Solutions for Laser Fume Extraction
Your Innovative Solution for Laser Fume Extraction: the LAS 260.1
The LAS 260.1 extraction system is a flexible solution that can be utilized for many laser processes on a wide variety of materials. Whether metal, plastic or wood, the LAS 260.1 ensures reliable extraction and filtration of particles and gases from your process. So you can be sure that your working environment and facilities always remain clean and safe and that your production is efficient and stable.
Laser Fume Extraction During Material Processing
Laser marking, laser cutting, laser welding, laser structuring or laser ablation are technologies you are familiar with? Do you utilize a laser system and look for an extraction unit that prefectly meets the requirements of your processes and applications?
The LAS equipment series covers the entire range of technologies for laser fume extraction and laser dust filtration – for any possible laser process in many industrial branches as well as handicraft, medical, or research.
Overview storage filter systems for laser fume
Overview cartridge filter systems for laser fume
The flexible solution for mobile laser fume extraction
The JUMBO Filtertrolley LAS is a unique unit optimized for mobile use with an appealing design. The mobile extraction system for laser fume and dust can be flexibly adapted to a wide variety of workplace and emission conditions.
The system is whisper-quiet and yet powerful.
Information on laser fume extraction
Technical approaches and case studies
- Paper "Formation and removal of flammable/explosive laser dust – challenges and solutions"
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- Paper "Fume extraction in femtosecond laser processes"
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- Paper "Pure air for ultra-short pulse laser processes"
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- Paper "Particle Poker − the right filter strategy for manufacturing companies"
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- Paper "The story of the flying particle"
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- Paper "Air purification during metal AM processes"
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- Case study Eurolaser laser fume extraction
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- Case study simplycut laser fume extraction
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Recommended fume extractors for Keyence and Universal laser systems
Laser smoke as an example of hazardous substances
Lasers are increasingly utilized in metal and plastics processing, e.g. drilling, welding, cutting, engraving, sintering, additive manufacturing, etc. For example, in metal processing dusts containing heavy metals are released that may accumulate in the human body. During processing of alloyed metals, contained substances such as nickel, cobalt, and chromium are released. The pyrolysis of organic substances may generate dioxins or hydrogen chloride. Moreover, laser fume contains fine dust and nano-scale particles that may, at worst, lead to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems and an increased cancer risk.
In addition to bad quality of work due to permanent fume and odor emissions, machines may be affected or damaged due to pollution and chemical reactions of their products. In particular, in the case of finest precision mechanical works, each kind of impact by particles must be avoided.
Pollutants of any size always affect humans, manufacturing equipment, products, and the environment. In addition to social and human aspects, a high sickness absence rate of employees has adverse economic effects on a company just like malfunctioning machines or poor product quality due to pollutions. Maintenance expenses, rework, and finally loss of reputation and falling demand are the predominant adverse effects.
ULT provides a wide range of air filtration systems for many industries.
The extraction and filtration of laser fume or laser dust goes far beyond the industrial vacuum principle. Because it is not just about removing dirt, but above all removing smallest hazardous substances from the air, which can trigger far more than a dust allergy.
Our LAS series of laser fume extraction systems ensures clean working conditions. Promised!
Your contact at ULT
FAQ: Laser Fume Extraction & Industrial Air Filtration
During laser processes like cutting, marking, or welding, materials are thermally decomposed, releasing hazardous fine dust and toxic gases. A dedicated laser fume extraction system captures these contaminants at the source. This is vital to meet health and safety regulations, protect employees from respiratory diseases, and prevent sensitive laser optics from being contaminated by debris.
A high-quality air filtration unit typically uses a multi-stage approach. First, a pre-filter captures larger particles. Then, a HEPA filter (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) - most commonly H13 and H14 filters are used - removes sub-micron particles and smoke. Finally, an activated carbon stage may neutralize harmful gases and odors. This dry filtration method ensures that the air returned to the production area is clean and safe.
A specialized laser fume extraction system is designed to handle a mix of "laser smoke" (fine metallic or organic dust), aerosols, and gaseous emissions. Depending on the material being processed—such as acrylic, plastics, or metal—the system filters out everything from sticky resins to toxic VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) and unpleasant odors.
Yes. When lasering plastics like PMMA (Acrylic), intense odors and vapors are released. Our air filtration solutions utilize high-capacity activated carbon beds that adsorb these gaseous molecules. Because these are dry storage filters, the chemical bonds ensure that odors are effectively neutralized before the air is recirculated or exhausted.
The filter lifespan depends on your laser's power, the material processed, and the daily duty cycle. Most modern laser fume extraction units feature monitoring systems (such as pressure sensors or hour counters) that indicate when a filter is saturated. Timely replacement is crucial to maintain consistent suction performance and high-quality air filtration.
Our air filtration systems are designed for maximum efficiency and ease of use. By using specialized filter media, the system ensures high retention rates for ultra-fine particles without the need for liquid additives. This makes the maintenance process clean and straightforward: saturated filters are simply replaced, ensuring a tidy workspace and consistent performance of the laser fume extraction unit.
We provide well-designed systems for mobile fume extraction, stationary utilization, and customized solutions.
Absolutely. Even though metal marking produces less visible smoke than plastic cutting, it releases microscopic metal dust and ozone. Without proper laser fume extraction, these metallic particles can settle on the laser’s precision components, leading to increased wear, beam scattering, and potential hardware failure.
The required airflow depends on the size of the laser enclosure and the intensity of the fume generation. Effective laser fume extraction requires a high "capture velocity" at the point of origin to ensure no fumes escape into the ambient air. We can help you calculate the ideal specifications for your specific air filtration needs.
We provide storage and cartridge filter systems. The latter are designed for high-dust laser processes utilizing cleanable filters. These are equipped with an automated pressurized air pulse system. In regulated intervals, a blast of compressed air is shot through the inside of the cartridge, knocking the accumulated dust cake off the outer surface and into a collection bin. This "pulse-jet" cleaning ensures the laser fume and laser dust extraction remains powerful and consistent, significantly extending the service life of the filter media before a full replacement is finally required.
While the primary goal is air filtration, a well-designed extraction system also manages the sparks and hot embers generated during laser cutting. By using flame-retardant filter media and optional spark arrestors, the laser fume extraction unit significantly reduces the risk of fire within the filtration housing, ensuring a safer production environment.
Please also see our paper on explosive and combustible laser dust handling.
