Just got an OMTech K40+ 40 watt co2 laser. It has an enclosure and a built in exhaust fan; I have a duct that goes from the fan to outside.
The enclosure is obviously not airtight, so I was thinking about buying a stand alone floor or desktop air purifier for the room – this would not be inline with the exhaust system, but would rather be for anything that comes out the gaps of the enclosure and into the room.
I was also thinking of adding another fan to the duct line. Does it help to put two similar sized fans in series like that? Any recommendations here?
If you draw enough air out of the machine via the exhaust vent, then it should draw it from within the machine to the outside. If you’re not moving the debris out of the machine, you probably need to look at a better ventilation system.
I have to run my China Blue with the lid open about an inch to get good airflow. This is with the lid wide open and stock fan…
The less you can smell inside the better. Most of these filter and purifiers do not remove toxic gasses that can are created by lasing the wrong types of materials. When they do, they are usually out of budget for most of us and need replacement filters at high costs.
Multiple fans seem great, but generally one is a drag on the other, so I’d suggest not. When you get things working to your satisfaction, then you can try all these ideas…
The best air flow is as straight as possible…
None of these filters are bad, just know what you have or are getting … many gasses are not good for you and many have no odor.
I know these are mesmerizing, but if you can smell it, you’re breathing it not to mention odorless ones.
Congrats on the new machine, I’m sure you’ll have a great time…
Adding a second inline will increase air flow, but not nearly as much as you might expect for the reason @jkwilborn mentioned. If you smell odors during operation, Enlarge the hole and replace both the fan and the duct with larger sizes.
When it comes to ventilation, what I will do later, consists of a closed bench with only the perforated machine support base and an air outlet. A fan inside and a division that will separate the suction and exhaust. I am convinced that with the fan I am going to install I will have the exhaust problem resolved. If this doesn’t work, there is another option, which is to create a leakproof box all around the machine with just an air inlet just big enough to not restrict air intake. This solution I believe definitively solves the problem of smells, smokes and toxic gases entering, both in my laser diode machine and in any other machine. As long as the leakproof box surrounds the entire machine, while the ventilation is on, air will hardly enter the room. This is assuming that the room does not have other air inlets through which expelled air can re-enter, thus creating air recirculation.
NOTE: Obviously the room must have other air inlets where air can enter to be sucked in. Just can’t suck in the expelled air.
This is my solution. I live in Florida, so indoor was my only choice. The left side panel with the window is also hinged. The right side panel is fastened with screw inserts so it can be easily removed for maintenance. The back wall has the power strip and duct fan mounted.
Spot on with that observation, but it sits on top of a shop cart. Easy to move, not so easy to tilt up. In retrospect, I should have framed it in 2x2’s, 3/4" MDF bottom and back, and thin paneling for the top and sides. Funny how how hindsight is 20-20 vision, no?
I am sorry, what do you mean?
My english still very “google translator” and the translation gives me something like brazilian portuguese and what you right still make no sense to me.
If I ever have to make a box identical to this one I will try to make a frame in light but resistant material, and use a canvas (preferably transparent) or something similar in order to remove weight. As the walls don’t need to be strong, just forcing the air to circulate along a certain path, I’m convinced it will work perfectly.
Good eyesight is called 20-20 vision, meaning no correction is needed.
Hindsight means looking back to a previous time.
Saying translates to “It is easy to see our mistakes later.”
Never apologize for Google Translate! Many of us use it every day. It is easier than trying to learn a dozen languages. Most of the time, I cannot tell if the person writing speaks English or they are using a translator. You did exactly what you should do, bring a confusing statement to my attention. It is my job to make it clear, not yours to figure out what I am trying to say.
Transparent not good unless it blocks the laser light. I have seen some enclosures made with canvas. The observation windows in mine block the laser light. If I ever do mine over, it will definitely be different!
I personally have had good luck with sealing up enclosures with tape and weather stripping, or in situations with coolant like my milling machines, I use a product called ‘The Right Stuff’ by Permatex. It’s incredible. Permatex® The Right Stuff® Black 1 Minute Gasket Maker, 5 OZ – Permatex
Thank you for your clarification!
Answering,… Always.
I forgot to mention that mine already has a filter mounted on the laser head that greatly limits the laser projections outwards.
Although it is quite a hindrance when I want to make the most of the material because it ends up hitting the fixing stops and preventing the laser focus from being clearly visible.
Maybe when I make my table with extraction this will be enough to “glue” the material to the honeycomb and thus reduce the use of material fixing stops.
I just read in a thread where these are not viewed in a favorable light. Look for posting #30 to see what I mean. I removed mine 10 minutes after I power it up for the first time.
If you are talking about using it like a vacuum table, any opening around the work material will will pretty much kill the vacuum effect. Read this in another posting too.
If you are placing the laser on a workbench, I think a canvas cover over a PVC pipe frame would work great, and not be too heavy. You can get Red transparent 1/16" plexiglass fairly cheap for viewing ports.
