LASER CUTTING, SOLDER & WELDING FUME REMOVAL WITH FUME EXTRACTION SYSTEMS
If you’ve ever laser cut, soldered, or welded, you know all too well how these processes release plumes of smoke containing intensely toxic gas and fumes that can be extremely harmful if inhaled. These fumes can contain arsenic, lead, manganese, carbon dioxide, nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, and other toxic materials from the electrode and/or material being welded. Consequently, effective laser cutting, solder, and welding fume removal techniques are essential to worker safety (fume extraction systems are included in OSHA’s Hierarchy of Controls for managing fume and you can read the administration’s regulations here). Fume extractors (like our 6000EX) are a necessity and the most effective method for laser cutting, solder, and welding fume removal.
Types of Welding & Their Respective Fume Production
There are four different types of welding, all of which release toxic fumes and gas. However, some welding processes release more than others. In decreasing intensity, they are:
- Flux Core Arc Welding – filler metal electrode; flux shield
- Shielded Metal Arc – electrode provides both flux and filler material
- Gas Metal Arc – widely used; consumable electrode for filler material, external gas shield
- Tungsten Inert Gas – superior finish, non-consumable electrode; externally-supplied inert gas shield
Laser Cutting Fumes
Three types of lasers have become common for cutting: fiber lasers, C02 lasers, and Nd and Nd-YAG lasers, with C02 lasers being the most popular of the three. Just like with welding, harmful chemical vapors, aerosols, or smoke can be emitted when using a laser to cut materials like steel, stainless steel, titanium, wood, plastic, and much more. Laser cutting fume extraction systems (that is, both local and ventilation systems) are paramount in laser fume removal and, ultimately, the protection of workers. Other materials and their respective fume emissions include:
- Kevlar: Respirable dust
- Polycarbonate: Respirable dust and Cresol
- Rubber: Respirable dust and 1,3-Butadiene
- Mild steel: Iron oxide, NO, NO2, CO
- Stainless steel: Nickel, Chromium
- Nimonics: Cobalt, Chromium, Nickel
Solder Fumes
Although on a much smaller scale, soldering still releases toxic contaminants that can pose serious health risks if not managed properly. Solder fume extractors are just as important in the protection of workers as welding and laser cutting fume extraction systems are for their respective processes.
6000EX Laser Cutting, Solder & Welding Fume Extractor
For effective welding fume removal, our 6000EX fume extractor is designed to draw solder and weld fumes away from the worker’s breathing zone and to keep your facility clean. Because of its size and capability, it can take the place of several smaller systems, making it the perfect solution for use in larger industrial and manufacturing facilities.
Protect your workers from breathing fumes today by purchasing your very own fume extractor.
Electric Air Compressors
Pacific Industrial Equipment offers electric 1000 cfm skid-mounted Air Compressors. These 2 stage rotary screw Air Compressors create 125 PSI and include an air-cooled aftercooler. The fork pockets and certified lift cage make them easy to move around your job site. Pacific Industrial Equipment’s electric air compressors are available for weekly, and monthly rentals.