Determining the Right Exhaust System for Your Laser

A by-product of the laser engraving process is smoke; a safe method to evacuate the smoke residue is required. Two types of exhaust systems are available depending on your budget and shop design. An exhaust fan is an affordable method to expel the smoke generated from the laser engraving process. Be sure to seal and tape your duct work, and make sure the exhaust design meets local building codes. The size of the exhaust fan depends on the length of the duct work used. Lingering smoke in the laser system is an indicator of an inadequate exhaust fan or poorly designed duct work.

Another option to remove the smoke from your laser is to use a filtration system. These smoke-eating systems have an internal fan to draw out the smoke from the laser and three types of filter elements to clean the air. The extra up-front cost of a filtration system will be amortized over time when compared to the expense of a duct-based exhaust fan system. If mobility is part of your business plan, then you definitely require one of these filtration systems so you can laser engrave on the road.

-Mike Fruciano, Coherent