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Description

Scan fail safety board "SafeGuard Pro" according to 60825-1

Continuous Galvo Monitoring in Accordance with EN 60825-1 – SafeGuard Pro: Safety module for continuous monitoring of XY galvo units with automatic shutdown in the event of a fault – meets the requirement of EN 60825-1 (Table F.2) that a failure of the deflection mechanism must not result in an increase in the laser class.

  • Continuous monitoring of the XY galvanometers
  • Safety shutdown in the event of a fault
  • Supports classification according to EN 60825-1

Excerpt from EN 60825-1, Table F.2: “Directionally variable radiation: Failure of the deflection mechanism must not result in an increase in the laser class.”

The SafeGuard Pro is designed to restore laser safety as quickly as possible in the event of a failure of the XY galvo units. The board can be integrated into almost any galvo system that provides feedback signals.

Since a stationary laser beam may be emitted in the event of a deflection system failure, all lasers must be automatically shut down or set to dark mode to prevent an increase in the laser class of the laser system. To achieve this, the feedback signals—which are typically provided by the galvo drivers—are tapped and read. If stationary galvo axes are detected, all modulation lines are shut off within a response time of approximately 20 ms, thereby reducing laser emissions to zero. If no modulation lines are available at the lasers, a mechanical beam switch can be activated via a shutter output to block the laser beam. In both cases, compliance with EN 60825-1 is thus ensured.

The modulation outputs are actively switched. This means that in the event of a power failure, the lasers are automatically shut down. An “override” input is available for service purposes, which disables the safety function. In addition, there is an interlock input on the terminal blocks that can be used for remote control, for example, to integrate an emergency stop switch. If the input remains open, the laser output is shut off. If the input is bridged, the modulation signals are enabled. An additional interlock output allows for easy daisy-chaining to the next projector, so that any number of projectors can be controlled using a single emergency stop switch.

The power supply requires +/- 18–30 VDC. This voltage can be tapped from the galvo deflection power supplies. Multiple LEDs clearly indicate all operating states, making it easy to quickly identify any errors.

Technical Specifications:

Number of modulation channels 7, unbalanced
Signal inputs XY feedback, unbalanced
Control inputs Interlock
Safety Override
Outputs Interlock Out
Shutter (open collector, 2 A max)
Power Supply +/- 18–30 VDC, approx. 100 mA per voltage
Dimensions 75 x 75 mm
Terminal blocks Header pins, tool-free connection

Connection is very easy to set up. After connecting the power supply, the feedback outputs of the galvanic drivers (e.g., MicroAmp) can be connected. The modulation signals from the laser(s) are routed via Mod In and Mod Out. Any necessary interlock switches or controls are optional. If these are not needed, the interlock input is simply jumpered. All wires are connected to spring-loaded terminal blocks.

Scope of delivery

  • SafeGuard Pro, ready for connection
  • Detailed Documentation

Further information on laser safety can be found here.

Labelling on the device per EN 60825-1 (sticker with class, wavelength, power) is mandatory. Including the information in product texts or datasheets is not explicitly required by law, but in practice it is industry standard and sensible for liability reasons. For all our products we state the laser class and wavelength in the technical data. For high-power modules (Class 3B and above) we additionally include prominent notes on protective measures. Note: this is not legal advice. For binding questions on labelling duties in distribution please consult a lawyer specializing in product liability or the relevant trade association.
The blink reflex is an involuntary eye reaction to bright light: the eyelid closes automatically within about 0.25 seconds. With Class 2 lasers (up to 1 mW in the visible range) this time is shorter than the maximum permissible exposure (MPE) for a damage threshold. In practice this means an accidental glance into the beam of a Class 2 laser is harmless because the eyelid blocks the beam in time. Important limitation: the reflex only works for visible light (400–700 nm) and not for prolonged deliberate staring. For UV or IR radiation no blink reflex exists – different protection rules apply.
From Class 3R (in commercial use) a laser safety officer (LSO) is mandatory. Duties: 1. prepare a risk assessment for the specific laser application. 2. define protective measures (safety goggles, shielding, labelling, training). 3. train and instruct staff regularly. 4. maintain the safety documentation. 5. coordinate maintenance and inspection of laser safety equipment. The appointment must be documented in writing. Qualification is obtained via a two-day LSO seminar with an exam – we offer such seminars through our sister event (see „LSO Seminar“ in the shop).
Each laser device must be permanently labelled per EN 60825-1 with the following information: laser class (e.g. „LASER CLASS 2“), wavelength in nm, maximum optical output in mW, standard caution statement (e.g. „Laser radiation – do not stare into beam“) and from Class 2 the laser warning symbol (yellow triangle with beam symbol). Class 3B and 4 additionally require: aperture marking at the beam exit, warning signs in the hazard area and a key switch where applicable. For laser systems built-in (e.g. machines with an integrated laser) the operator is responsible for labelling the complete installation.
Mandatory from Class 3B: looking directly into the beam without safety goggles risks eye injury. The goggles must be wavelength-specific – goggles for 532 nm do not protect against 405 nm. Strongly recommended from Class 3R: although the blink reflex usually still provides sufficient protection at Class 3R, in a professional environment goggles are standard. Not required for classes 1, 1M, 2, 2M – except for 1M/2M when magnifiers or binoculars are used for observation. Important: goggles must match the wavelength AND the optical density (OD) must match the laser power. We are happy to advise.
„Extended sources“ is a term from TROS laser radiation (Technical Rule on Optical Radiation – the national German counterpart to EN 60825-1). Line lasers, cross-line lasers and DOE positioning lasers fall into this category because they spread their radiation across an area geometry – in contrast to „collimated sources“ (point lasers), which concentrate all power in a narrow beam. Consequence: at equal total power the irradiance per point is lower, and the extended source is classified into a lower laser class than the collimated one. Practical example: a 50 mW line laser can fall into Class 2 while a 50 mW point laser already reaches Class 3R.
Class 1: completely safe even on direct viewing. Class 1M: eye-safe except when viewed through magnifiers or binoculars. Class 2: visible, up to 1 mW, protection via blink reflex (max. 0.25 s exposure). Class 2M: like Class 2, but not to be viewed through magnifiers or binoculars. Class 3R: up to 5 mW in the visible range, increased risk on direct viewing, safety goggles recommended. Class 3B: up to 500 mW, direct exposure dangerous, safety goggles mandatory, diffuse reflections usually harmless. Class 4: > 500 mW, dangerous even via diffuse reflection, highest safety measures, fire hazard. From Class 3R a laser safety officer is required.
EN 60825-1 is the relevant international standard on the safety of laser products. It defines the laser classes (1, 1M, 2, 2M, 3R, 3B, 4), the maximum permissible exposure (MPE) for eye and skin, the labelling requirements and the protective measures. The standard is legally binding in the EU and Germany for all commercially sold and operated lasers. Manufacturers must classify their devices to EN 60825-1 and label them accordingly. Operators must implement the safety measures matching the laser class – from Class 3R onwards a laser safety officer is mandatory in commercial use.