How Does Fume Extraction Work?

How Fume Extraction Works

No matter your laser solution — whether it’s for cutting metal and etching, tattoo removal, or safely removing contaminants — your process can result in fumes, particles, dust, and hazardous chemicals becoming airborne. To prevent these dangerous microparticles and gases from impacting your operators or the environment, your laser solution needs a powerful filter to capture these elements. That’s why we offer state-of-the-art TEKA fume extraction units with built-in filters for not only our laser cleaning solutions, but for other laser applications too. But, what are your options? And, how do these filter units work?

TYPES OF LASER AIR FILTRATION UNITS

Filters can be used for all sorts of applications, which is why the type of filter you need is based on the application you’re using it for. In general, there are two types of filters — carbon filters and particulate filters. The most efficient carbon filter uses activated carbon (or charcoal), while common particulate filters include high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) and ultra-low particulate air (ULPA) filters.

Activated carbon filters are mostly used against volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and do so by filtering gases through a bed of activated charcoal. These types of filters are the only carbon-based filter to be able to capture all 12 identified herbicides and 14 pesticides, along with all 32 identified organic contaminants. But, these filters aren’t effective for particulates and therefore are not commonly used by themselves (if at all) for laser solutions.

HEPA filters are 99.99% effective at capturing particles as small as 0.3 micrometers, while ULPA filters are 99.9995% effective and capture particles as small as .12 micrometers. Which filter set is required for your fume extraction unit can vary and is typically determined during our sales process.

HOW FUME EXTRACTION WORKS

If your laser solution is used for cutting, marking, engraving, or cleaning, you can use a fume extraction filter unit. This makes it easy to capture and contain airborne particles and other microbes during the laser process. Once your process is complete, the filter unit makes it easy to properly remove and dispose of any hazardous contaminants extracted.

With our laser cleaning solutions, our optics are connected to a TEKA fume extraction unit through the integrated channel for the safety of your operators. This means that during the cleaning process, your laser solution will capture the contaminants you’ve removed and filter any airborne particles to ensure that your laser solution can be operated without a mask or other bulky PPE. Keep in mind, you will need laser safety glasses and to follow the laser safety best practices.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT FILTRATION FOR YOUR LASER SOLUTION

Knowing whether you need a HEPA or ULPA filter for your fume extraction unit will depend on your laser application as well as various other factors — including the materials you’ll be cleaning and how long you need to operate. We can also add a carbon filter to your fume extraction filter to capture any VOCs/odors.

The best way to determine the fume extraction unit you need is by contacting our sales team. We’ll be able to talk through your needs and determine the exact filter units needed for your project. And, because we only offer state-of-the-art TEKA fume extraction units, you can walk away knowing you are receiving one of the best filters in the industry.

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.

Contact us today or call (816) 466-5855 to find the right laser cleaning solution for you.