The Difference Between a Class I Laser and Class IV Laser
The GeoMARK Pro and GeoMARK Eco Plus are class I lasers. The GeoMARK Eco is a class IV. But what does that mean? Their classifications – class I and class IV – are designations defined by the United States Code of Federal Regulations and refer to the work environment and safety requirements in which the lasers are suitable for operation. So what makes the GeoMARK Pro and Eco Plus class I lasers and the GeoMARK Eco a class IV laser? Let’s take a closer look at both and find out.
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The GeoMARK Pro and GeoMARK Eco Plus – Class I lasers
The GeoMARK Pro (left) and GeoMARK Eco Plus (right) are housed in an enclosure. Their enclosures are designed to meet specific safety requirements set by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that prevent the laser from escaping. Machines that meet these requirements are designated as class I. As class I lasers, the GeoMARK Pro (along with the Pro RD and Pro SM) and GeoMARK Eco Plus are safe to operate in any work environment without any additional safety accessories or equipment.
The GeoMARK Pro and GeoMARK Eco Plus are ideal for open work environments: environments in which it’s not practical or possible to control when people come in and out of the room, or equip everyone in the room with proper safety gear. Not needing a controlled environment is one of the most appealing features of the GeoMARK Pro and Eco Plus.
However, due to having enclosures, the size of the parts that can be marked in the GeoMARK Pro and Eco Plus is limited.
The GeoMARK Eco – Class IV laser workstation
The class IV designation for the GeoMARK Eco means that the laser is totally exposed and needs to be operated in a controlled environment. Class IV lasers require warning signage, special safety eyewear, access restrictions, and a laser safety officer for the facility. This means that the GeoMARK Eco needs to be operated in a private room or at least curtained off so that the laser and its operators are isolated.
While this limits the environments a class IV laser can be operated, a laser without an enclosure is able to mark larger parts than an enclosed laser.
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