TroLase residue in smoke extractor

Community Laser Talk
1

Hi there,
I’m using a Multicomp Pro MP740529 for filtering smoke after extraction from the laser machine via the built in “computer fan”. I recently did a job with a lot of TroTec TroLase material (2 tone acrylic) and there is a sticky blue reside all over the extraction fan and lining the filter material of the extractor. I’ll be replacing the filter material, but is there any way to reduce this residue? Or reduce the effect it has? If not, I’ll need to replace filters/give the fan a clean after every job using this material. Is that normal?

The worst part is that the residue/particles are all through the extraction line (6" ducting), so the smell is present all the time, even when cutting other material (PS-this material is the worst I’ve ever smelt)

Thanks!

2

If the machine is running the right speed/power… the residue (debris) is part of the how it works…

I’ve seen people put a filter in the machine ahead of the more expensive filter they use and let it take the brunt of the debris.

It sounds like this stays vaporized for quite a while if it will cake the inside of the ventilation tubing.

When I cut acrylic, I don’t have such a debris issue. I have engraved a fair amount and there isn’t any that I can feel in the ducting… I have a metal table so it condenses on the table before it goes too far. Probably limiting how far it travels…

I would be tempted to ask the manufacturer and see what they say… It could be something simple such a halving the power and decreasing speed.

Do you know what this stuff actually is?

:smile_cat:

3

thanks for the info. Same, I’ve never had an issue with debris, but this two tone (which has a blue top layer) makes it very obvious. Plus, it is sticky, so maybe there is a glue binding the two layers? The material is brand name Trotec TroLase, so info is readily available, and it’s definitely acrylic. I will ask supplier, see what they say

Thanks

4

I had something similar happen with a batch of signs done in good-quality orange acrylic with white / clear plastic protective layers:

This wasn’t Trolase (I shot both sides with rattlecan black and peeled the protective plastic), but the dust might be vaporized / condensed polyethylene, rather than acrylic. Despite the orange acrylic, the dust was white, but in your case, the blue acrylic could give the polyethylene dust a distinct blue tint.

Of course, if you peeled the film before engraving to get better details, then that idea goes down in flames …