There is a hidden danger in weld fumes that most people fail to recognize. For those of you who do not know what weld fumes are, these are a mixture of metallic oxides, fluorides, and silicates. Weld fumes can pose risk to your workers’ health, which is why it is crucial that an employer should always find ways to avoid it.
Fume extractors are beneficial tools for welders who are regularly exposed to harsh elements that create a fume. This type of fume typically happens when metal reaches its boiling point so it can contains particles from welding materials.
Lucky for you, there are ways to lower these risks. For one, portable fume extraction systems can go a long way in extracting weld fumes, preserving an environment that is safe for your workers, as well as maintaining regulatory compliance.
With that in mind, some of the best fume extractors are equipped with certain features to make the job more efficient. If you are at a loss as to which kind of fume extractor would work best for you, we're here to help with our top five fum extractor review.
Top 5: Fume Extractors Review
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The Hakko FA400-04 can easily be operated while standing up or even when laying down. It features a low-profile position that promotes airflow resulting in a high level of efficiency. At the price of $69.99, you can have a fume extractor that is ESD-safe by design and by the materials used for construction.
This product also features an activated carbon filter which contains 8g of activated carbon. Not only is this product very durable, but it also has a filter which is easy to clean and replace.
If you only use this product infrequently, then you won't need to clean the filter as regularly. However, if you notice that the filter’s effectiveness is reduced, go change it.
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If there is one thing to notice about the Kulannder Handy Carry Solder Smoker Absorber is that it is very powerful when it comes to removing the fumes. Furthermore, we love how you can easily carry this fume extractor around. Although it is lightweight, it is made with sturdy aluminium alloy material.
In addition, you can easily use this for long-lasting working hours without having to worry too much about reduced effectiveness. In fact, the Kulannder Handy Carry Solder Smoker Absorber has a working time for over 50,000 hours.
Most of the time, cleaning out your equipment can be annoying; however, with this product you have an easy-to-clean filter. This product works great for electronics, stained glass work, and other arts and crafts.
The Kualannder Solder Smoker Absorber Remover easily and effectively absorbs toxic fumes when soldering and welding. Furthermore, the noise produced by this product is low, which is an important feature when shopping for fume extractors. It also has a high-efficiency fan as well as a replaceable active carbon filter.
All of the wires in this product are at a straight connection. The Kualannder also features a great wire design by professional engineers. Lastly, this ones certification includes ROHS, UL, CUL, CE, CCC, and TUV.
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The Aoyue AO486 486 Benchtop Solder Smoke Absorber is the perfect fume extractor for arts and crafts projects, electronics, or stained glass work. It is very quiet when doing its job. Furthermore, it has a powerful operator that will make every cent worth it.
Similar to most systems, the Aoyue AO486 486 also features an activated carbon filter. On top of that, this product has been tested by ESD.
Aoyue SRA Soldering Products started way back in 1962. They have been manufacturing, distributing, and importing various products including fume extractors. Some of its key features include a stand with an adjustable pivot, a replaceable carbon filter, AC powered, and a fairly quiet operation.
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The Flexzion Solder Fume Extractor Smoke Absorber caught our attention. This product’s power supply is at AC120 and 60Hz. Its power consumption is at 30W and it has a maximum airflow of 1000L per minute.
The inlet concentration is at 2(mg/L). This product’s dimensions are 8.7-inch x 10.6-inch x 6.6-inch. It features an easy-to-clean carbon filter including an activated carbon with a capacity of 0.02 lb.
There were a number of customers who asked if the Flexzion Solder Fume Extractor Smoke Absorber could be used to clean out the fryer whenever it smells. It’s not typically a good decision to use these types of products in the kitchen; you can use this with arts and crafts or stained glass work.
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Similar to most products that are available in today’s market, this 1000l Adjustable Solder Smoke Absorber Remover features a carbon filter with foam and activated carbon. The amount of activated carbon in this product’s filter is at 0.02 lb. Furthermore, this product’s filter is perfect for absorbing any toxins within the workplace.
On another note, the product’s low noise operation as well as its high-efficient fan are very impressive. Furthermore, this 1000l solder smoke absorber is easily adjustable to a certain absorbing angle. As a result, it is much more effective at doing its job.
One thing that we found to be unique with this fume extractor is that the materials used in constructing this product are anti-static. This product would work well with those who deal with electronics every day.
Furthermore, if you use this to absorb solder smoke every day, you wouldn’t worry too much about cleaning it because of its easy-to-clean and easy-to-replace carbon filter.
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best fume extractor - Buying Guide
Shopping for a fume extractor is only considered a daunting task if you do not know what you are looking for. With that in mind, here are the top four factors that you should look out for when shopping for the perfect option for you:
Performance
Every customer would concern themselves with the performance of a said product. In the case of fume extractors, portability is not the only thing on the list. Yes, it adds to its ability to perform well; however, you should also consider other aspects like its cleaning filters and high-performing blowers.
An excellent solder smoke absorber ensures the user that it can capture as much toxic particulate in the air as it can. The machine should be able to handle your output, whether you are working with arts and crafts, stained glass works, or electronics.
Do keep in mind that certain outside factors can also play a critical role in the machine’s performance. A light breeze that may pass through open windows and doors can increase the airflow of a fume extractor. Furthermore, an airflow calculator can definitely come in handy during these instances.
Durability
Always ensure that the materials used for construction are of high-quality; this will determine whether or not the machine can stand the test of time and the daily wear and tear.
Opt for an extractor that features heavy-duty stainless steel and 100% welded seams. A durable cabinet can prevent any form of leaks. Remember, leaks are the enemies of clean air. Lastly, the locking functionality of the product should be top-notch to add mobility to the machine.
Flexibility
When it comes to flexibility, a machine should be able to capture the units in diverse situations.Whatever the nature of the job, your machine should still be able to perform well.
In addition, whichever method works best for various welding and soldering situations, your fume extractor should be flexible enough and adapt to the kind of welder that uses the product. As a result, this will drastically increase efficiency.
Safety
Lastly, the safety and security of the user should be considered. A fume extractor aids in reducing the health issues brought about by welding fumes. It is only right that it should not add to the existing health risks of the nature of the job.
Opt for portable products that feature spark arrestance technology; this will prevent any form of spark from any type of welding activity. As a result, you can ensure that the ventilation phase will not cause any full-blown fires.
Remember, a highly safe fume extractor goes beyond its certification. Take time to do research and find out how effective the machine can eliminate spark even before it's given a chance to reach the filter media and dust collector.
Commonly Asked Questions
What is a fume extractor?
A fume extractor is a fan system that is used to extract fumes from a space and particulate it into a filtration system that is connected to it. These are mostly used in spaces where harmful chemicals and gases are used frequently. Its intent is to rid the air of any toxic fumes that may be hazardous to a person’s health. Breathing in harmful fumes can cause serious illness and in some cases death depending on the chemical ingredients of the fumes.
Also, spaces where industrial processes take place can also create harmful fumes as well. For example, if you are in a space where you can weld, grind, sand, spray, powder fill, or apply chemicals you might be creating fumes that can harm your health. That’s why it is important to install a fume extractor in these spaces so it can create and preserve a safe environment in these spaces when such industrial activities are not taking place.
Do you need a fume extractor for soldering?
It would depend on the size of the project. A small soldering project can produce some harmful fumes. That’s why it’s important to do this in a well-ventilated room that has plenty of fans or ventilation. Large scale soldering projects will need to be done in a well-ventilated area that will have a fume extractor installed.
Preferably, you should consider doing your soldering outdoors. Especially if you do not have a fume extractor in place. That’s because the open air is your best bet when you are looking for a more well-ventilated area.
Can you create your own fume extractor?
If you are more of a DIY kind of person, then it’s always a good idea to build a fume extractor from the ground up. The size of it will depend on a few factors such as the kind of fume extractor that you need. A large, industrial-sized fume extractor will require more parts and even a much larger budget. If you want to build an individual fume extractor for small projects, you can do so without spending an arm and a leg.
As for what you need to build a fume extractor, here’s what you’ll need: an activated carbon filter, DC fan, M4 nuts and bolts, a power switch, and a DC jack. The tools you need to build this will include a soldering iron, glue gun, and a 3D printer.
Next, you’ll need to cut the carbon filter into the desired size. The size should be enough to cover the fan that you’ll need to use. Next, you’ll need the grill so you can glue the DC jack and the power switch. Then you’ll need to solder the wires. The red wires are the V+ and the black wires are considered your “ground wires”. To better translate it, red wires are the positive charge while the black wires are your negative charge.
Next, use the 3D printer to create some “legs” that you can fasten to the fume extractor itself. Assemble everything else using the M4 nuts and bolts. After everything is put together, be sure to test the fume extractor. If it’s running in proper order, then you’re all set and good to go.
Do you need a mask for soldering?
Even if you are using a fume extractor or outdoors in a more well-ventilated area it’s always a good idea to wear an N95 mask. That way, you are protecting yourself from breathing in not just fumes, but also any harmful particles that can also cause health hazards both in the short and long term.
Can you solder indoors?
Yes, you can solder indoors. If you are doing SMD work, the indoors will likely be your best place. However, you’ll still need to make sure the room is well-ventilated. Be sure to open up any windows so you reduce the presence of any harmful fumes. Likewise, this is where a small fume extractor can come in handy. Regardless of whether you are indoors or outdoors, it’s always a good idea to take the necessary safety precautions if and when you are soldering.
What is soldering?
Soldering is the process where you can join two or more metal items together. Soldering is basically melting these metal parts together. You can use a soldering iron to melt together metal components that are electronically based. Most of the metals used are filler metals. Which means they are easier to melt and mesh together.
What’s the difference between soldering and welding?
Soldering is basically melting the metal parts together. However, welding is used to bond metal parts. But welding will never melt metal at all. However, welders and fabricators will melt the base metal in order to make it easier to weld something together.
Which metal is used for soldering?
Solder is a metal alloy that has a low-temperature melting point. A soft solder is composed of tin and lead. A hard solder is comprised of copper and zinc. However, these metals will need to melt at a much higher temperature. A soft solder will melt anywhere between 200 to 300 degrees Celcius. A hard solder can melt at temperatures ranging between 600 to 1000 degrees Celcius.
What are the three types of soldering?
There are three types of soldering that you can do: lead-based, lead-free, and flux. So what are the differences between them? With lead-based, this will use soft solder metals that are comprised of tin and led. Plus, it is the most reliable type of soldering when you want to assemble and put together any mission-critical items such as electronic medical supplies.
Lead-free soldering is the more environmentally friendly option since it won’t used any lead-based soldering metals. This will also be used with hard soldering metals such as copper and zinc.
Flux soldering will use wires. This is typically used when you are soldering metals for the purpose of plumbing. This kind of soldering is not appropriate for anything involving the assembly of electronics.
Final Verdict
In today’s global market, there are a number of leaders in air technology. Branded fume extractors are great as you are ensured of their products’ quality. Buyers before you have tried and tested their products, so there’s that.
Knowing what you need a fume extractor for will greatly aid in narrowing down your search. For one, if you are concerned with the health of your welders, you would want a smoke absorber that is effective at eliminating smoke. On the other hand, if you are planning to use this at home, you would most likely opt for something that does not cause too much noise.
