Fume Extraction System xFUME^® FLEX

A device for capturing welding fumes must efficiently and reliably extract harmful fumes so that these do not enter the welder's respiratory tract. Ideally, all those working in the vicinity of the welder are also protected from exposure to welding fumes. The welding fume extraction system captures the welding fumes produced and directs them into the extraction system. A pre-filter and a main filter clean the fumes and release the clean air into the environment. Instead of a common carbon brush motor, the xFUME^® FLEX is equipped with a brushless motor, which considerably extends the service life of the motor.

A major advantage of the xFUME^® FLEX is that the system not only extracts welding fumes from the ongoing process, but also any kind of micro-particles that are produced by cutting and grinding work, for example. Thus, the xFUME^® FLEX is a true all-rounder in terms of extraction.

The LEV system or the extraction of welding fumes with an extraction arm is a simple, low-cost and effective entry-level solution for local fume extraction, because nothing has to be changed neither in the welding process nor in the working environment. All previously used welding torches can still be used.

Another advantage of extraction hoods and extraction arms is that they can also be used for TIG welding and plasma welding. Although only very few gases are produced during TIG welding, these are also efficiently captured with an extraction hood and this avoids the need to invest in a special and expensive TIG extraction system. LEV systems are therefore a cost-effective all-rounder solution for MIG welding, MAG welding, TIG welding and also plasma welding.

When searching for a suitable welding fume extraction system, usually the technical data of several manufacturers are compared, similar to the selection of other technical devices:

• Motor power – Is the device powerful enough for the requirements?
• Required voltage - Is the required power connection available?
• Maximum volume flow – Is the extraction capacity sufficient for the requirement?
• Maximum negative pressure – Is the extraction capacity at the required static pressure level?
• Dimensions – Can the extraction system be easily positioned at the manual welding station?
• Weight of the device – Can the extraction device be easily transported to a workplace?
• Extras – Are additional features that facilitate welding included or optional purchases?

Three points immediately stand out in a direct comparison with other manufacturers of mobile extraction systems. Compared to the usual market standard, the xFUME^® FLEX provides:

1. three times larger filter surface ► means the filter has to be changed three times less and the service life is three times longer, resulting in significantly lower operating costs.
2.  working LEDs included ► easier welding right from the start, no optional purchase required
3. protective grid on the exhaust hood included ► larger foreign particles are not accidentally extracted, no optional purchase required

The filter surface is not usually considered as a savings potential when buying a welding fume extraction system! The larger the surface of a particle filter, the more particles can be absorbed. In addition, the service life is extended because the filter can be used longer and needs to be changed less frequently. The filter of the xFUME^® FLEX with a filter surface of 36 m2 is still in use when the second or even third filter of conventional extraction systems had to be replaced in the same period.

Therefore, the xFUME^® FLEX with its special features is a good choice with low operating costs.