Laser locking systems: flexible housings ensure safety and ease of use

Locking systems allow the safe use of lasers when operators are not present, ensuring that the work area is protected from unauthorized access. To suit a variety of locations, from university laboratories to wind tunnels, and yet ensure safe and easy use, they must be secured with appropriate enclosures. These enclosures must provide the necessary protection and must also offer flexibility to the installation, which corresponds to the design layout of the main environment. Laser Support Services, which designs blocking systems, works with Spelsberg, United Kingdom as its partner in the hull, based on the quality and flexibility of the hulls.

Lasers are used in commercial and university laboratories in the United Kingdom for a variety of purposes, including research and measurement. Safety measures must be taken as a result of health and safety problems associated with their use, including damage to the retina of the eye. A laser blocking system is included in the requirements, which prevents unauthorized access to the laboratory while the laser is in use. At the same time, the interlock allows long and safe operation of the laser without observation, which may be necessary, for example, during scientific experiments.

Laser Support Services was founded more than 30 years ago to provide services and support to laser users in a variety of sectors and applications, from educational research to healthcare and military. Previously reselling laser locks, in 2013 the company launched its own system. The Laser Support Services lock includes a main control unit as the main power supply and operation of the laser; a door control unit that allows entry into the laboratory where the laser is used; and a keyboard that allows external access to the lab.

Each device must be housed in a safe and durable housing with flexible installation depending on the location and configuration of each laboratory. Laser Support Services has been using Spelsberg housings from the outset as a result of the quality of workmanship, ease of use and level of service provided by the company’s team in the United Kingdom.

“We need to adapt the blocking system to individual laboratory requirements. Spelsberg provides boxes that are flexible and very easy to use, making them adaptable and suitable for any laser blocking project, ”said Graham Rodgers, Managing Director and Founder of Laser Maintenance Services. “Different mounting points allow flexible installation combined with internal CAD service when needed. The level of professionalism is very useful for us and our clients and I appreciate their support. ”

The main laser lock control unit includes a key switch and E-stop, as well as power and shut-off functions for manual operation of the system. The device also includes an LCD display to show the status and faults. Each of these user interaction functions is integrated in a Spelsberg housing, which is configured for the required mounting positions. The walls of the housing are either smooth or have pre-stamped cutouts for easy assembly, and the Spelsberg website in the UK also has an in-house CAD design service if specific customization is required.

Laser maintenance services typically use Spelsberg’s TK enclosures. This includes the extremely durable glass-fiber-reinforced TK PC polycarbonate, as well as the very lightweight TK PS, which is made of polystyrene. Both enclosures allow easy operation for an easy installation process, while the TK PC is chosen for more robust installation settings.

While the reinforced polycarbonate TK PC meets the high impact level IK08, the polystyrene TK PS box still achieves IK07, which means an impact resistance of 0.5 kg reduced by 25 cm. Both housings also provide protection against penetration up to IP66, giving flexibility in the installation of laser support services for a wide range of settings, from wind tunnels to laboratories to clinics.

Even with hole punching and customization, enclosures achieve high environmental protection, which is crucial for safe laser control. The TK housing seal protects the internal components from any external moisture and can operate at 95% humidity at 25 ° C.

Housings made of glass-fiber-reinforced polycarbonate are also used, providing even higher impact resistance if required, offering protection up to IK08, among the highest levels available. If laser maintenance services require a large housing, for example when combining several control units, Spelsberg also provides mild steel housings.

As the setting differs for each laser blocking installation, which can also be carried out within existing buildings, as well as integration into new developments, this means that the positioning of the different control units of the system must be flexible to the limitations of the system. the location. At the same time, the system must remain safe and easy to use by laboratory staff.

The system door control unit allows the user to leave the laboratory in 30 seconds, which means that the closer the device can be placed to the door, the safer and easier the system is to use. This requires flexibility in installation, and while boxes with dimensions of 350 mm x 250 mm are usually used, the range of Spelsberg housing dimensions means that the required dimensions are always available for the required adjustment.

While enclosures that typically require laser maintenance services are standard models, Spelsberg UK’s customization service is available when needed to quickly complete individual projects.

“Everything that makes the client’s job easier is an advantage. When opportunities for specific hull adaptations arise, Spelsberg always provides a professional and efficient service, ”says Graham. “The enclosures are extremely well designed and Spelsberg is a partner in providing systems to block laser maintenance services.”

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