their experiences of lasers and, in particular, the fire risk associated with them.

John Horsey, managing director of Laser Fume Control, has observed that laser-cutting/engraving machines are widely used in schools and  colleges, where they are used by students to create a variety of shapes in wood, plastics, fabrics, etc.     

However, he points out that such equipment carries an inherent fire risk owing to the high temperatures generated by the laser beam as its light is absorbed by the material’s surface. Wood and paper materials burn quite easily but the flames are extinguished by a jet of compressed air.

But, he adds, when the laser is used to cut PMMA (perspex) flammable vapours are released and these can ignite if not removed by the unit’s fume extraction system. According to Horsey, laser manufacturers acknowledge the risk of the material catching fire and this spreading to the laser machine and beyond, but their main advice is to use metal extract ducting and never to leave the laser unit unattended. There is, he claims, no practical advice on how to deal with flaming, or fires in the machines if they happen. 

Says Horsey: “We have some actual and anecdotal evidence of fires occurring in laser-cutters/engravers but would like to know just how common these are. If anyone has experience of materials igniting or catching fire when being lasered,  or of such fires spreading further – either to the laser itself  or to the extractor and surrounds – we would like to hear from you.”

John Horsey can be contact via e-mail on john.horsey@laserfumecontrol.co.uk