To begin with laser machine safety, it is essential to have knowledge of the space in which it is located. This will allow us to first have a general overview and then focus on the specific details.
In the Fab Lab iFurniture, you can see a safety area around the CNC laser machine, marked by yellow lines with black stripes, which are visibly marked on the floor. This is to prevent people from entering the work area without the proper protection.
It is essential to have proper signage in the workspace. The signs should be visible and clear to warn about laser hazards, electrical risks, and safety rules to follow. Additionally, the signage helps maintain order in the workspace and preserve the condition of the machine.
Signage also helps preserve the machine. For instance, in the area where the laser controls are located, it is forbidden to place magnets, as this could damage the equipment.
One of the things we must know before operating the machine is the type of equipment we are using. The machine in the Fab Lab iFurniture is of Chinese origin, a C4V laser 1390 type.
The CNC laser machine also has a stabilizer that powers on the entire machine. It also has ports to connect to the internet, the computer, or directly via USB. It includes the power buttons for the machine, the laser, and the lamp.
A laser tube in a laser machine is the main component that generates the laser beam. Its function is to convert electrical energy into concentrated laser light, which is used to cut, engrave, or mark materials with precision. The power and type of the laser tube determine which materials the machine can process and the quality of the results.
First, before starting the activity, I check what materials are available in the Ifurniture Fab Lab and choose the one that will best help me develop the project.
Once the material is selected, I design the template in the Rhinoceros program, where I will conduct the power and speed test using 3mm MDF.
The software compatible with the machine that I used is RDWorks, which will assist me in the testing.
I configure the colors, assigning each one a specific power and speed. I start with a speed of 10 and increase it to 100, while adjusting the power from 10 to 70.
An important step before working with the machine is knowing the material thickness, in order to make the necessary configurations and calibrations.
The C4V Laser 1390 is a high-precision laser cutting and engraving machine. It features a working size of 1300x900 mm, allowing for the processing of large materials. It is ideal for cutting and engraving a variety of materials such as wood, acrylic, leather, and more. Additionally, it has an efficient control system and is compatible with various software to facilitate its use.
For the assignment of characterizing the focus, power, speed, and acceleration of the laser cutter, we selected a material from the Re-trazos project of the Fab Lab iFurniture, aiming to recycle it and use it in our test.
This is the result of the comb, which ranges from 2.8 mm to 3.2 mm. With a tolerance of 2.8 mm, it didn't fit, but at 3 mm, it fit precisely. With values of 3.1 mm and 3.2 mm, it fit without any difficulty.
1)Laser Cutter Safety Training EAN lAb At the FabLab of Universidad EAN, a series of safety measures have been implemented to ensure the proper and safe use of the 150W laser cutter. These measures include:
1.1) Ventilation and Air Extraction: 
The machine is equipped with a cooling system (chiller) to maintain the appropriate temperature during the cutting process. Additionally, a dust collector extractor has been installed to capture the particles and fumes generated during cutting. Furthermore, there is a room extractor to ensure adequate ventilation and prevent the accumulation of gases or toxic fumes.
1.2) Prohibited Materials: 
A clear list of materials that should not be processed in the laser cutter has been established, such as PVC, polycarbonate, and other materials that release toxic gases when cut. The use of metallic, reflective materials, or materials that may generate sparks is also prohibited.
1.3) Fire Prevention 
Due to an incident that occurred a year ago, in which a material caught fire during the cutting process, safety measures have been reinforced. A fire extinguisher has been placed near the machine to act quickly in case of an emergency. In addition, a surveillance camera has been installed, allowing for remote and real-time monitoring of the laser cutter, which helps us detect any anomalies or fire risks immediately.
1.4) Training and Key Guidelines: All users of the laser cutter must complete a safety training before operating the machine. This training includes:
Understanding the ventilation rules and proper use of the extractors.
Identifying materials and their associated risks.
Learning how to use the fire extinguisher and follow fire protocols.
Constantly supervising the cutting process, either in person or through the surveillance camera.
2)Characterizing the Laser Cutter Parameters
Before starting to operate in the laboratory, the FabLab team performs a brief calibration or verification of the mirrors to reduce variations in the width of the cut. This step is crucial, as it ensures the laser is properly aligned and that the cut is precise.
During this week, the group members designed our own cutting, power, and engraving tests to make an accurate comparison. We also conducted fit tests to determine the necessary clearances in the materials.
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