Extraction Systems

Virtually all laser operation whether engraving, marking or cutting will give off different levels of smoke and fume depending on material being converted. It is a vital that these elements are removed in an efficient and safe manner to avoid poor quality cutting, potential corrosion of machine parts and danger to the operator.

What is fume?

As the laser thermally decomposes the substrate it gives off fume which is a mixture of particulate and gaseous matter. Fume from materials such as metals and glass are mainly particulate, the majority of which is less than 5µ (microns) in diameter. Organic materials, particularly plastics, produce much more complex fumes which require a greater level of extraction. 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 bronchial or lung damage. These gaseous organic compounds produced are known as Volatile Organic Compounds, VOC's.