Fire Risks in Laser Engraving: Lessons for Fire Safety and Prevention in the hobbyist community

Hello, my name is Forbes D Gilchrist, Dan, and I am the owner of ForbesG Laser Artistry, a business I've run for the past 22 years in Illinois and Michigan. I’m also a founding member of a Fab Lab in Michigan, where I’ve seen firsthand how laser technology is becoming more popular in creative and DIY spaces. During my career, I've experienced two damaging laser fires that led to costly damage and highlighted critical safety lessons. I want to share these insights to raise awareness of fire risks and prevention, especially as laser cutting becomes more popular in hobbyist and maker communities. Along with these fires I've also experienced smaller fires with the potential of becoming larger fires.

Two Fires, One Lesson: Safety Is Essential

Both of the fires I encountered stemmed from similar issues: unattended operation and a lack of proper safety measures. In one case, an incorrect power setting ignited the material being cut. In the other, accumulated dust and debris caught fire when I stepped away, leaving the machine running. These incidents cost thousands of dollars in damage and valuable production time, but they also taught me important lessons:

1. Monitor Machines Constantly: Never leave a laser cutter unattended, even for a short time. Fires can start quickly, especially when working with flammable materials like wood and acrylic.

2. Keep Equipment Clean: Dust and debris buildup inside the machine can easily catch fire. Regular cleaning and maintenance are vital to reducing fire risk.

3. Check Settings Carefully: Make sure the machine’s power settings are appropriate for the material you're cutting to prevent overheating and ignition.

4. Use Thermal Cameras for Safety: Installing a thermal camera can be an effective way to monitor equipment temperatures and detect overheating early. It can also be used to ensure a human operator is present and actively monitoring the process. I’ll share more about this approach in future articles.

A Growing Risk in Hobbyist and Maker Spaces

Laser cutting is no longer limited to professional settings. With the rise of DIY workshops, maker spaces, and Fab Labs, more people are using lasers without fully understanding the associated risks. These spaces often lack the strict safety protocols of industrial environments, making them more vulnerable to accidents.

For the fire safety community, this is an opportunity to engage and educate. Providing safety guidelines and encouraging best practices can help prevent fires and ensure that these creative spaces remain safe for everyone.

Next Steps

In future articles, I will dive deeper into specific safety measures, including proper setup, maintenance routines, and ways to improve fire prevention in various settings. I’ll also cover how thermal cameras can enhance monitoring and safety protocols. By sharing these insights, I hope to foster a greater understanding of laser safety and help reduce fire risks across the board.

Thank you for reading. Stay tuned for more on how to keep your laser cutting safe and fire-free!