Do You Need to Wear Safety Glasses When Using a Laser Marking Machine?

Laser marking machines are powerful laser devices used by a variety of industries to engrave, etch and mark a variety of materials. They provide precision and speed to our lives and work, but many people still have questions: Do I need to wear safety glasses when using a laser marking machine? The short answer is yes - here's why.

Why Eye Protection Is Critical

Laser marking machines emit high-intensity laser beams, which can pose serious risks to the human eye. Even indirect or scattered laser radiation can cause temporary or permanent eye damage, especially if exposed to the laser environment frequently or at close range.

Different classes of lasers have different levels of risk. Most industrial laser marking machines use Class 3B or Class 4 lasers, which are harmful to the eyes and sometimes even to the skin. Therefore, it is necessary to take appropriate laser safety measures.

Which laser safety glasses should I choose?

Not all laser safety glasses are the same. Because laser marking machines have different laser wavelengths, there are different types of laser marking machines, mainly UV laser marking machines, green laser marking machines, fiber laser marking machines, CO2 (carbon dioxide) laser marking machines, etc.

① Determine the working laser wavelength of the laser marking machine you are using. If it is a fiber laser marking machine, you must choose laser safety glasses that can effectively protect fiber lasers. LP-ADY laser safety glasses from LaserPair can effectively protect fiber lasers.

② Confirm the working power of the specific laser marking machine used. The optical density (OD) value required for optical density (OD) protection indicates the protection ability of laser safety glasses against lasers. The higher the OD value, the stronger the protection ability of laser safety glasses against lasers. If the working power of the laser marking machine is higher, you need to choose laser safety glasses with higher OD values.

③ Certification standards

Choose laser safety glasses that meet international safety certifications (such as ANSI Z136.1, EN207/EN2087, etc.) to ensure that their protective performance is reliable.

Other Benefits of Wearing Laser Safety Glasses

In addition to protecting your eyes from direct laser light, safety glasses can:

① Reduce eye strain caused by bright light or reflections

② Improve concentration by reducing visual distractions in the workplace

③ Promote a workplace safety culture and encourage others to follow protocols

Common Misconceptions About Laser Safety

Some operators believe that if the machine is enclosed or they are standing “far enough away”, they don’t need safety glasses. While enclosed systems are generally safer, any maintenance work, troubleshooting, or working with an open machine still carries risks. Always proceed with caution.

Conclusion

So, do you need to wear safety glasses when using a laser marking machine? Of course. Laser safety isn’t optional – it’s essential. Whether you’re operating a CO2 laser, fiber laser, or UV laser, wearing the right laser safety glasses is one of the easiest and most effective ways to stay safe.