Laser Fume Extractors by IP Systems USA

How do laser fume extractor systems work?

• Laser fume extractors suck up fumes that are created in the process of laser cutting and filter the toxic chemicals out of them. These systems are essentially vacuum and filtering systems made specifically for laser fumes.  
  
  These extractors come in several different forms, generally made for different sizes of laser cutters and laser tables. Sizing is an important consideration, as laser fume extractors that are too small will not be able to effectively capture all the fumes.  
  
  Laser fume extractors capture fumes at the source, typically very close to the workspace. As the laser cutter works, the fumes that are generated get sucked up into the laser fume extraction system. The fumes then travel through the ducting and through filter media. The filter media removes the dust and other particles from the fumes. This particulate matter is then collected into a storage drum where it is kept until it is time to safely dispose of them.

What’s the importance of fume extraction in laser cutting?

• Fume extraction is important for keeping workers safe and staying compliant with OSHA regulations regarding permissible exposure limits (PELs). Permissible exposure limits dictate how much of a given chemical a worker can safely be exposed to before the workplace is considered hazardous. 
  
    Laser cutters generate a lot of fumes, which are produced due to the high heat of the laser and the splitting of the metal being cut. Laser engraving also has a similar issue. What happens is that the high heat of the laser heats the air to the point where it starts to expand, allowing particles to enter the air as fumes. The particles come from the metal, as the high heat causes chemical reactions that create potentially toxic compounds made of the elements found in the metal alloy. 
  
    Improper fume extraction can cause serious health risks, including metal fume fever, lead poisoning, and even cancer.

How do I know which laser fume extractor to choose?

• The laser fume extractor you choose will be a function of several factors. The most important factor, and the one you should consider first, is sizing. How large should your fume extractor be? The proper size will depend on factors including the power used, the size of the laser table, how the open area is sectioned, the material that’s being cut, laser cutting speed, and whether or not the machine is programmed to run without workers present. 
  
    You also want to choose the right fume extractor based on what material you’re cutting. Not all filter media is equally effective at trapping every compound. This isn’t the only consideration: using laser cutters to cut wood or acrylic can cause a fire hazard if the wrong fume extraction system is used. 
  
    Another important factor for choosing a laser fume extractor is how well it controls the noise. Some extractors are more powerful and are thus much more noisy, which can create an unsavory work environment. If the machine is running without workers present, however, then this is less of a consideration. 
  
    Ultimately, you’re going to want help choosing the right fume extractor. Our air filtration experts will help you choose the right laser fume extractor for your operation. Call us today!  

What are the risks of using a laser cutter without a fume extractor?

• The risks of using a laser cutter without a fume extractor are enormous and are not worth taking.   
  
  First of all, OSHA has permissible exposure limits (PELs) for many of the compounds present in laser fumes. It is against the law to expose workers to more of these dangerous compounds than the prescribed PELs.   
  
  Second of all, the risks of using a laser cutter without a fume extractor can lead to serious illness and/or death. The most common risks of fume exposure are irritation, lightheadedness, and nausea. More serious risks include metal fume fever, metal poisoning, skin damage, and organ damage. Some compounds are known carcinogens, as well, meaning that exposure to them carries a risk of cancer.   
  
  Using a laser cutter without a fume extractor, for hobbyists, may seem like the right option. Hobbyists may choose to simply wear PPE and keep their laser cutter in a secluded area of the home, or out back in the shed. However, this is not a good idea, and hobbyists should look to invest in a small laser fume extraction system for their projects.