SAFETY ENCLOSURES FOR LASER CELLS

During processing with laser radiation the operator as well as the env ironment in the vicinity of the laser machine has to be protected agai nst primary and secondary radiation emitted by the process. Up to now there is a lack of information about the resistance and the holding ti me of frequently used materials for laser guards. Investigations were carried out to yield information about the behavior of several materia ls under laser irradiation at six wavelengths each representing a type of beam source utilized in industry. The evaluation was guided by the topics fire and health risk, mechanical behavior, damage threshold, a nd holding time to burnthrough. Tables are created offering a comprehe nsive survey over the suitability of all materials tested. Recommendat ions and advice for design and layout of guarding equipment is given. (C) 1998 Laser Institute of America.