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Be Aware of These Common Laser Welding Safety Concerns in 2020

Robotic welding is one of the newer automated technologies used in U.S. manufacturing. Even though it has a great track record, you might be concerned with laser welding safety if you use it in your facility. And with good reason. Precautions are often taken seriously, but if you’re not properly trained to work around laser welding, you could still be in danger.

Laser Welding Safety Concerns

With laser welding, human intervention is limited. The welding robot seams the parts on its own. That leaves many workers asking these questions. Is laser welding safe? The answer is yes. But does laser welding still present risks to humans? The answer to that question is also yes. Here are some problems that could come up while working around laser welding equipment.

Highly-Concentrated Heat Source

If you’ve ever seen a sci-fi movie, you’ve possibly seen the exaggerated effects of high-powered lasers. Although not nearly as powerful, the lasers here in the real world still create tremendous amounts of heat. Laser beams are capable of melting solid steel to fuse two metal components together. There is always some risk of fire and injury.

Welding Fumes

Whenever the kind heat of heat that powers a laser exists, it’s likely that there will be materials that will evaporate. Many of these pollutants pose a threat to humans. When welding galvanized parts, there is a higher risk due to increased emissions. A solid-state laser may produce fewer emissions than conventional lasers, but it’s still important to take precautions.

Light Tight Enclosures

Along with the heat and welding fumes, laser welders emit harmful light that can be hazardous to the eyes and skin.  Light-tight enclosures may be required to prevent lasers from escaping the weld area and causing harmful effects to the plant and workers.

Think About Laser Welding Safety in 2020

Now is always the best time to think about laser welding safety. If you have questions about your robotic laser welding, get answers. Take steps to ensure your safety and that of your workers. You can always make your facility safer. Proper training, perimeter guards, safety, and other solutions can help you offer a safer work environment.

Learn more about Genesis Systems Training Services to empower your robotics professionals with best practices for safe robotic welding.

Posted in Laser Welding
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