How can I tell if something is wrong with my fume extractor?

Good extraction systems let you know if there is a fault and even what the fault is. There are some basic checks you can do, however.

• If your extractor isn’t clearing smoke from the laser enclosure as fast as it used to, then it’s a sign that airflow has decreased.
• If there is a smell coming from the exhaust of the extractor, then it’s a sign that the filters are close to being full or already are. Be careful as most materials will “off-gas” for a long time after they are lasered; and a lot of users store the cut material in the same room, making it smell and tricking the user into thinking the filters aren’t working.

—BOFA International