1) Which machines are Class 1?
Are all of these machines Class 1?
Aurora series is Class 1.
The Titan, Bolt Series are now Class 1 capable. Because Aurora, Bolt, Titan have laser shutter in the machine, and is with Class 1 controller firmware.
For Nova Plus machine, we have not add laser shutter to it or upgrade to Class 1 controller firmware yet. So Nova Plus Series remains at Class 2 Product.
Why we say Titan Bolt machines are Class 1 capable? Because for default setting before shipping, we did not choose to turn off the red laser when any door is opened.
Laser Classification and User Configuration: We need to state that machines ship as Class 2 lasers, but users can configure them to meet Class 1 standards by setting limits on the XYZ axis and the red dot pointer.
On control panel > Menu > Factory Setting, you can change the setting.
[Image pending re-upload: Factory Setting menu screenshot]
2) What makes a machine a Class 1 even though they have a Class IV source?
- Enclosed Structure and Enclosure Protection
- Safety Interlock System (Lid-Open Protection, Door/Cover Protection)
- Laser shutter
- Class 1 controller firmware (Must be user configured)
All of the above items ensure that when users open the door by accident, the laser will stop, and the XYZ axis cannot move, so users cannot be exposed to any laser damage.
Warning: There is a maintenance mode for Class 1 laser products too. Please note when in maintenance mode, it means we can get access to the Class 4 laser with doors open. So when in maintenance mode, this product is Class 4 instead of Class 1 product.
3) Who decides what "Class 1" means?
What official group or standard defines Class 1? (Please share the name of the organization and the standard, if possible.)
Reference article: https://www.laserax.com/blog/class-1-laser-products-regulations?utm_source
A class 1 laser product is a device that complies with laser safety standards from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
IEC 60825-1 is the primary international classification standard and serves as the compliance benchmark for many countries, including the European Union's EN 60825-1 (What we are applying for is this, as attached).
The FDA has statutory authority over products entering the U.S. market, may adopt IEC classifications, and permits the use of equivalent testing strategies.
4) Is this officially tested, or self-declared?
For these machines, is there an outside lab or organization that reviewed them? Or is the Class 1 rating declared by the manufacturer?
If it is tested by an outside group, can you share the test report, certificate, or reference number?
This is self-declared. But we have done necessary tests and get the reports.
Main tests are:
- EN 60825-1 (laser classification)
- Machinery Directive (MD)
Note: Class 2 Product is FDA standard. Our Nova, Titan, Bolt are all Class 2 Product. Because the machines are enclosed, when the door is opened, users cannot get access to class 4 CO2 or Fiber laser, but they can get access to the class 2 red laser (and the red laser power in work area is over 0.5mw), so the machines are Class 2 product under FDA standard.
And for CE standard, the criteria is more strict. The CE self-declaration for Class 1 laser compliance mainly consists of two documents:
- Machinery Directive (MD) Report
- EN/IEC 60825 Laser Safety Report
Machinery Directive Requirements
- Safety protection must use dual redundancy
- Dual-sensor detection is required
- Laser isolation must be achieved through:
- Signal modules
- Mechanical shutters
- When the protective door is opened:
- The laser must be isolated
- XYZ axes must be disabled and immobile
IEC 60825 Requirements
- With all protective doors closed: External radiation during full-power operation must comply with Class 1 limits
- When the protective door is opened: If an indicator red light is present, radiation output must be below 0.5 mW or Red pointer should shut (when door is opened).
So in the US, we have to state that machines ship as Class 2 lasers, but users can configure them to meet Class 1 standards by setting limits on the XYZ axis and the red dot pointer.
On control panel > Menu > Factory Setting, you can change the setting.
Factory Setting for Touch Panel
[Image pending re-upload: Factory setting screenshot 1]
[Image pending re-upload: Factory setting screenshot 2]
5) Is there an official Class 1 logo or icon?
Is there an official symbol/logo we should use when we say "Class 1"?
The nameplate bears a Class I identifier, and the applied sticker to the machine also displays it.
[Image pending re-upload: Class I nameplate identifier]
[Image pending re-upload: Class I sticker on machine]
This is the previous identification of class 2.
[Image pending re-upload: Previous Class 2 identification]
6) Where is Class 1 recognized?
Which regions/countries accept or recognize this Class 1 rating? (For example: U.S., EU, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.)
The Class 1 rating is widely accepted globally, with specific regional recognition as follows:
- ① International/Global: IEC 60825-1 is universally adopted or recognized equivalently by most countries (including China, the EU, Australia, etc.). Reference: https://webstore.iec.ch/en/publication/3587?utm_source
- ② EU: EN 60825-1 (based on IEC 60825-1) is mandatory for CE compliance. Reference: https://www.cceeccic.org/69514333.html?utm_source
- ③ U.S.: Recognized by the FDA and ANSI/OSHA; products must meet relevant federal regulations. Reference: https://www.osha.gov/enforcement/directives/std-01-05-001?utm_source
- ④ UK: Equivalent recognition of EN/IEC standards, with additional UKCA compliance requirements.
- ⑤ Canada: CSA E60825-1 (based on IEC 60825-1) is locally recognized. Reference: https://www.laserax.com/blog/class-1-laser-products-regulations?utm_source
- ⑥ Australia/New Zealand: Generally accepts IEC/AS/NZS series standards.
7) What does Class 1 mean for the customer?
In simple terms, what benefits does Class 1 give the owner? For example:
- easier safety compliance through control measures
- insurance benefits
- school/public education purchasing (grants or requirements)
For end-users, Class 1 certification delivers tangible benefits while requiring careful messaging to avoid misrepresentation (check with AI):
Key Benefits (Simple Terms)
✅ Easier Safety Compliance
No need for extensive additional protective measures or complex operational controls, reducing barriers to regulatory compliance.
✅ Reduced Training Requirements
Unlike Class 3/4 laser products, Class 1 users typically do not require specialized laser safety training, lowering training costs and onboarding time.
✅ Insurance & Liability Advantages
Lower inherent risk improves insurance coverage eligibility and may lead to more favorable premium rates.
✅ Workplace Safety (OSHA-Related)
OSHA generally does not mandate a dedicated laser safety program for Class 1 devices (though routine risk assessments are still recommended). Reference: https://www.osha.gov/laser-hazards/hazards?utm_source
✅ Simplified Purchasing for Schools/Public Institutions
Schools, educational facilities, and laboratories can procure Class 1 products more easily, as they align with low-risk safety policies and grant requirements for public-sector purchases.
Critical Messaging Restrictions (Do Not Claim)
❌ "Absolutely risk-free" or "Safe for unrestricted viewing"
Class 1 safety is only guaranteed under intended normal use conditions. It does not cover misuse (e.g., damaged enclosures, tampered interlocks) which may expose hazards.
❌ Misleading medical/therapeutic claims
Class 1 certification relates solely to laser radiation safety—not medical efficacy or health benefits. Do not frame the classification as a broader health/medical guarantee.
This information ensures accuracy in marketing and support materials, aligning with global regulatory requirements and consumer expectations.
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