Besides Airflow-type and High-pressure type dust collectors, in CHIKO’s product lineup, there is also a special purpose dust collector for Laser applications. This type is designed specifically for laser processes--such as marking, welding, cutting, and drilling. In this article, we will discuss the necessity of dust collectors in laser processes and the features of the Chiko Laser Series Dust Collector.
Is a Dust Collector Necessary in Laser Processes?
If this fume is not properly addressed, it can lead to reduced product quality and yield. Not only can fume adhering to the workpiece cause defects, but if it deposits on the lens of the laser machine, it may result in defocusing, misalignment of markings, or even machine failure. In addition, fume generated during laser processing contains distinctive odors that can worsen the working environment. For these reasons, the need for dust collectors in laser processing is increasing.
Characteristics of Fume
Fume refers to fine particles formed when vapors from metals, resins, and other materials condense. It occurs not only in laser processes but also in soldering and similar operations. Depending on the source material, the properties of fume differ, and they can be broadly categorized into:
• Dry fume – generated when laser marking or processing materials such as glass or acrylic.
• Sticky fume – generated when processing film-type materials, plywood containing resin or adhesives, synthetic resins, etc. The fume generated during soldering also falls into this category.
Problems with Fume Collection
• Dry fumes generated from metals are extremely fine in particle size and can penetrate deeply into filters, requiring special caution.
• Sticky fume normally will clog on the filters, causing the frequency of filter replacement to rise sharply. Furthermore, the odors contained in fume cannot be removed with standard filters.
Therefore, dust collectors for laser processing must be able to resolve these fume-specific problems.
⭕ Filter Clogging Caused by Fume
| Filters are composed of filter fibers and coatings. | When fume pass the filter, they are captured and adhere to the fibers. | As dust accumulates, suction power decreases, and filter need to be replaced. |
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Features of the Laser series Dust Collector
Chiko’s Laser series Dust Collectors address fume-specific issues such as filter clogging and odors by utilizing zeolite and activated carbon.
• Role of Zeolite
Zeolite is a general term for porous aluminosilicates, also known as molecular sieves. The micropores in zeolite crystals can adsorb fume.
Chiko use it in Laser series Dust Collectors as a pre-coat for the filter:
⭕ Filter Protection by Zeolite
| Zeolite is dispersed and deposited onto the filter surface. | As a pre-coat, it prevents dust from adhering directly to the filter fibers. | By vibration, the zeolite and attached dust can be shaken off, restoring filter performance. |
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• Role of Activated Carbon
Activated carbon is a porous material primarily composed of carbon, made from sources such as coconut shells or coal. With a large surface area, it has strong adsorption properties. In Laser Clean Dust Collectors, activated carbon is used to remove odors and harmful substances contained in fume.
Chiko Laser Clean Series
| • Laser Marking Dust Collectors • Suitable for collecting highly sticky fume. • The primary filter is pre-coated with zeolite, and a mechanical vibration cleaning function is installed to maintain filter performance. • When the preset cumulative operating time elapses, the unit automatically activates the dust-cleaning function upon stopping. Manual cleaning is also possible but requires halting operation. • Models: CBA-1000AT3-HC-DSA-V1 |  |
• Simplified Laser Marking Dust Collectors |
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| • Laser Processing Dust Collectors • Designed for processes such as laser cutting, which generate large volumes of fume. • Larger filter surface area and greater zeolite capacity, the most powerful in the Laser Clean series. • Compatible with both resin and metal workpieces. • The primary filter chamber is pre-coated with zeolite, and auto pulse air cleaning. • When auto cleaning the dust, the machine can continue operating without stop. • Model: CHP-1600AT3 |  |
• Conclusion: Chiko's Laser Clean Dust Collectors are already in use across a variety of applications.
Since we could not cover all usage examples in this article, please feel free to contact us for more information.