Benefits of a Kid-Friendly Laser Cutter Machine for Home Use
Laser cutter machines have been popular in the industry for a while because of how they can precisely cut materials. But they’re making their way into homes and there’s a good reason: laser cutter machines for home use allow for great creative exploration without leaving the house. Adult hobbyists and designers can use them, and so can kids.
In fact, kids are at the perfect age for using laser cutters because they have nearly unlimited imaginations. Home laser cutter machines really complement their innovative thinking. Kids can learn skills like problem-solving and creative thinking while becoming comfortable with technology and art. These are the perfect STEAM skills for them to cultivate at home.
It is, of course, important to find a laser cutter machine for home that is kid-friendly. Kids aren’t as mature or cautious as adults, and they may not yet have developed the technical skills necessary to use complex technology.
Why All Home Laser Cutter Machines Aren’t for Kids
Not every home laser cutter machine is great for kids. Some that are designed for adult use don’t have important safety features that can help protect kids from injury. This isn’t because they are unsafe machines, but manufacturers may assume that adults can follow safety guidelines that kids might forget or struggle to follow.
Some laser cutters for home also require advanced knowledge of programming to design cutting paths and use the laser cutting features. Older users who’ve had enough education and experience can use these machines without any struggles. But kids can’t be expected to have all of this knowledge. If they lack what they need to properly use the home laser cutter machine, they’re likely to avoid using it completely.
It’s best to look for laser cutters for the home that have the safety and knowledge level of kids in mind so they can explore and build their skills without injury or frustration.
Common Laser Cutter Hazards
When you’re considering the safety of a home laser cutter machine, there are a few risks to keep in mind.
Fires
Laser cutter machines for the home can be fire hazards. This most often happens when the laser cuts through the material and concentrates for long periods of time on the case bottom. This can damage the case bottom or the exterior case and start a fire. Most home laser cutters have metal cases, but fire is still a risk, especially if the power settings are too high or the laser cutter is left unattended.
Fumes
One of the great features of laser cutter machines for home is that they can cut a variety of materials. Unfortunately, some materials release more fumes than others. Certain plastics that aren’t harmful in solid form can release harmful fumes when heated for cutting. The home laser cutter’s exhaust system is usually fine for dealing with the fumes from wood and fabric but isn’t enough for fumes released from other materials. It’s a good idea to check the manufacturer’s recommendations on whether or not their material is safe when heated.
Little Fingers In The Wrong Place
To work, home laser cutter machines have lots of moving parts. If kids get their fingers into the machine while it’s on, there could be a risk of injury to the child. There’s also the risk of little fingers coming into contact with hot materials. Of course, this is more preventable if the laser cutter machine for home won’t operate if the cover is open.
Have A Safety Plan In Place
There are several safety measures you can put in place to help reduce the risks when using a home laser cutter machine.
First, the laser cutter machine should never be left unattended when on, which can help you identify the start of a fire. Make sure there is a fire extinguisher in the same room as the machine, just in case, and teach anyone who might be near the laser cutter how to use it to put out a fire.
To reduce fumes, use laser cutter machines for the home in a well-ventilated area and always check for toxic safety warnings before using a material. If you’re not sure, you shouldn’t use it. Open windows when possible to keep air circulating, even when using safer materials.
Finally, use common sense. Read the manual for your home laser cutter machine before you use it and keep the work area clean. Pass along your knowledge and usage requirements to any kids who are going to be around or use the home laser cutter machine.
Laser box – The Kid-Friendly Laser Cutter
Makeblock Laserbox
The perfect laser cutter machine for home, and especially for kids, is the Makeblock Laserbox. Like other Makeblock products, it’s designed with kids in mind, for home or educational use. So not only do you know that your kids will be able to use it, and use it safely, but also that they can grow and learn. It can help kids realize their creative ideas while they explore technology and their imaginations.
The Laserbox’s versatility and ease of use will appeal to young minds. It can cut numerous materials, including wood, leather, paper, and fabrics, guaranteeing a wide range of use for projects and activities. It also provides automatic features that make programming cut paths easy for kids. In fact, the Laserbox can even cut out a path that is hand-drawn on materials. This is a perfect feature for little artists who would love to see their work come to life from a piece of paper, and it reduces the need for complicated programming.
Makeblock provides a gallery of project ideas that make Laserbox easy to incorporate as your home laser cutter machine. Fun, kid-friendly activities come with pictures, downloads, and assembly videos. Plus, there are support resources online with FAQs, warranty information, and maintenance tips.
Kid-Friendly Features
The Laserbox has numerous features that make it the perfect home laser cutter machine for kids. It addresses fumes, fire, and fingers, three of the safety risks previously identified, by reducing these safety risks without compromising fun and function.
The Smart Smoke Purifier ensures eco-friendly ventilation when the Laserbox is in use. It automatically opens and adjusts based on how the Laserbox is being used. This helps to prevent fumes from permeating the air, and the filter is easy to replace.
An Early Warning System provides immediate alerts if there are any issues with overheating or the water cooling system of the Laserbox. High-performance sensors provide collective monitoring to help reduce the risk of fire by letting you know right away when something is wrong.
We know kids are curious and like to see how things work, but with a home laser cutter machine, this can be dangerous for little fingers. If your kid opens the lid of the Laserbox, it will stop working. By pausing the job, the Laserbox helps keep your kid safe.
With Makeblock’s Laserbox, you know you’ll have a kid-friendly home laser cutter machine that will provide kids with hours of fun and learning in a safe environment. It’s part of our mission to help kids learn, and with Laserbox we’re happy to offer parents peace of mind as well. Visit our website to learn more.