Laser safety laser machines
MetaQuip laser machines use high laser powers for cutting or engraving. In a number of machines visible laser light is used, in a number of cases invisible laser light. In any case, it is always very careful, because this kind of laser light on skin or in the eyes can be very harmful.
Laser safety means a good and safe design of the laser machine that ensures the safety of all trained and untrained operators.

Only laser class 1 is intrinsically safe!
A class 1 laser is always safe without further security measures, such as laser glasses. Certainly with CO2 laser machines that are often used in schools, it is essential that a laser machine is an approved laser class 1 device to prevent unsafe situations at all times.
Note: Lasers contain high power invisible light sources that can easily damage eyes and cause burns! Do not take any risks with this.
What are the different laser classes?
Class 1 | Machine is in normal use in all situations safe. |
Class 2M | Visible lasers. Safe for incidental exposure (<0.25 s). |
Class 3R | Not safe. Low risk. |
Class 3B | Dangerous. Watching scattered reflections is safe. |
Class 4 | Dangerous. Looking at scattered reflections is also dangerous. Fire risk. |
Safe lasers for education
Together with Laprocon and Platform PIE developed VOION a safety instruction regarding the use of lasers and therefore also laser cutters. This safety instruction is about the safe use of lasers in and around the classroom. MetaQuip fully supports the content of these safety instructions and is therefore happy to share them as widely as possible so that only safe laser machines will be supplied in education in the future, because we have seen that it starts with the knowledge in this area at the decision makers and in this case those are the schools, technology teachers in purchasers.
MetaQuip is a friend of Platform PIE where more than 200 VMBO schools throughout the Netherlands are connected. More about platform PIE

Laser safety with CO2 laser machine and fiber laser machines
CO2 laser machines
MetaQuip closed CO2 lasers to be laser class 1 machines. MetaQuip CO2 laser machines are equipped with fail safe switches that cannot be bridged with a finger or magnet and ensure that the laser is deactivated not only in software but also in hardware. Users are thus protected against unintentional "abuse" so as not to be exposed to laser energy above the legal European standards. MetaQuip closed CO2 laser machines are therefore always safe. This has been concluded by independent experts and described in measurement reports.
If you have a open CO2 machine wish this will class 4 to be. In that case, all persons in the area must wear adequate protection to prevent possible damage due to exposure, such as laser goggles. These types of machines are less suitable for applications where a laser is placed in a freely accessible space (as is usually the case at schools, for example). Always contact MetaQuip for advice. If necessary, MetaQuip can refer you to specialists who can advise you about your situation.
Fiber lasers
The closed fiber lasers his laser class 3R, a conscious choice to give the customer access to the laser space when the circumference of the laser object is shown with a red contour laser.
Open fiber lasers are examples of this class 4 laser machines. These must therefore be placed in a closed space and the persons in the room must wear safety goggles. The entrance to the room must be provided with a warning that a class 4 laser is present in this room and an indication (lamp or sign) when this laser is active.
Machine safety and construction
Machine construction
MetaQuip machines are built so that laser light can never leak out of the machine, allowing the user or bystander to be exposed to the laser light. This has been checked on the basis of light measurements by an independent inspection body. Well safe!
Interlock safety switches
The moment the user opens the laser door or one of the panels to clean, for example, all lasers in the machine switch off immediately. Both the high power laser and the small red dot laser. This makes MetaQuip CO2 laser class 1 devices, where no further measures have to be taken by the user regarding laser safety. Having approved interlock safety switches is OBLIGATED if a supplier wishes to comply with the CE machine guidelines and applicable laser safety regulations. A simple switch is not safe and can easily be bridged!

Machine guidelines and CE certification
MetaQuip products are CE certified. This means that MetaQuip machines meet all European requirements and standards (including machine guidelines and laser safety requirements). This makes our machines maximally safe for the user, even when unforeseen situations arise.
We think this is important, because the laser powers used can have very harmful consequences for users and bystanders. We often work with invisible light, but if eye damage occurs, it is often permanent!
Always be well informed by others which guidelines have been followed and which tests have been carried out. Reliable parties in the market have their affairs in order and will be happy to show you this.


Safety and certification of MetaQuip's CO2 Laser machines
- Machine directive 2006/42 / EC,
- Low voltage directive 2006/95 / EC, EMC directive 2004/108 / EC
In line with European standards and directive documents:
- NEN-EN-IEC 60204-1: 2006 (electrical equipment or machines)
- NEN-EN-ISO 122100-1: 2010 (Safety of machinery - basic concepts for design, risk assessment and risk reduction)
- NEN-EN-IEC 60825-1: 2014 (Safety of laser products - Part 1: Equipment classification and requirements)
- NEN-EN-IEC 60825-4: 2006 (Safety of laser products - Part4: Laser shielding)
- NEN-EN-IEC 11553-1: 2009 (Safety of machinery - machines that use lasers - safety regulations).
Laser door or flap open? Immediately turn off all lasers
The interlock safety system makes it virtually impossible for a user to come into contact with any kind of laser light. At MetaQuip we find this as safe as we also deliver a lot to schools and fablabs.
Air extraction
When cutting or engraving various materials, harmful fumes and gases can be released. It is therefore of great importance that the exhaust system is carefully considered and not cut back on it. MetaQuip can advise you on the best solution for your situation.
