1、 Standard positioning
IEC 60825-1 is the "Safety of Laser Products Part 1: Equipment Classification and Requirements" published by the International Electrotechnical
Commission, and is recognized as the "gold standard" for the safety of laser products worldwide. This standard is equivalent to EU EN 60825-1
and is also the equivalent adopted standard of Chinese GB/T 7247.1.
2、 Security level classification
The standard categorizes laser products into seven levels, and laser engraving machines typically involve the following levels:
Class 1/1M: Safety. Under normal operating conditions, there is no harm to the human body. Qualified desktop laser engraving machines should
typically be certified as Class 1 products, meaning that even if higher grade lasers are used internally, the radiation level at all accessible locations
should not exceed the Class 1 limit through improved protective design.
3R class/3B class: medium power laser. Directly viewing may pose potential dangers, and warning signs and safety measures need to be set up.
Most industrial laser engraving machines have internal laser sources that belong to Class 3B.
Class 4: High power laser. Direct, specular, and diffuse light can all cause harm and pose a risk of fire. Large industrial fiber laser engraving machines
often belong to this category.
3、 Core testing projects
Measurement of achievable emission level (AEL) of laser radiation: Measure the laser radiation level at all possible contact points under normal operation
and single fault conditions.
Protective cover interlock function test: Verify whether the laser output can be immediately and reliably interrupted when the protective cover is opened.
Safety marking and instruction manual review: Check whether the laser warning signs, classification labels, and usage instructions comply with standard
regulations.
Electrical safety testing: According to standards such as IEC 62368-1, inspect insulation, grounding, voltage resistance and other performance.
Mechanical safety testing: Evaluate the protection of moving parts, the effectiveness of emergency stop buttons, etc.
4、 Engineering control requirements
Protective shell: completely enclosing the laser and beam path, enabling the final product to reach Class 1 safety level.
Safety interlock system: Double redundant interlock, immediately turn off the laser when the window/door is opened.
Visible emission indicator: The laser diode pointer (red dot indicator) requires an LED indicator light to indicate when it is working.
Emergency stop button: In case of emergency, the laser output can be immediately cut off.
5、 Labeling and identification requirements
The product must be posted with:
Certification/identification nameplate (including manufacturer, model, serial number, production date)
Laser grade warning signs (such as "CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCE" or "CLASS 4 LASER PRODUCE")
Compliance statement (such as "Compliance with IEC 60825-1")
Laser parameters (wavelength, maximum output power)
Danger warning language (such as "AVOID EXPOSURE")
6、 Supporting certification system
IEC 60825-1 is usually not the only requirement, and the export of laser engraving machines also needs to consider:
EU CE certification: Safety level assessment based on EN 60825-1, combined with EMC Directive, Machinery Directive (MD) or Low Voltage Directive (LVD).
US FDA registration: According to 21 CFR 1040.10, submit a product report to obtain an Accession Number. The FDA accepts the classification and labeling
of IEC 60825-1 (Laser Notice 56) and can use a unified labeling system.
Chinese GB/T 7247.1: Equivalent to IEC 60825-1, it is a mandatory basis for domestic market regulation.
7、 Testing process
Pre design consultation: Participate in the product development phase, incorporate safety standards into design specifications, and avoid later modification
costs.
Data preparation: Provide product manuals, circuit diagrams, structural diagrams, risk analysis reports, etc.
Sample testing: The prototype is comprehensively tested by an ISO 17025 qualified laboratory.
Risk assessment: Analyze potential hazards and propose improvement suggestions.
Report and Certification: Upon passing, a test report and security level certificate will be issued.
Annual supervision: Regular sampling to ensure continuous compliance.
8、 Market trends and regulatory tightening
Laser engraving machines are penetrating from the professional field to the consumer field, and regulatory scrutiny in regions such as the United
States is becoming stricter. Products with unreasonable design or low safety levels face the risk of delisting and punishment, and compliance has
shifted from "optional" to "legal responsibility and commercial cornerstone".
