Use case
Extraction of reactive dust from spark-emitting processes during laser cutting
Extraction of reactive dust from spark-emitting processes during laser cutting
Perfect extraction and filtration systems for your cutting laser – optimal safety for operators and equipment
Our engineers – On board from the very start
A well-known metal processing company with high-performance lasers contacted Fuchs Umwelttechnik:
When cutting different metals with lasers, large amounts of dust arise from the melted or evaporated material. In order to rule out the risks of these emissions which can also have reactive properties, an efficient laser extraction solution is imperative. Various risks must be totally eliminated and health protection must be guaranteed. These measures must also operate efficiently, space-savingly and without disturbing the work process.
The initial situation:
In special production areas, high-performance lasers cut metals such as steel, stainless steel, aluminium, magnesium or titanium precisely into complex shapes at high speed. Hereby, emissions with high combustion factors are generated which are no longer self-quenching. These dusts additionally impair the health of the staff and therefore the safety at the workplace.
The task:
Flying sparks in combination with inflammable dust can cause fires. At certain dust concentrations in the air, there is a risk of a dust explosion.
Metal dusts also bear a health risk by inhalation of ultra-fine particles which can penetrate deeply into the lungs.
- Spark-intensive cutting processes
- Possibly high combustion factors of the emission
- Other possibly critical explosion characteristics in accordance with ATEX
- Very high dust volumes
Competent expert consulting:
The customer's first contact is already with the engineers of Fuchs Umwelttechnik. The focus here is on sound advice which takes all specific conditions and requirements into consideration. Project planning begins already here, where the specialist engineers of Fuchs Umwelttechnik develop the requirement specification for the optimum extraction and filtering unit together with the customer.
- In order to find the best laser cutter extraction system, the first talks take place directly between the customer and a specialist engineer from Fuchs Umwelttechnik.
- The analysis of the customer's requirements as well as the existing working and space conditions are important prerequisites for the tailor-made extraction system and exactly the right filtering unit.
- All dust-relevant data as well as all application parameters are communicated to define the remaining risks.
- For a highly efficient extraction process, adapted precisely to the volumes of dust that occur, all parameters of the extraction and filtering system must be planned and designed exactly.
The solution:
Based on the information acquired from the customer, the engineers from Fuchs Umwelttechnik design the perfectly adapted extraction and filtering unit: Perfectly adapted to the amount of dust, high combustion factors and therefore to the associated fire and explosion risks, the specially designed collection, the efficient transfer and the ideal extraction and filtering unit can be integrated seamlessly into the existing production section of the cutting laser and ensure extensive fire protection and maximum safety.
In detail:
- Designed for large dust volumes: Dust removal units with filter cartridge systems and automatic cleaning.
- Sophisticated separation Contamination-free discharge through a manual flap or rotary airlock
- Sophisticated structure: Coarse particles are separated from the air stream by pre-separating systems, e.g. a cyclone. The filter elements therefore have a longer service life.
- Fire protection No. 1: Spark quenching by spark quenching modules.
- Fire protection No. 2: Inerting of the emission by a dedusting module.
- Fire protection No. 3: Extinguishing systems for safe extinguishing in case of a fire.
- Fire protection No. 4: ESD version for avoiding static discharges.
The result:
With professional competence and customer orientation, with this specially constructed extraction and filtering unit, Fuchs Umwelttechnik supplies the tailor-made extraction system for use in laser cutting. The metal processing company therefore gets an optimum safety package for the minimisation of all residual risks.
Fuchs Umwelttechnik also has the right extraction and filtering solution and the tailor-made extraction and filtering unit for other laser applications such as laser welding, laser activation, laser marking, laser engraving, laser cleaning or labelling lasers.
