Laser cutters are powerful tools used in various industries for cutting, engraving, and marking different materials with precision. However, one common concern when working with laser cutters is whether they emit harmful radiation. Understanding the types of radiation involved, their potential risks, and how to protect yourself is crucial for ensuring safe operation.
Do laser cutters emit radiation? Yes, laser cutters do emit radiation, but the quantity depends on different types of machines. Most lasers emit radiation in the form of light, while others produce infrared and ultraviolet radiation invisible to the human eye. Laser radiation mainly affects the outer parts of the body, like the eyes and the skin.
In this article, we’ll explore whether laser cutters emit radiation and discuss the safety measures necessary when using these machines.
Table of Contents
Do Laser Cutters Emit Radiation?
Laser cutters produce optical radiation that comes from high-energy light beams used to cut through materials. The wavelength of visible optic radiation is between 400 and 780 nanometers. The visibility of this kind of radiation makes it less dangerous, as one can avoid looking straight at the beam.
Ultraviolet and infrared lasers produce invisible radiation, which is more dangerous to the human eye because one does not realize exposure. Invisible radiation makes it impossible for someone to invoke a defense reaction that prevents damage to the eye or other parts of the body.
Eye protection goggles block out any direct, scattered, and diffused light from passing through. The lens used to manufacture laser eye wear contains special dyes and chemicals that enable them to filter out the light. Some laser eye protection goggles are dark and not so easy to see through them but it is a small price to pay for guaranteed eye safety.
For Detailed Information on Laser Engraving Eye Protection then check out this article I wrote here.
Classification of lasers
Class 1 and 1 M – The lasers in this class are considered safe unless viewed with optical aids that enhance them. Magnifiers, telescopes, and binoculars enhance the level of danger when using these lasers. - Class 2 and 2M – The hazard level of this class intensifies when viewed with optical aids and when viewed for a longer time.
- Class 3R – This hazard of this class of lasers is dependent on the power and area of the beam. The hazard level will also increase when stared at directly and without eye protection. Using optical aid also increases the danger.
- Class 3B – For this class, a direct beam will cause immediate skin damage, while a direct view will also cause eye damage.
- Class 4 – This class of lasers will cause immediate skin and eye damage from exposure to a direct or reflected beam. Prolonged exposure to a surface may also cause a fire.
Are Laser Cutters Safe to Use?
Yes, laser cutters are safe — if you follow proper precautions. Most desktop laser engravers are Class 1 or Class 4 lasers, as classified by ANSI and IEC safety standards:
- Class 1: Enclosed lasers with no risk of exposure (e.g., Glowforge, xTool M1).
- Class 4: Open or high-power lasers requiring extra protection (e.g., industrial CO2 and fiber lasers).
Proper safety features like interlock doors, safety enclosures, and laser goggles help reduce exposure risks.
Precautions When Using Laser Cutters
Laser cutters, as are all machines, can pose a risk to operators and people nearby. The following precautions should be undertaken to ensure that laser cutters don’t cause harm to anyone.
- Do not tamper with any safety features of the system. Below you will find a link to a article I wrote on the Safety Precautions when using a laser cutter.
- Use enclosures or shields to block stray beams and reflections, especially with open diode, fiber, or UV lasers.
- Do not use flammable materials. Below you will find a link to a article I wrote on the the best materials for laser engraving.
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- Do not leave a running laser cutter unattended
- The premises should be well ventilated. You can ventilate your workspace by installing a good exhaust fan. Below you will find a link to a article that I wrote on laser engraver exhaust fan options.
- A working fire extinguisher should always be available
Every laser workstation should have a Class ABC fire extinguisher rated for electrical and flammable fires. Laser machines can cause flare-ups from overheated materials, debris buildup, or mechanical failures.
- Don’t look directly at a laser beam without eye protection safety goggles. Below you will find a link to the article I wrote on Laser Engraving eye protection.
- Do not cut unapproved materials
There are some materials that are just not meant to be used with a laser cutter/ engraver. Here is a list of materials to avoid with the reasons why
Reason to avoid engraving / cutting it | |
PVC will emit Chlorine gas when laser cut or laser engraved. This toxic gas can ruin the optics and motion control system of the laser engraver, In fact, engraving or cutting PVC is a sure way of voiding the warranty of your laser engraver | |
Lexan not only cuts poorly but it also catches on fire very easily. The window of the laser engraving machine is usually made from Polycarbonate because it does a very good job of attracting infrared radiation., which is the frequency of light the engraver uses when cutting and engraving materials. This makes the laser cutter quite ineffective in cutting Polycarbonate materials | |
ABS melts upon exposure to a laser beam instead of vaporizing, which would be the ideal reaction needed for laser engraving. Instead of leaving a crisp image, ABS will melt and leave a gooey deposit on the surface. | |
HDPE melts and catches on fire pretty easily upon exposure to a laser beam. | |
Polystyrene. Only very thin pieces can be laser cut but for the most part, polystyrene catches on fire and melts when exposed to a laser beam | |
Fiberglass is made from two materials; glass and epoxy resin. The best method of marking glass is etching while epoxy resin can emit toxic fumes upon laser engraving. These two reasons make fiberglass a bad choice for a laser engraving material | |
Polypropylene melts and catches on fire easily and then the melted material continues to burn thereby forming pebble-like drips that harden on the surface | |
Coated carbon fiber emits noxious fumes. Additionally, carbon fiber can be cut albeit with some fraying but this is not the case when it is coated. |
Summary
Type of Radiation | Source | Is It Harmful? | How to Protect Yourself |
|---|---|---|---|
Laser (Optical) | Laser beam | Yes | Laser safety glasses, shields, enclosures |
Thermal Radiation | Heat from laser cutting | Potential fire risk | Supervise use, avoid flammable materials |
Fumes & Particles | Burning material | Yes (inhalation hazard) | Ventilation, air filters, masks |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do laser cutters emit harmful radiation?
Laser cutters emit non-ionizing radiation, which is not harmful in the same way as ionizing radiation (like X-rays or gamma rays). However, direct exposure to the laser beam can cause serious eye or skin injuries, especially with high-powered CO₂, diode, or fiber lasers. The danger comes from intense light and heat, not radioactive particles.
What type of radiation does a CO₂ laser emit?
CO₂ lasers emit infrared (IR) radiation with a wavelength of around 10.6 micrometers (μm). This radiation is invisible to the human eye and can damage the eyes or skin if exposed directly or via reflections. Enclosed CO₂ laser machines like Glowforge are designed to prevent user exposure.
Do I need eye protection when using a laser cutter?
Yes, especially for open-frame or high-power lasers. If your laser engraver doesn’t have a protective enclosure (like some diode or fiber lasers), you should wear laser safety goggles rated for your laser’s specific wavelength. This protects your eyes from direct, scattered, or reflected laser beams.
Can laser cutters be used indoors safely?
Yes, with proper safety precautions. Use laser cutters in well-ventilated spaces or with an air filtration/exhaust system to avoid inhaling fumes. Ensure that the laser beam is enclosed or properly shielded, and always follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions. Class 1 enclosed machines are safest for indoor home use.
Is laser cutter radiation dangerous to electronics or pets?
Laser cutter radiation does not affect electronics unless the beam is directed at them. However, pets should be kept away from the laser workspace, especially for open-frame lasers, since the intense light and fumes may harm their eyes or respiratory systems. Always supervise your machine when it’s in use.
Conclusion
Even though laser cutters emit radiation, experts have proven that they pose a low risk to operators as the radiation is minimal. Taking preventive measures and following set guidelines for laser cutters ensures that operators avoid unnecessary radiation exposure from these machines.