Learn about the types of fumes and where they come from

Lasering operations give off fumes as the laser thermally decomposes the substrate. This fume is a mixture of particulate and gaseous matter and VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds).

There are three main areas of consideration associated with the fume; health issues, laser efficiency and product contamination.

Non organic gases given off during lasering, need capturing. They tend to be acidic e.g. HCI and for most applications are acid gases.

When PVC is burned during the lasering process the extremely corrosive, acidic Hydrogen Chloride or HCL is produced.

Most welding of plastics only softens or melts the substrate bonding them together rather than burning.

Laser cutting does however produce an enormous amount of hazardous contaminants that need to be removed to protect the operator and ensure the quality of cut.

A variety of potentially toxic fumes and particulates are generated when different substrates are being laser engraved.

Manual and automated processes including: wave solder, reflow, selective solder and conformal coating applications.

Potentially toxic fumes and particulates that are generated by CAD/CAM manufacturing, monomer mixing and hand finishing processes.

Potentially toxic fumes and particulate (nano particles) that are emitted from 3D printing processes.