Epilog Fusion Edge 36
We use Bookitlab to schedule activities on the laser cutter.
The laser cutter is an Epilog Fusion Edge 36 with a 60W CO2. The system consists of a HEPA filter unit, an air compressor, and a workstation. It is located at 3102 - Studielaben.
The laser cutter is named Cyclops and has an IP address of 10.64.127.7. The laser cutter has a workspace of 914 x 610 x 254 mm.
Risk Assessment
| Hazard | Likelihood(1-5) | Consequence (1-5) | Risk Rating (L x C) | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting a fire | 5 (almost certain) | 5 (severe) | 25 | High risk |
| Inhalation of toxic, harmful and or corrosive fumes | 5 (almost certain) | 5 (severe) | 25 | High risk |
| Exposure to harmful laser radiation | 4 (likely) | 4 (major) | 20 | High risk |
| Entanglement | 3 (possible) | 2 (minor ) | 6 | Moderate risk |
Emergency numbers
- Ambulance: 113
- Fire department: 110
- Security Operation Center: 228 56666
Required Safety Equipment
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|---|---|
| Laser protection glasses must be worn when interlocks are defeated | Open windows and use filter when cutting or engraving |
Hazards
When following our guidelines
| When cutting |
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When not following our guidelines
| When cutting | When interlocks are defeated | When cutting unapproved materials |
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Operational Safety
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Do not operate the system without proper training; please contact Sonen or ROBIN engineering staff here for training.
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The laser system is never to be left unsupervised during operation.
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Do not operate the laser cutter if the interlocks are defeated.
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Know where the fire extinguisher and alarm are located.
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In case of fire, stop the machine, assess the danger, and respond accordingly.
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Ensure that the machine has undergone the required maintenance as described below.
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Only cut the following PERMISSIBLE MATERIALS:
- Organic materials
- Wood
- Plywood
- Cardboard
- Natural Leather (tanned or synthetic leathers are not allowed)
- Acrylic PMMA
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If you are uncertain if a material is suitable for laser cutting - DO NOT PROCEED, ask Sonen or ROBIN engineering staff here.
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If you want to use a material other than the ones listed above, please contact Sonen or ROBIN engineering staff here.
Standard Operating Procedure
Please follow the SOP to ensure the longevity of the machine and the quality of your part.
1. Empty the bed tray
If the bed tray is full of foreign objects, please empty the tray before operation.
2. Clean the lens and mirror
If contaminants are allowed to accumulate, they will reduce power and cause damage to the optics.
Use a cotton swab with Epilog optics cleaning fluid to clean the lens and mirror, and let them dry completely before re-installing them.
For instructions see page 199-203 of the manual.
3. Ensure the laser cutter has been maintained
The auto focus plunger, under the cutting table, bearing rails, and the interior workspace of the laser cutter should have been cleaned within the past 7 days. The date of the previous cleaning is recorded in a list in the lab.
If these haven't been cleaned, please do so before operation and register the cleaning.
4. Ensure that the auto focus is set to plunger
When preparing your part in the Epilog dashboard, please ensure that auto focus is set to plunger.
5. Make sure the laser is focused
As an extra precaution, set focus on the laser cutter as well. This is due to point 5 being easily forgotten.
6. Open windows
Due to the exhaust of the HEPA filter not being tubed outside, please ensure that at least the window behind the filter is open. Preferably keep all the windows in the room open as long as the laser cutter is running.
7. Ensure exhaust, compressor, and filter is switched on
The exhaust and filter are switched on with the power switch at the back of the filter and by pressing the power button.
Make sure the filter is switched on. If the screen on the filter is dark, it is still not on.
Ensure you hear the compressor running while cutting your part. If the compressor is not running, stop the laser cutter and contact ROBIN engineering or Sonen staff here.
8. Ensure there is no fire
Observe the process at regular intervals to make sure that there is no fire in the laser cutter. In case of fire, stop the laser cutter, assess the danger, and respond accordingly.
Depending on the severity, contact engineering staff, the Security Operation Center at tlf: 228 56666, or the fire department at tlf: 113.
9. Clean up
Studielaben is a small room, hence it is important to keep it tidy both for the welfare of others and for safety.
- Dispose of leftover material; small pieces not suited for reuse should be thrown away, larger pieces should be returned to the shelf.
- Remove your finished part; Studielaben is not suited for project storage. Parts left in the lab will be disposed of.
- Sweep the floor if necessary.
- Return tools to Sonen.
Maintenance
Risk Assessment
| Hazard | Likelihood(1-5) | Consequence (1-5) | Risk Rating (L x C) | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting a fire | 3 (possible) | 5 (severe) | 15 | High risk |
| Inhalation of harmful fumes | 4 (likely) | 2 (minor) | 8 | Moderate risk |
Required Safety Equipment
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|---|---|---|
| When using isopropyl alcohol | Nitrile gloves when using isopropyl alcohol | Open windows during and after cleaning with isopropyl alcohol |
Hazards
| When using isopropyl alcohol |
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Operational Safety
Isopropyl alcohol is a powerful solvent and highly flammable. Thus, the following safety precautions are important:
- Keep the laser cutter powered off during, and for 10 minutes after cleaning with isopropyl alcohol.
- Keep at least one window open during and after cleaning with isopropyl alcohol.
- Wear nitrile gloves and protective glasses when handling isopropyl alcohol.
- Do not use an excessive amount of isopropyl alcohol.
- Know where the fire extinguisher and alarm are located.
- Dispose of the nitrile gloves and paper towels that have been in contact with isopropyl alcohol in the flammable trash bin.
Weekly
Auto focus plunger
Why? Removing residue helps ensure precise focusing.
Materials: Soft cloth, mild household cleaner, or isopropyl alcohol.
Use a soft cotton cloth and mild household cleaner or isopropyl alcohol to gently wipe the Auto Focus plunger until it is clean.
An alternative to alcohol is to use the optics cleaning fluid that remains on the cotton swab after cleaning the lens.
Under the cutting table
Why? Reduces any fire hazards by removing flammable debris that has fallen through the tray.
Materials: Small brush or vacuum cleaner.
Remove the Cutting Table and clean out the table tray using a small brush or vacuum cleaner.
Bearing Rails
Why? Improves the finished part.
Materials: Soft cloth, mild household cleaner, or isopropyl alcohol.
Using the cloth with liquid, clean all of the bearing tracks.
Interior Workspace
Why? This keeps corrosive dust and debris from building up on interior surfaces.
Materials: Soft cloth and mild household cleaner or isopropyl alcohol.
Use the soft cloth to wipe all surfaces that are exposed to dust and debris.
Every 3 months
This maintenance is done by ROBIN engineering or Sonen staff.
Bearing Rails
Materials: Lubricant and syringe from the Epilog Accessory Kit.
After cleaning the rail (see weekly instructions above), place about an inch-long bead of Epilog-supplied grease into the top and bottom grooves of the x-axis rail.
After applying the grease to both grooves, run the X-carriage over the grease to work it into the bearing block and rail.
Turn the machine off to easily move the x-carriage back and forth over the grease.
Every 6 months
This maintenance is done by ROBIN engineering or Sonen staff.
Exhaust
Materials: Wire brush.
Make sure the exhaust blower you are using receives proper maintenance.
Periodically clean the exhaust blower and duct system to remove built-up debris.
Every 12 months
Every 12 months, book a technician for preventative maintenance and service.