

Solution: Laser Cutter

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	Description:	A laser cutter is an engineering control that can reduce musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) from manual cutting and the risk of cuts. It is a computer numerical control (CNC) machine that receives cutting specifications from a computer and emits a high powered laser beam to cut metal. High pressured gas removes the material. Typical laser beams have a kerf of 0.2 mm in diameter and have a power of 1000-4000 W. The quality of the cut is dependent upon the choice of laser, beam quality, and the power. Many laser cutting techniques are available and CO₂ is most commonly used. Laser cutters work best on metals with the ability to absorb and conduct heat, such as carbon steels or stainless steels. Standard laser cutting is not recommended for metals with low abilities to absorb and conduct heat, such as copper and aluminum. These metals require either waterjet cutting or more powerful lasers. The laser emitted from the laser cutter melts the material and leaves a finished edge, instead of a sharp or rough edge that may result from manual cutting. A finished edge may be desirable. However, if further fabrication is required, hardening of the edges may be a problem. A laser cutter is a CNC machine that receives cutting specifications from a computer and emits a high powered laser beam to cut metal. High pressured gas removes the material. Typical laser beams have a kerf of 0.2 mm in diameter and have a power of 1000-4000 W. The quality of the cut is dependent upon the choice of laser, beam quality, and the power. Many laser cutting techniques are available and CO₂ is most commonly used. Laser cutters work best on metals with the ability to absorb and conduct heat, such as carbon steels or stainless steels. Standard laser cutting is not recommended for metals with low abilities to absorb and conduct heat, such as copper and aluminum. These metals require either waterjet cutting or more powerful lasers. The laser emitted from the laser cutter melts the material and leaves a finished edge, instead of a sharp or rough edge that may result from manual cutting. A finished edge may be desirable. However, if further fabrication is required, hardening of the edges may be a problem. More Detail
	Risks Addressed:	Stressful hand and wrist activity, lifting and carrying, and stooped postures
	How Risks are Reduced:	Compared to manual cutting techniques, laser cutting reduces the amount of stress placed on the hand and wrist. Awkward hand positioning required during manual cutting with hand tools puts the hand and wrist at risk for injury. Lasers are able to make sharply contoured cuts in narrow-angle locations. Also, since laser cutting is performed by a machine, manual material handling and stooped postures are reduced.
	Quality of Evidence (Risk Reduction):	Safety and health experts believe there is a risk reduction.
	Quality of Evidence Explanation (Risk Reduction):	Safety and health experts state that laser cutters are able to easily perform precise tasks that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with manual cutting techniques. To achieve precise cuts with hand tools, the hand and wrist would have to be placed in awkward positions which could put the person at risk for injury. Since materials are often cut in bulk, manual handling and stooped postures may be minimized with the use of laser cutting.
	Effects on Productivity:	Laser cutting increases productivity by increasing product quality and decreasing the time needed to make precise cuts.
	Quality of Evidence (Effects on Productivity):	Manufacturers or vendors have reported an increase in productivity. Safety and health experts believe there is an increase in productivity.
	Quality of Evidence Explanation (Effects on Productivity):	Manufacturers and safety and health experts state that laser cutting increases the quality of the finished product. The laser beam only emits heat in a small zone and does not cause warping of the material. Manual cutting may bend material due to the force while cutting. The quality of the finished product is also superior to manually cut metal, because of the precision of laser cutters and their ability to cut complex patterns in hard to reach areas. Manufacturers also state that less time is needed for laser cutting than manual cutting. Laser cutting is especially cost effective for repetitive cuts.
	Return on Investment:	To calculate the return on investment (ROI) for your specific application, please visit our Return on Investment Calculator. While a specific ROI example has not been developed for this particular solution, the ROI Calculator provides a useful tool and guidance on how to generate your own on investment analysis.
	Availability:	EZLASER For purchasing information visit www.ezlasermachine.com or contact at sales@laserlife.com.tw M&K Lasers Laser Cutting and Engraving For purchasing information visit www.mklaser.com or contact by e-mail World Lasers For purchasing information visit www.worldlasers.com or contact 1-800-648-5164 or grawley@worldlasers.com Many companies also provide laser cutting services: Precision Cutting Technologies: http://www.pctmfg.com
	Additional Considerations:	Laser cutting reduces the amount of physical contact with sharp edges that typically result from manually cut metal. Lasers emit heat and cause hardening, thereby eliminating sharp edges. In many situations, waterjet cutting may be used instead of laser cutting. The use of lasers may create an eye injury hazard. Eye protection should confirm to ANSI (American National Standards Institute) Z136.1 and the TLV requirements from ACGIH (American Conference of Government and Industrial Hygienists) for lasers, which conform to ANSI Z136.1. You can order the ANSI standards from www.webstore.ansi.org, or order the ACGIH guide at www.acgih.org or http://www.laserinstitute.org/store/LSAFPUB/104/.
	Contributors:	Dan Anton, PT, PhD, ATC and Cassie Malecha, DPT – Eastern Washington University
	Hazards Addressed:	Sheet Metal & HVAC Cut, file, grind, deburr, buff and smooth assembled parts Cuts and punctures from tools or materials Stressful hand & wrist activity Layout, shear, drill and punch holes in metal Hand-Arm Vibration Stressful hand & wrist activity