1. Standard basis
GB/T 7247.1-2024 "Safety of Laser Products Part 1: Equipment Classification and Requirements" is the core basis for safety testing of laser cutting
machines. This standard is equivalent to the international standard IEC 60825-1:2014, which specifies the classification system, achievable emission
limit (AEL), safety protection requirements, and labeling and user information specifications for laser products. Imported laser cutting machines
entering the Chinese market for sale or industrial production must undergo testing and evaluation based on this standard to confirm their laser
radiation safety level and compliance with protective measures.
2. Characteristics of Security Level Classification
Industrial laser cutting machines typically belong to Class 3B or Class 4 high-power laser products. Class 4 is the highest risk category, as not only
direct light beams and instantaneous exposure can damage the eyes and skin, but scattered and reflected light are also harmful, and there is a
potential risk of fire. During testing, the laboratory will accurately measure parameters such as laser wavelength, output power, and pulse characteristics
based on the achievable emission limit table in the standard to determine the safety level of the product.
3. Testing project content
Laser radiation parameter measurement: Using calibrated laser power meters, energy meters, spectral analyzers, and other equipment, under standard
testing conditions, accurately measure the achievable emission level of the laser cutting machine, including key parameters such as single pulse energy,
average power, pulse width, repetition rate, and wavelength of continuous wave power or pulsed laser.
Safety level classification evaluation: Compare the measured radiation data with the achievable emission limit (AEL) at the corresponding wavelength
and exposure time in GB/T 7247.1 standard to determine whether the product exceeds the limit of a specific level under normal use, maintenance, and
foreseeable single fault conditions, and accurately classify its safety level.
Verification of protective measures: For high-power industrial laser equipment, focus on checking whether the protective shell effectively seals off
unexpected radiation, whether the safety interlock device can automatically cut off the laser output when the protective cover is opened, whether it is
equipped with key control to prevent unauthorized use, whether the emergency stop function is effective, and whether the beam terminator or attenuator
is operating normally.
Label and instruction manual review: Verify whether the size, color, and content of the laser warning labels on the equipment body and packaging comply
with standard specifications, and whether the laser category, wavelength, output power, and other information are clearly marked; Review whether the user
manual contains sufficient safety warning information and operating instructions.
Beam divergence angle test: Evaluate the focusing and divergence characteristics of the laser beam to ensure that the relevant parameters meet the
standard requirements.
4. Special requirements for laser processing machines
Chapter 6 of GB/T 7247.1-2024 has specific provisions for laser processing machines (including laser cutting machines), which require specific engineering
control measures in addition to general requirements. In actual testing, laser cutting machines often need to undergo comprehensive safety assessments
in conjunction with standards such as GB/T 18490.1 "Mechanical Safety - Laser Processing Machines" and GB/T 5226.1 "Mechanical Electrical Safety".
5. Required documents for inspection
Before sending for inspection, it is necessary to prepare the product technical specifications (including laser wavelength, rated output power, working
mode, pulse parameters, etc.), circuit schematic, optical structure diagram, product appearance diagram, laser warning label design document, and
Chinese version user manual. The manual should provide a detailed explanation of the laser safety level, potential hazards, safe operating methods,
and necessary personal protective equipment requirements.
6. Sample and testing cycle
Testing agencies typically require 1 to 2 complete prototypes (depending on the size and complexity of the equipment) for comprehensive radiation
measurement and protection function verification under standard testing conditions. The regular testing cycle is 5 to 7 working days, and some
laboratories can provide expedited services to shorten it to around 3 working days. However, for large industrial equipment with multiple testing
projects, the cycle may be appropriately extended.
7. Qualification requirements for testing institutions
It is necessary to choose a third-party laboratory with dual qualifications of CNAS (China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment)
accreditation and CMA (Certification and Accreditation of Inspection and Testing Institutions) accreditation. CNAS qualification ensures international
mutual recognition of testing capabilities and results, while CMA qualification guarantees the legal validity of reports within China. Domestic market
regulation, e-commerce platform entry, and customs clearance all recognize testing reports with CNAS and CMA logos.
8. Report purpose and compliance recommendations
Obtaining a compliance report through GB/T 7247.1 testing is a necessary condition for the legal sale of laser cutting machines in the Chinese market.
This testing report can be used for domestic e-commerce platform entry, bidding qualification certification, response to market supervision spot checks,
and as a technical support document for applying for IEC 60825-1 international certification, EU CE (EN 60825-1), or US FDA (21 CFR 1040.10).
The testing report is recommended to be retained for at least 10 years for future regulatory inspections. It is strictly prohibited to exaggerate the power
or conceal the laser level in product promotion. The safety signs on the equipment body, packaging, and instructions must be consistent with the
conclusions of the testing report.
9. Special precautions for imports
During the customs clearance process of imported laser cutting machines, some ports may require laser safety testing reports as technical compliance
documents. Due to the high power and high risk of industrial laser cutting machines, customs and market regulatory authorities have stricter scrutiny
on their safety compliance. In addition, if on-site installation and debugging are required after the equipment arrives at the port, it should be ensured
that the accompanying documents (including Chinese manuals, warning labels, and copies of inspection reports) are complete in order to quickly
complete customs clearance and subsequent market access processes.
