Surface preparation using lasers for rust or paint removal can release fine particulates and airborne contaminants. Without proper filtration, these particles can pose health risks to operators and reduce air quality in the facility. That’s why integrated fume extraction systems are a core part of any laser cleaning setup.

Adapt Laser partners with TEKA to provide industry-grade fume extraction solutions designed to work alongside its pulsed laser ablation systems. These units remove harmful particulates from the air, support regulatory compliance, and help maintain equipment performance over time.

What Is a Fume Extraction System for Laser Cleaning?

A fume extraction system is essential to laser ablation setups, especially when removing surface contaminants such as rust, paint, or hazardous coatings. These systems capture airborne particulates, vapors, and gases generated during laser cleaning and process them through multistage filters to protect personnel, equipment, and the environment.

During pulsed laser ablation, laser energy targets and breaks down surface contaminants into small particles or gas-phase compounds. Without a proper extraction unit, these materials may linger in the air, exposing operators to inhalation risks and potentially settling on nearby surfaces or sensitive equipment.

Adapt Laser’s TEKA filtration units use high-efficiency particulate filters, such as HEPA and ULPA cartridges, that remove up to 99.9995% of airborne contaminants. These systems work directly with laser optics, capturing fumes at the source before they escape into the environment.

Why Fume Extraction Matters

Laser cleaning may not use abrasives or chemicals, but it still dislodges particles from treated surfaces. Without efficient fume extraction, operators can face exposure to:

Fine particulate matter from corrosion or coating removal
Toxic residues like lead-based or chromate-containing paints
Dust buildup on optics that degrades system performance

Benefits of effective fume extraction systems include:

• Cleaner Air: Supports operator health and indoor air quality
• Longer Equipment Life: Reduces wear on optics and sensitive laser components
• Regulatory Compliance: Helps meet safety and workplace air quality standards
• Fewer Interruptions: Minimizes downtime due to contamination or filter maintenance

Adapt Laser’s filtration solutions are designed for industrial use and offer clear operational indicators, such as filter saturation alerts and automatic shutoffs to protect system integrity.

Choosing the Right Fume Extraction Solution

The best filtration setup depends on multiple variables, including:

• Laser Power Output: Higher wattage typically generates more particulate matter
• Material Type: Different coatings and substrates produce different airborne compounds
• Cleaning Volume: Frequent or large-scale cleaning may require higher-capacity units

Adapt Laser offers a range of TEKA units that include:

• Mobile Systems: Designed for flexibility in environments where mobility is required
• Compact Units: Space-saving models suited for low- to mid-power handheld applications
• Integrated Options: Systems built to align directly with CL-series laser systems

Each unit features multistage filtration with pre-filters, HEPA/ULPA filters, and activated carbon for comprehensive fume and odor removal. Noise-dampened housings and intuitive control panels make daily use simple.

How Fume Extraction Supports Surface Preparation Goals

Laser ablation is commonly used for surface preparation tasks across aerospace, defense, transportation, and manufacturing. Whether removing longstanding lead paint from structures to cleaning mold release from composite tool molds, or cleaning corrosion from ground support equipment, fume extraction plays a key role in protecting teams and ensuring consistent results.

Examples of how extraction improves operations:

• Paint Stripping: Safe filtration of VOCs and metal-based pigments
• Rust Removal: Elimination of ferric oxide particles during cleaning

With the right system in place, companies can confidently pursue laser cleaning, knowing both personnel and the facility are shielded from airborne risks.

Built-In Safety and Support

Fume extraction is not an afterthought—it’s a core part of the laser surface preparation process. That’s why Adapt Laser includes extraction in its system recommendations and training.

Support includes:

• System sizing recommendations based on application type
• Operator training on filter checks, safety indicators, and maintenance
• Replacement filter guidance to maintain efficiency over time

Additional steps may be needed if a material contains hazardous components, such as filter change tracking or partnering with industrial hygiene teams. Adapt Laser assists customers in these planning stages to ensure safe use.

A Complete Surface Cleaning Solution

Adapt Laser provides more than just pulsed laser ablation systems. Each setup is supported with customized optics, training, and fume extraction solutions to deliver an effective, complete surface cleaning process.

To explore the right extraction system for your application, visit Adapt Laser’s fume extraction page or connect with a technical specialist to evaluate your parts, coatings, and airflow requirements.

Clean air supports strong operations. Let us help you build a safer, more efficient surface preparation workflow that keeps your team protected and your equipment performing.