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Looking for a welding fume extractor? Tips for choosing

Written by Lino Di Betta | March 28 2023

If your company operates in the mechanical, steel, or general manufacturing sector, you will know that welding activities generate a large amount of fumes every day, making the work environment unhealthy and safe for operators.

So, if you are looking for a welding fume extractor to solve the problem, keep reading this article to discover some useful tips!

Why a welding fume extractor is necessary in the company

Welding is a common activity in many industries and workshops and often goes on for many hours, generating fumes and dust that contain substances that are harmful to the health of the people who work closely with them.

The nature of these fumes depends on the type of metal used, but all contain tiny airborne particles that, if inhaled, can cause the onset of respiratory problems and increased risk of cancer.

A modern welding fume extractor intervenes at the source of the problem, whether it is a welding bench or an orbiting sander, eliminating harmful gases and elements where they are produced, ensuring the healthiness of the workplace. In fact, let us remember that a safe and healthy work environment significantly affects the productivity and efficiency of the company and the quality of the workmanship.

As well as being breathed in by the operators, the fumes that drift into the work area are deposited on walls, floors and objects, making the area unliveable and risking the success of the work.

How to choose the most suitable fume extraction system

Each plant should be conceived and designed based on the specific needs of the company, keeping in mind the following elements:

  • workspaces and area configuration.
  • the types of activities for which they will be used
  • the frequency of processing
  • the amount of suction points needed

It is important that the equipment, in addition to having a suction power appropriate to the characteristics and needs of the company, is not in the way of the operators' work!

That's why it might be useful to ask the supplier for a 3-D design of the work area before making a decision on the purchase of the 'welding fume extractor; this will provide a clear visualization of the layout of the equipment and give a realistic idea of the positioning of the machines and the overall dimensions.

Welding fume removal systems.

Welding fume extraction systems can be fixed or mobile. Let's see what distinguishes them.

Fixed welding fume extractors

Fixed systems draw fumes from the work area and expel them to the outside. They can have cartridge or pocket filters and are ideal when you have a specific, designated welding area where one operator at a time performs only that task.

Stationary systems can be equipped with articulated arms, available in different lengths, hoods with customized dimensions, or suction benches. The latter allow the capture of fumes during operations performed on the work surface, without active operator intervention, and can also be used as normal workbenches, so as to optimize space.

Mobile welding fume extractors

Mobile extractors, being mounted on wheeled units, are very convenient to move to different areas of the workshop. They consist of a fan, filters, and articulated arms of different lengths to conveniently get where you need them.

They are the ideal solution when there is no area specifically designated for welding in the company, but there is a need to move around often.

Regarding mobile welding vacuums, WORKY offers various solutions including:

  • SMOBIPLUS, a welding fume extractor ideal for light and infrequent welding jobs;
  • SMOBIMAX, a mobile solution but suitable for heavier, medium-duration welding tasks; can be equipped with one or two arms

When deciding to invest in a modern and innovative welding fume extractor, it is important to choose a versatile and customized solution that fits the needs of the company both today and tomorrow.

WORKY is a completely Italian production reality, based in the heart of the Emilian Motor Valley, which stands out for the very high quality of its achievements.

One of the company's strengths is the development of customized projects for each client.

The highly qualified after-sales personnel have extensive experience not only in dealing with unforeseen events on the construction site, but also in the phase prior to assembly.

Want to learn more or need clarification? Our experts are at your disposal for any needs: book a free consultation!