Metal vs. Plastic: A Look at Laser Marking and Dust Filtration

The smoke and dust generated in the laser marking process is different for metals and plastics, and this means that the requirements for the air purification equipment are different.By analyzing the components of the smoke and dust produced by the two materials, the difficulties of air purification, and the solutions to those difficulties, they help customers choose the most suitable air purification system based on the characteristics of the materials used, thus improving the safety of the work environment and the efficiency of the marking process.

Why can't the dust control of metal and plastic be lumped together in one category?

Many people might not know that the smoke produced by laser marking metal and plastic is quite different.Metal marking usually requires high temperature, and it's easy for tiny metal particles to fly out. Plastics are even more likely to break down at high temperatures and release noxious fumes.If only one treatment system is used for two kinds of materials, the results may be greatly reduced--either the materials won't be filtered thoroughly, or the equipment may wear down quickly.

There are three key points in purifying metal fumes.

Select an anti-oxidant filter.

Metal dust often contains high-temperature oxidized metal particles, and ordinary filter paper is easily burned through.He suggests using a dust collector with a stainless steel wire mesh pre-filter to catch large particles first, followed by a PTFE coated filter core that can withstand high temperatures.

The wind speed control must be flexible.

The suction needed to work stainless steel is different from that needed to work aluminum.The aluminum dust is so light that if you turn the fan on too high it will blow the dust away. I recommend getting one of those adjustable suction arms.

Clean dust from corners.

Metal dust is easily deposited in the bends of the ducting. In some workshops, the filters were clear but the suction was weak. When they checked it out, they found that the ducting bends were clogged with half a pound of metal dust.Every month, it is necessary to blow into the air hose to clear out the joints.

A hidden trap for plastic smoke.

Don't underestimate the stickiness of oil mist.

ABS plastics, for example, release oil when heated, which then forms a sticky layer on the filter.One customer was changing the filters every three months, but after adding an electrostatic precipitator module, which first ionizes the oil mist into particles before filtering, the filter's lifespan was extended by half a year.

Activated carbon is not a magic solution.

Even though activated carbon can absorb odors, the composition of the gases emitted by different plastics varies widely.For example, when PVC is heated, it releases chlorine gas, which requires a special chemical filter to remove. Ordinary activated charcoal cannot handle it.

Explosion-proofing cannot be spared.

The dust of some engineering plastics can ignite in the presence of static electricity.Last year, an accident occurred at a toy factory because they didn't use explosion-proof motors. Now, most new pollution control equipment has explosion-proof certification as standard equipment. The money really can't be saved.

How do you go about choosing equipment so that you don't spend money needlessly?

We suggest that you first conduct a small test: Record the amount of time and smoke emitted when you mark the most commonly used materials.If the workshop spends 80 % of its time on metal, then you should go for a metal-specific model. If you often use both, then you should look for a machine with dual mode switching.Don't let yourself be talked into buying the most expensive one--the best one is the one that fits you.

Finally, many manufacturers of purifiers offer free trial periods, so you can try them out before you buy.First, let the machine run for two weeks in the workshop, and then you can see for yourself how the filter changes and the real dust suction effect. This is much more reliable than looking at a list of specifications.