Room-in-room system with built-in lighting

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Intro
A modular laser welding cell provides a self-contained, enclosed workspace specifically designed to contain radiation from Class 4 lasers. It enables safe laser welding and laser cleaning in an existing workshop without large structural modifications. The modular cell adapts to the process and can be combined with extraction, filters and lighting.

Why a modular laser welding cell is indispensable for Class 4 laser
Class 4 lasers (including handheld laser welders and laser cleaners) present a high risk: both the beam and reflections can cause permanent eye and skin damage. An enclosed, shielded workspace is required for safe operation and for meeting CE-relevant safety obligations.

What exactly is a modular laser welding cell?
A modular laser welding cell is constructed from standard panels and designed to contain powerful laser radiation. Key characteristics of the modular approach include:

• Available in various standard formats (examples: 2×3 m, 3×3 m and 3×4 m) or custom-made sizes
• Fast on-site setup
• Expandable and relocatable if workshop layout changes
• Easy to combine with extraction systems, filters and lighting

One modular laser welding cell for two machines: laser welding and laser cleaning
The same modular cell can serve both a handheld laser welder (used for welding carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminium, titanium, brass and other metals) and a laser cleaner / rust remover (used to remove rust, paint, oils and other contaminants without chemicals or blasting media). Both applications benefit from the same shielded workspace, interlocks and extraction system; extraction requirements may differ depending on the cleaned material.

Key features of the MetaQuip modular laser welding cell
The cell is designed around practical workshop requirements. Core features include:

• Multiple standard sizes: 2×3 m, 3×3 m and 3×4 m (customisation possible)
• Electromagnetic door lock: openable from outside with a combination lock; always unlockable from inside, including during power failure or emergency-stop activation
• Standard safety interlocks: laser only fires when all guards are closed
• Combinable with extraction and filtration: prepared for industrial filter systems (example system referenced as BOFA AD 2000 iQ) to capture welding fumes and cleaning residues
• Complete furnishing possible: MetaQuip can supply workbench and additional equipment so the cell can be delivered production-ready

Which size suits your work?
Size recommendations depend on the workpiece and workflow rather than only available floor space:

• 2×3 m: suitable for smaller workpieces, repair work, light cleaning tasks and one-operator jobs
• 3×3 m: suitable for general welding and cleaning of medium-sized parts with room to move and rotate the workpiece
• 3×4 m: suitable for larger frames, structures and assemblies or combined welding and cleaning phases in a single cell
• Customization: for non-standard products (long/wide/heavy), inline production or specific logistic needs (e.g. roller conveyors or forklift access)

Modular laser welding cell versus making the room laser-safe yourself
Compared with retrofitting an existing room, a modular cell typically offers:

• Faster commissioning (often installable within a day)
• Greater flexibility (cell can be moved or reconfigured)
• Clear single-point responsibility for the safety concept (guards, interlocks, door lock, extraction)
• Easier maintenance and documented product status for checks and extensions

How the cell fits into a laser-safe workplace
A modular cell is one component of a full safety plan. Typical complementary elements include:

• Distance sensor on a laser welding gun so the beam activates only when a workpiece is within correct range
• Laser-safe welding helmets (basic models or full-coverage helmets for long-term/complex work)
• Industrial air filtration to capture vapour and particulate matter at source
• Operator safety protocols and training, including emergency procedures

Frequently asked questions (selection)

• Do I need a welding cell if I only laser weld occasionally? Yes. Class 4 classification depends on laser power, not frequency; even occasional use requires shielding.
• Can I place my existing laser welder or laser cleaner in a MetaQuip cell? In most cases yes, provided the laser falls within the standard Class 4 power range; suitability is assessed case-by-case.
• Is the cell suitable for both laser welding and laser cleaning? Yes. The shielding principle is the same; extraction needs may vary with the material cleaned.
• What about the door and emergency procedures? The electromagnetic door lock can be opened from outside with a combination, and always from the inside; the door opens immediately when an emergency stop is pressed.
• Can the cell be expanded later? Yes. Extra panels, different door positions or customised sizes are typically possible.

Technical characteristics / specifications

• Standard available sizes: 2×3 m, 3×3 m, 3×4 m (custom sizes available)
• Electromagnetic door lock with combination opening and inside-unlock for power-failure/emergency situations
• Standard safety interlocks preventing laser firing when any guard is open
• Prepared for integration with industrial extraction/filtration systems (example referenced: BOFA AD 2000 iQ)
• Option for full internal furnishing (workbench and production-ready configuration)
• Compatible with handheld laser welders (typical handheld laser power ranges referenced on site: 1.5 kW, 2 kW, 3 kW; weld depths up to approx. 10 mm noted for handheld welding machines)
• Designed to support laser cleaning/rust removal processes (no chemicals or blasting media required)
• Modular design allows later expansion, relocation or logistic customisation (roller conveyor, forklift access, changed door position)