DIY Laser Fume Extractor: [Stage 3] Large Particulate Filter

DIY Laser Fume Extractor: [Stage 3] Large Particulate Filter

Overview:

This is what we call the stage 3 Large Particulate Filter where the raw laser fume is first mechanically filtered. It employs an easily procurable and economical 16 x 25 x 1″ disposable HVAC filter. We use MERV 13 that can be ordered on Amazon in bulk (or equivalent 3M filters as they do not indicate in MERV).

Illustrator Drawings:

Stage 3 Large Particulate Filter, Illustrator Drawing
Our laser bed measures 32 x 20″ (approx.) so this is how we maximized the material usage.

Stage 3 Large Particulate Filter, Illustrator Drawing

Stage 3 Large Particulate Filter, Illustrator Drawing
This is the top and the bottom of the unit. We lase two of these.
Stage 3 Large Particulate Filter, Illustrator Drawing
This is the plexiglass door that still needs a lot more thinking so as of Bernie 8.2, we have not used yet.

 

Details and Photos:

This filter is the most frequently replaced item in Bernie 8.2 Laser Exhaust Filtering system.

We tape a “tongue” on the filter for easy removal. There is a service port in the rear of the unit to push the filter out if gets stuck.
Links to Amazon.com
Links to Amazon.com
Newly inserted clean MERV 13 HVAC filter, seen from the empty Electro-Static Filter unit.
Spenet 3M filter after several weeks of heavy use.
1/2 scale model shown here, using 1/8 door skin plywood, for faster prototyping.

Assembly Notes:

  • The opening edges (top and the bottom) for the filter should be sanded down so as to make the insertion of the HVAC filter easier (The folds of the paper frame get snagged).

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