FAQ′sFrequently asked questions for Bofa Americas, Inc

What is fume extraction?

Fume Extraction is ...

Bofa Americas, Inc has designed all it's extractors to the highest standards to help protect everyone in the working environment.

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Bofa Americas, Inc announces the launch of its largest extractor to date, the AD2000 & AD4000 are the most powerful Laser Fume Extractors in the advantage range, combining large filter capacity and 3 stage filtration with high airflow. This combination makes them ideal for large laser engravers, laser cutters as well as multiple laser coding installations. Their easily accessible filters are located behind the uniquely styled ‘clam shell’ and ‘gull winged’ doors, which allow for maximum space and ease when changing filters.

The AD2000 & AD4000 are set with Automatic closed loop flow control for consistent airflow throughout filter life with stop/start and system failure as available options. These units differ form other manufactures machines due to the fact the blowers are oversized. Each unit will actually achieve 2000m³h and 4000m³h still leaving capacity for the fans to increase speed beyond this point allowing for filter life.

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What is Laser Fume?
Problems Caused by LGAC's
Lasing Polymers
Lasing PVC
Laser Welding
Laser Cutting
Laser Engraving
Filters

What is Laser Fume?

Lasers are now an essential tool in industry for cutting, marking, engraving and welding a vast range of materials. Metals are the most commonly worked substrate but organic materials (plastics, paper, wood) are catching up fast.

In virtually all the above operations some form of fume is given off as the laser thermally decomposes the substrate to a greater or lesser degree. This fume is a mixture of particulate and gaseous matter.

Fume from materials such as metals and glass is mainly particulate, the majority of which is less than 1µ (micron) in diameter.

Organic materials, particularly plastics, produce much more complex fumes which are investigated below.

The particle size distribution of the airborne particles is shown on graph 1 (above) and with small variations relates to the majority of polymers. Most of the particles are spherical and roughly 90% by weight are less than 1µ in diameter. These particles fall within the respirable range and need to be removed from the working environment to prevent bronchal or lung damage.

The gaseous organic compounds produced are known as Volatile Organic Compounds, VOC's.

The VOC's produced are a mixture of the following:

Aliphatic hydrocarbons: alkane, alkene
Aromatic hydrocarbons: benzene, toluene, xylene
Aldehyde: formaldehyde
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: benzo(a)pyrene
Additionally some materials have other specific groups e.g. PVC polymers generate HCl, 2 component epoxy polymers yield amines and PET generates THF.

A considerable number of the above have Occupational exposure limits set for them and these are detailed in the Operator health section. (Link). Obviously, as with the particulate element these gases need removing from the workplace.

» View All Products » Enquiry Form » Contact Us
Or call us on (618)-635-4465 for more details.

What is Laser Fume?
Problems Caused by LGAC's
Lasing Polymers
Lasing PVC
Laser Welding
Laser Cutting
Laser Engraving
Filters