Laser Fume Extractors: Brief Introduction

Laser Fume Extractors – machines used to suck up toxic fumes – are used in a wide variety of laser cutting and laser engraving processes. They keep machine operators safe from potential health risks and increase the lifetime of laser-cutting machines. In this quick blog post, we will discuss how they work, why they are necessary, what they are used for, and the benefits/limitations of utilizing them. 

Before we begin, let’s review some technical terms relevant to this topic:

• Substrate: an underlying material or layer
• Corrosion: the gradual deterioration of a material; a natural process that converts metal into an oxide
• Ductility: mechanical property that describes the extent to which a material can withstand plastic deformation under tension
• HEPA Filter: high efficiency particulate absorbing filter 

ExpandX-1 Portable Laser Fume Extractor as seen on FindLight

What are Laser Fume Extractors?

Laser Fume Extractors are machines used to suck up fumes and dust particles created during laser cutting. They filter toxic chemicals out of the air and eliminate possible hazards in order to make the lab environment safer for laser operators. In short, they are filtering systems created specifically to clean laser fumes, they are vital machines for any laser-cutting or a laser-engraving project. Next, let’s discuss the engineering behind how laser fume extractors safely operate. 

The Engineering

All fume extractor machines consist of the same key components: a capture point, an airflow source, and a filter system. A laser fume extractor utilizes a fan with a negative draft as the capture device. Laser fumes are created when the high-energy laser beam comes into contact with a plastic or metal substrate. As the machine cuts, the fan pulls toxic fumes and dust particles from the air and directs them through a filtration system.

The filtration system is made of multiple filters that remove fumes, dust, and particles as the airflow passes through the system. Once the air is cleaned, it is released back into the lab environment. This cycle repeats as laser cutting is continued, and after repeated use, the filters can either be cleaned or replaced (depending on the machine). If the filters are replaceable they should be changed following about 160 hours of operation or as specified by the manufacturer.  

Purpose

The main purpose of laser fume extractors is to capture and filter toxic fumes before they enter the operator’s breathing zone. Inhaling harmful contaminants is extremely harmful, and a buildup of toxic chemicals in the body can lead to lung diseases and infections. Frequent exposure to toxic fumes can in many cases lead to lead poisoning, another threat to human health. Laser fume extractors assist in upholding user safety regulations and preventing unwanted workplace incidents. 

Aside from keeping the operator safe, laser fume extractors also keep toxic fumes from soiling or compromising the laser-cutting machine. Not only are the fumes toxic, but they are also highly corrosive. Depending on the material that the laser cutting machine is made of, corrosion would decrease its durability and ductility while also producing rust, another potentially toxic chemical to machine operators. Corrosion can ruin the cutting machine and restrict vital mobility, deeming it inoperable for further use. With a laser fume extractor the lifetime of laser cutting machines can be expanded, preventing the unfavorable outcomes described above. 

Applications

As explained, laser fume extractors are used in any applications involving the laser cutting or engraving of a material. The machines are offered in several alternate configurations depending on the specific application or project. Common setups include an exhaust port connection, a multiple exhaust port connection, and a stand-alone source capture. To see these machines in action, check out the short clip included below. 

Benefits of Laser Fume Extractors

Aside from eliminating health risks from toxic fumes and protecting the laser cutting machine, laser fume extractors themselves offer many efficient benefits as highly reliable machines. With several layers of filters combined, laser fume extractors are especially efficient with the correct care and maintenance. The machines are most effective when the fume extraction nozzle is placed directly next to the source of the fumes. Proper installment ensures that the laser fume extractor will remove 99.99% of undesired particulates before returning air back into the working environment. 

One of the only disadvantages or limitations of laser fume extractors comes with the price of the machine and its filters. Laser fume extractors can cost upwards of $1,000, with each HEPA replacement filter costing around $100. However, when taking into consideration how long the machine will last, the replacement filter cost is a small price to extend the machine lifespan. Filters should also only be replaced once every year unless otherwise suggested by a warning indicator on the machine. This severely cuts long-term maintenance prices, making it an affordable and safe addition to a laser-cutting setup.

Types of Filters Used in Laser Fume Extractors

Choosing a Laser Fume Extractor

Choosing the best laser fume extractor is dependent upon the application, the project, and the laser cutting machine. Laser fume extractors are sold as both portable and fixed units, making it easy to narrow down which machine is the correct choice for your project. Before selecting the best option, the following additional criteria should also be considered: 

Size: How large is your laser cutting machine, and how big of a filter surface area can the laboratory support/maintain?

Maintenance: more features = more maintenance, how experienced/capable are the operators?

Airflow Volume: how large/powerful is the laser cutting machine, and what level of toxic fumes will the machine be emitting?

Type of Filtration: depending on budget and desired amount of labor, would a replaceable filter be preferred over one that must be cleaned?

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Interested in purchasing a Laser Fume Extractor? You can start your comparison shopping at FindLight here. 

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