1. General Safety

Read and get familiar with all safety precautions and procedures before using the machine. Strictly follow all safety precautions. Ensure that the machine is properly assembled and is working properly.

• Check the machine for damage every time before you use it. Do not operate it in any way when any damage or defect is found.
• Ensure that the workspace is clean, level, and well-lit.
• Do not disassemble the machine or change its structure in any way without authorization. Do not modify or decompile its operating system.
• Do not leave the device unattended during operation. Pay attention to whether it is working properly.
• Keep the inside of the machine clean. Residues and chippings accumulated during cutting and engraving are dangerous and may cause a fire. Clean the chippings and residues inside the work area regularly.
• The machine works properly at the temperature of 40–104°F (5°C–40°C). Do not operate it at a temperature lower than 5°C
• Use this laser engraving device only following all applicable local and national laws and regulations. In the United States, Polar’s wireless network is a certified transmitter module that emits radio signals in compliance with 47 CFR 15 for commercial locations but may require operators to provide additional equipment in residential areas to avoid interfering with emergency and FCC-licensed broadcasts. Similarly, the Safe Use of Lasers (Z136) standards published by the American National Standards Institute do not have the force of law, but adherence to its provisions may be required by some companies or local authorities to minimize risk and liability. In particular, it may be necessary in commercial settings to formally designate a laser safety officer, to post warning signs in areas with active lasers, and to document that all operators of laser equipment have been properly trained.
• Use this device only following this instruction manual and the manual for the engraving software included with it. Only allow this device to be installed, operated, maintained, repaired, etc. by others who have also read and understood both manuals. Ensure that this manual and the software manual are both included with this device if it is ever given or sold to a third party.
• DO NOT leave this device unattended during operation. Observe the device throughout operation and, if anything seems to be operating strangely, immediately cut off ALL power to the machine and contact either our customer service or your dedicated repair service. Similarly, ensure the device is FULLY turned off after each use.
• DO NOT allow minors, untrained personnel, or personnel suffering from physical or mental impairment that would affect their ability to follow this manual and the software manual to install, operate, maintain, or repair this device.
• Any untrained personnel who might be near the device while it is in operation MUST be informed that it is dangerous and fully instructed on how to avoid injury during its use.

2. Laser Safety

Polar 350 uses an invisible CLASS 4 LASER, the strongest and most dangerous class of laser available for public use. Used or modified without care, it can cause serious property damage and severe personal injury including but not limited to the following:

• The laser will easily burn nearby combustible materials
• Some working materials may produce radiation or harmful gases during processing
• Direct exposure to the laser will cause bodily harm including serious burns and irreparable eye damage

As such,

• Do not operate the machine when any part of it is removed. Removing any part may expose the laser system and cause damage to the machine.
• Do not engrave or cut any material that contains PVC or vinyl (processing plastics is not recommended). These materials (and other materials containing chlorine/chloride) can generate corrosive vapor that is extremely harmful to the human body and can cause damage to the device.
• Do not engrave or cut any unknown materials. Vaporization or melting of many materials, which include but are not limited to PVC and polycarbonate, may release harmful smoke. ONLY use Polar for working on the materials described in the Material Safety section of its manual.
• Laser operation is prohibited when the cover is lifted. Make sure that the cover is closed during operation and do not tamper with the cover.
• Do not leave the device unattended during operation. Pay close attention to whether it is working properly.
• DO NOT modify or disable this device’s provided safety features except as specifically instructed elsewhere in its manual. Do not modify or disassemble the laser and do not use the laser if it has been modified or disassembled by anyone except trained and skilled professionals. Do not activate the laser without its focus lens. Dangerous radiation exposure and other injuries may result from the use of adjusted, modified, or otherwise incompatible equipment.
• NEVER leave any part of the Polar open during operation except (when needed) the pass-through doors.
• Never interfere with the laser beam. Do not place any part of your body in any part of the laser path during operation, and never attempt to view the laser directly. When using the pass-through doors or otherwise risking exposure to the laser beam, take measures to protect yourself from potentially reflected laser beams including the use of personal protective equipment.
• DO NOT look or allow others to look directly at the active laser even when the cover is closed. The viewing window naturally absorbs most reflected beams from the high infrared laser but is NOT otherwise protected against it. EVERYONE nearby during use should wear eye protection specially designed to filter the specific wavelength of your engraver’s laser with an optical density (OD) of 6 or greater. Do not stare or allow others to stare continuously at the active laser even when using protective eyewear.
• ONLY use this engraver if its automatic shutoffs are working properly. Never disable any of these shutoffs except as specifically instructed elsewhere in its manual. When you first get this engraver and if you subsequently notice any problems, test them (see Manual) before undertaking any other work. Do not continue use if the shutoffs do not occur. Turn off the device and contact technical support or your repair service.
• ONLY use this engraver in a flat and stable location. Using it on an unstable surface or at a tilted position may cause the laser to deviate from its intended path or permanently damage the internal components of the device.
• DO NOT ever under ANY circumstances use this laser engraver if the water-cooling system is not working properly. Always visually confirm that water is flowing through the entire system before turning on the laser tube. Immediately stop use if the water-cooling system malfunctions. If the system pauses operation because the coolant has reached its maximum temperature of 122°F (50°C), allow at least thirty minutes for the system to cool before resuming operation.
• DO NOT use generic coolant or antifreeze in your cooling water, as they may leave corrosive residues and solidify inside your hoses and piping, causing malfunctions and even explosions. Use custom laser-safe formulations or use and store your engraver in a climate-controlled area.
• DO NOT leave potentially combustible, flammable, explosive, or corrosive materials below the laser or nearby where they might be exposed to the direct or reflected laser beam.
• DO NOT use or leave sensitive EMI equipment nearby. Ensure the area around the laser is free of strong electromagnetic interference during any use.
• The laser settings and engraving process must be properly adjusted for specific materials. Ensure the area is kept free of other airborne pollutants, as these might pose a similar risk of reflection, combustion, etc.

The reference standard for laser safety is the American National Standard for Safe Use of Lasers (Z136.1-2000), which is provided by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

This reference is the basis for federal regulations and laser system manufacturers, as well as the laser safety guidelines of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). It contains details on the proper installation and use of laser systems.

3. Fire Safety

Polar utilizes a high-density laser beam to irradiate the material to be cut or engraved, heating the material surface and vaporizing the material without burning. Most materials, however, are intrinsically flammable and risk causing an open flame that can burn down the machine (even if it is made of flame-retardant materials) and its surroundings. Experience shows that vector cutting achieved through a laser beam is most likely to produce an open flame. Acrylic, in particular, has proven to be extremely flammable in vector cutting.

Read the following warnings and suggestions carefully:

• Ensure that the work area is well-ventilated for quick fume dissipation.
• Do not stack or store flammables around the machine. Ensure that the area around the machine is free of any cluttered flammable materials, explosives, or volatile solvents, such as acetone, alcohol, or gasoline.
• Always keep a fire extinguisher, water hose, or other flame-retardant system nearby in case of accidents. Ensure that the local fire department's phone number is prominently displayed nearby. In the case of a fire, cut electrical power before dousing the flame.
• Familiarize yourself with the correct range for your extinguisher before use. Take care not to use the extinguisher too close to the flame, as its high pressure can produce blowback.
• Do not leave the machine unattended when it is working. If the machine works with setting errors and is left unattended for a long period, or if a mechanical or electrical fault occurs, a fire may occur.
• Periodically clean the honeycomb workbed. Excessive accumulation of residues and chippings from cutting and engraving WILL increase the risk of fire.
• Keep a fire extinguisher and perform regular maintenance and inspection of it.

4. Electrical Safety

• ONLY use this device with a compatible, stable, and grounded power supply with less than 5% fluctuation in its voltage. Do not use an ungrounded 3- to 2-prong adapter.
• The device’s grounding should be checked regularly for any damage to the line or loose connections.
• DO NOT connect other devices to the same circuit, as the laser system may require its full amperage. Do not use standard extension cords or power strips. Use only surge protectors rated over 2000J.
• The work area around this laser engraving device should be kept dry, well-ventilated, and environmentally controlled to keep the ambient temperature between 40–104°F (5–40°C). For best results, keep the temperature at 75°F (25°C) or below. The ambient humidity should be between 20–85%.
• Adjustment, maintenance, and repair of the electrical components of this device must be done ONLY by trained and skilled professionals to avoid fires and other malfunctions, including potential radiation exposure from damage to the laser components. Because specialized techniques are required for testing the electrical components of this marking system, it is recommended such testing only be done by the manufacturer, seller, or repair service.
• Unless otherwise specified, ONLY undertake adjustment, maintenance, and repair of this device when it is turned off, disconnected from its power supply, and fully cooled.

5. Material Safety

• Users of this laser engraving machine are responsible for confirming that the materials to be processed can withstand the heat of the laser and will not produce any emissions or byproducts either harmful to people nearby or in violation of local or national laws or regulations. In particular, do not use this device to process polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Teflon, or other halogen-containing materials under any circumstances.
• Users of this laser engraver are responsible for ensuring that every person present during operation has sufficient PPE to avoid injury from the emissions and byproducts of the materials being processed. In addition to the protective laser eyewear described above, this may require goggles, masks or respirators, gloves, and other protective outer clothing.
• DO NOT operate the laser without its air assist.
• Users of this laser engraver are responsible for ensuring that otherwise safe dust and debris created during use are fully cleaned afterward. Dust allowed to build up on the surfaces of the main bay and the tray under it is a fire hazard that can easily be ignited by the heat of the laser.
• DO NOT ever under any circumstances use this laser engraver if the exhaust system is not working properly. Always ensure that the exhaust fan can remove the dust and gas produced by the engraving process following all applicable local and national laws and regulations. Immediately stop use if the exhaust fan or vent pipe malfunctions.
• Users must exercise special caution when working with conductive materials as the buildup of their dust and ambient particles may damage electrical components, cause short circuits, or produce other effects including reflected laser radiation.

This machine can be safely used with the following materials:

• Cardboard

• Ceramics, including Dishes, Tile, etc.

• Glass

• Leather

• Paper & Paperboard

• Some Plastics

• Nylon (Polyamide, PA, etc.)

• Polyethylene (PE) and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE, PEHD, etc.)

• Biaxially-Oriented Polyethylene Terephthalate (Mylar, Polyester, etc.)

• Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG, PET-G, etc.)

• Polyimide (PI, Kapton, etc.)

• Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA, Acrylic, Plexiglass, Lucite, etc.)

• Polyoxymethylene (POM, Acetal, Delrin, etc.)

• Polypropylene (PP, etc.)

• Styrene and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)

• Rubber

• Stone, including Marble, Granite, etc.

• Textiles, including Cotton, Suede, Felt, Hemp, etc.

• Wood, including Cork, MDF, Plywood, Balsa, Birch, Cherry, Oak, Poplar, etc.

See the manual (§4.4) for recommended parameters for the most commonly engraved materials.

This machine CAN NOT be used with the following materials or with any materials that include them:

• Artificial Leather containing Hexavalent Chromium (Cr[VI]), due to its toxic fumes

• Astatine, due to its toxic fumes

• Beryllium Oxide, due to its toxic fumes

• Bromine, due to its toxic fumes

• Chlorine, including Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB) and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC, Vinyl, Cintra, etc.), due to its toxic

fumes

• Fluorine, including Polytetrafluoroethylenes (Teflon, PTFE, etc.), due to its toxic fumes

• Iodine, due to its toxic fumes

• Metals, due to their conductivity and reflectivity

• Phenolic Resins, including various forms of Epoxy, due to their toxic fumes

• Polycarbonate (PC, Lexan, etc.), due to its toxic fumes

For all other materials, if you are unsure about its safety or laserability with this device, seek out its material safety data sheet (MSDS). Pay special attention to information about safety, toxicity, corrosiveness, reflectivity, and reaction(s) to high heat. Alternatively, contact our support department for further guidance.

6. Warning and Instruction Signs

On Polar 350, warning and instruction signs are labeled where physical injuries or damage to the machine or property may be caused before and/or during the use.

For models sold in North America and Australia, the signs are labeled in the following locations:

For models sold in the EU and UK, the signs are labeled in the following locations:

If any of these labels are missing, illegible, or damaged, replace them with new and identical ones at the original positions.