Benefits of Laser Welding Fume Extraction
Advantages of Laser Welding
In laser welding, a series of intense, highly-focused light beam pulses quickly heat and melt weld material instead of typical filler. Given the tightly focused nature of the laser beam, heat transfer is minimized to the weld location meaning parts can be handled almost immediately.
Laser welds, given their precision, offer high weld strength with an exceptional depth-to-width ratio. The accuracy of laser welding also results in minimal deformity or shrink for a more consistent product output, especially handy when dealing with thinner metals. Since laser welding is not electrical in nature, therefore requiring conductive materials, a broader variety of substrates can be bonded.
Given the automation of laser welding units, the systems can achieve higher productivity than a strictly manual workforce while consuming less resources. The downside of this increased efficiency is additional weld fume and the need for specialized capture equipment to effectively remove the smoke from the area. Lasers, after all, require a very clean operating environment since smoke causes laser refraction and refraction is the enemy of good welds.
Welding Ventilation for Laser Welders
Laser welding fume extraction requires a slightly different approach than typical manual welding ventilation systems. As stated above, the lasers require an extremely clean air environment to protect against laser refraction which can result in an indirect focus of the light beam on the weld seam, diminishing quality. The laser welding ventilation system should provide a 10 to 15 second turnover rate for air at the point of welding to ensure a clean enough environment.
In addition to a clean air environment, laser welders require light-tight enclosures to prevent lasers from escaping the weld area and causing harmful effects to the plant and workers. Since the enclosure is essentially sealed, source capture welding ventilation systems should be integrated to each laser welding enclosure to prevent weld fume accumulation.
Finally, it's important to remember the characteristics of weld fume particulate created in laser operations. Compared to other types of welding, the resulting particles are much finer. Therefore, the laser welding ventilation system should incorporate filters designed specifically for capturing these ultra-fine particles and removing them from the air before it's returned to the plant environment.
Plaser Series: Laser Welding Ventilation Systems by RoboVent, The Leader in Clean Air
The Plaser Series of laser welding fume extractors was specifically engineered to operate as efficiently as the laser welders they complement and effectively collect the airborne contaminants created in laser welding enclosures. Powerful source capture ventilation and next-level filtration technology maximize fume extraction and reduce maintenance time.
Every Plaser Series laser welding fume extraction unit comes pre-assembled in three pieces: the hopper, the filter cabinet and the motor assembly. These three parts are completely assembled and factory tested so you can rest assured there are no issues once the unit is delivered.
Installation is also expedited thanks to the unit's modular design. Typical assembly time on the plant floor is less than 60 minutes. After all, all seams are pre-gasketed, so all you need to do is place each piece on top of the other and tighten the necessary bolts. Even though we believe anyone could put this system together, we'll send a team of specialized technicians to your facility for installation, so there is one-source responsibility.
Contact us today to discuss which approach is best for your facility.
