1. General safety
Read and get familiar with all safety precautions and procedures before using the machine. Strictly follow all safety precautions. Ensure that the machine is properly assembled and is working properly.
- Check the machine for damage every time before you use it. Do not operate it in any way when any damage or defect is found.
- Ensure that the workspace is clean and flat.
- Do not disassemble the machine or change its structure in any way without authorization. Do not modify or decompile its operating system.
- Do not leave the device unattended during operation. Pay attention to whether it is working properly.
- Keep the inside of the machine clean. Residues and chippings accumulated during cutting and engraving are dangerous and may cause a fire. Clean the chippings and residues inside the work area regularly.
- The machine works properly at the temperature of 0°C to +35°C and can be stored properly at the temperature of –10°C to +40°C. Do not operate it at a temperature lower than 0°C.
2. Laser safety
Generally, the laser module is completely enclosed in the casing and light shield during operation. The device has a safety interlock switch. If the lid is lifted during operation, the device will stop working and no harm will be done to people.
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- Do not operate the machine when any part of it is removed. Removing any part may expose the laser system and cause damage to the machine.
- Do not engrave or cut any material that contains PVC or vinyl (processing plastics is not recommended). These materials (and other materials containing chlorine/chloride) can generate corrosive vapor that is extremely harmful to the human body and can cause damage to the device. Any damage caused by engraving or cutting any material containing PVC or vinyl is not covered by the Company's warranty.
- Do not engrave or cut any unknown materials. Vaporization or melting of many materials, which include but are not limited to PVC and polycarbonate, may release harmful smoke.
- Laser operation is prohibited when the lid is lifted. Make sure that the lid is closed during operation and do not tamper with the safety mechanism of the lid.
- Do not leave the device unattended during operation. Pay attention to whether it is working properly.
The reference standard for laser safety is the American National Standard for Safe Use of Lasers (Z136.1-2000), which is provided by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
This reference is the basis for federal regulations and laser system manufacturers, as well as the laser safety guidelines of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). It contains details on the proper installation and use of laser systems.
3. Fire safety
A high-density laser beam is used by the device to irradiate the material to be cut or engraved, so as to heat up the material surface and vaporize the material without burning. But most materials are inherently flammable and may be ignited to form an open flame that can burn down the device (even if it is made of flame-retardant materials) and its surroundings. Experience shows that vector cutting with a laser is most likely to produce an open flame. In particular, acrylic has proven to be extremely flammable in vector cutting.
Read the following warnings and suggestions carefully:
- Ensure that the workspace is well-ventilated so that the generated smoke can be discharged in time.
- Do not stack materials (especially organic ones, such as paper) around the machine. They may cause the spread of flames and increase the risk of material ignition.
- Do not leave the machine unattended when it is working. If the machine works with setting errors and is left unattended for a long period of time, or if a mechanical or electrical fault occurs, a fire may be caused.
- Clean the device regularly. Excessive accumulation of residues and chippings from cutting and engraving would increase the risk of fire. The internal working area needs to be cleaned periodically to ensure that there is no residue or chipping inside the device.
- Ensure that the area around the machine is clean without any cluttered flammable materials, explosives, or volatile solvents, such as acetone, alcohol, or gasoline.
- Keep a fire extinguisher and perform regular maintenance and inspection of it.
- If a fire occurs during processing, take good care of yourself. For a small flame, you can wait for it to go off; for a larger fire, please keep a safe distance and use a fire extinguisher to put it out.
4. Electrical safety
- Do not open any access panel on the device when the device is connected to the power supply. Accidental contact with the power supply may cause injury.
- Do not touch any electronic area with your hands or other tools when the machine is connected to a power supply.
- The power switch is on the back of the device. Press (-) to power it on and press (o) to power it off.
5. Warning and instruction signs
On xTool S1, the warning and instruction signs are labeled where physical injuries or damage to the machine may be caused before and/or during operation. If a sign is damaged or lost, replace it immediately. You can use the following template to print the sign you need.