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When Should You Change Your Laser Air Filter?

09/14/2020
Laser Cleaning

Your laser solutions require daily, monthly, and, sometimes, yearly maintenance. From changing the desiccant packs to monitoring the window protection, there are a few items to stay diligent with. While some parts can easily be cleaned for maintenance, other pieces need replacing. Such is the case with air filters. What happens if your air filter is due for a change? How can you tell? And, how often should you change it?

WHAT DOES THE AIR FILTER DO?

While operating your laser solution, you’ll notice that a filter unit is used to absorb any and all harmful contaminants from the surface of your product — keeping the air relatively clean and your operators safe. To ensure the particles being absorbed don’t impact your solution’s capability, product quality, or environmental safety, a HEPA or ULPA filter cartridge system is offered by Adapt Laser to capture effluent coming from the surface. The air filtration unit described plays a key role in air and part quality for your operation. As such, you should follow protocols for proper maintenance.

MAINTAINING YOUR AIR FILTERS

Air filters are designed to be replaced, but environmental and operational considerations can impact the longevity of your filter. Similar to the air filter in your home ventilation system, environmental factors such as air quality and airborne contaminants can cause a quicker buildup in the filter compared to a fairly clean airflow — requiring a more frequent filter change.

Particle buildup isn’t the only reason why you would need to change your air filter cartridges. After each use, you should also assess the filter for holes or other damage. A damaged air filter could be an indication of other problems or it could occur from not changing your air filter often enough. New filter sets or cartridges can be ordered in advance and stored to ensure operational efficiency.

TYPES OF AIR FILTERS

There are three types of filters mainly used with laser systems. In some cases, multiple filters are used in conjunction with one another. The three types are particle, HEPA and activated carbon air filters. Each air filter is made of different materials and is designed to capture different things.

PARTICLE FILTERS

Laser particle filters are designed to separate the gross particulates. These cartridges are typically the first line of defense for filtering and are almost always used in conjunction with the other filters.

ACTIVATED CARBON FILTERS

Activated carbon air filters are designed to remove volatile organic compounds — as well as odors and other gases. It absorbs any fumes that get past the particle filter and is often used with HEPA air filters to ensure that toxic contaminants are absorbed and removed safely and effectively. They’re made from activated carbon, also known as activated charcoal.

HIGH-EFFICIENCY PARTICULATE ARRESTANCE FILTERS

HEPA filters are the last line of defense for your laser system. They’re made from interlocking fibers that prevent 99.9995% of particles from getting through. It’s for this reason that HEPA filters are typically used in conjunction with activated carbon and particle filters.

REPLACING LASER AIR FILTERS

Since air filters need to be replaced monthly — if not sooner — it’s wise to keep extra filters in storage to eliminate extended downtime. This ensures you can replace your filter quickly and aren’t waiting around for a delivery. Adapt Laser is the sole North American provider of TEKA air filters. We understand the importance of your air filters and are committed to getting your products delivered quickly and carefully. You’ll never have to worry about filters arriving damaged because we ensure your products are packed securely for durable transit. To order replacement filters, contact our sales team today.

WHATEVER YOUR NEEDS, ADAPT LASER HAS A SOLUTION FOR IT

Adapt Laser specializes in the know-how and application of laser cleaning solutions. We offer products with a range between 20 and 2,000 watts and provide training to ensure your employees can get the most from their laser cleaning solutions. We’ve equipped a variety of industries and companies with laser cleaning solutions — including military and defense for the US Air Force and Navy — and hundreds of organizations trust our state-of-the-art laser cleaning solutions.