Exhaust Requirements

Installation 2-3

If electrical power fluctuations, brown outs, or constant power outages are a problem in your area, an electrical line stabilizer, UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply), or backup generator might be required. If installing any of these devices, make sure that they meet the electrical requirements of the laser system.

If there is any type of electrical problem present, please contact a locally licensed electrical contractor to correct the problem. If an incorrect electrical supply, voltage spike or surges damage the laser system, the damages WILL NOT be covered under warranty. It is your responsibility to provide a suitable electrical supply.

To properly exhaust fumes and smoke from the laser engraving system during operation, it is necessary for you to provide a proper exhaust system. This system MUST be capable of supplying 250 CFM (cubic feet per minute) @ 6 inches of static pressure (water).

Never operate the laser engraving system without a properly installed and operating exhaust system. Some materials when cut or engraved can produce fumes that are hazardous in concentrated amounts.

The blower MUST be mounted on the OUTSIDE of the building either on the roof or on a cement pad next to the building possibly mounted on vibration dampers.

Rigid tubing should be used for 90% of the distance traveled. The tubing should be smooth walled and have as few 90 degree bends as possible. Two 45 degree bends have better airflow than one 90-degree bend. Use tubing with a diameter that matches the blower unit (usually 6 inches/1524 mm) and use a 6 inch (1524 mm) to 4 inch (1016 mm) reducer to couple the tubing down to 4 inches (1016 mm) to within a few feet from the laser system. Do not connect the rigid tubing directly to the laser system. Use a short piece of industrial grade, wire reinforced rubber tubing to connect the end of the gate, or rigid tubing, to the laser system. This will provide mobility and will dampen blower vibrations. Use only a few feet because it’s spiral construction reduces airflow. Install a hose clamp on both ends of the hose to prevent leaks and to prevent the hose from slipping off. Finally, have the blower wired to a wall switch in the same room for easy ON/OFF control.

Also consider installing a gate to control airflow and to close off the exhaust from the outside environment when the laser is not in use. This is especially useful in colder climates where it can be damaging to the laser system to have cold air coming into it from the outside.

In order to meet the laser system’s CFM requirements, a high-pressure, high static pressure rated, exhaust blower must be installed. This type of blower has self-cleaning blades and can maintain airflow even though restrictions are introduced. Length of exhaust pipe, exhaust pipe diameter, number of 90-degree angles, and other restrictions must be calculated when determining the correct exhaust blower unit. Installing an incorrect or undersized blower is not only unsafe, but it can also lead to premature and excessive wear and tear to the laser system.