5 Facts About Fume Extraction Arms for Workplace Safety

Summary

Fume extraction arms are source-capture systems that pull welding fumes and smoke directly from the arc using an exhaust hood and blower. They mount to ceilings, walls, posts, table-tops, or workbenches, come in hanging and standing styles, and rely on proper positioning and flanged hoods to maximize capture range.

Table of Contents

How Fume Extraction Arms Work

Fume extraction systems capture and control welding fumes, smoke, and other airborne contaminants to protect the safety of machine operators. Fume extractors are available in various configurations - including fume extraction arms, to control overexposure to the smoke and fumes generated during welding and other machining processes.

Fume extraction arms are designed to capture smoke and fumes directly above the welding arc. This style of source capture system utilizes an exhaust hood and blower to extract and draw contaminated air into a contained filtration system - where it is cleaned and returned into the facility or exhausted outside, away from the plant.

Because fume arms are a type of source capture system, they're highly effective at controlling welding fumes and other air contaminants while using less energy.

Fume extraction arms easily mount to ceilings, walls, posts, table-tops, and workbenches - making them an excellent choice for a range of applications. Before choosing a fume extraction arm for your workspace, here are five important things you should know.

1. Not All Fume Arms Are the Same

Fume extraction arms are made available in a variety of styles, including hanging arms and standing arms, to accommodate most machining applications. You can choose from different arm lengths and hood diameters, mounting options, lighting kits, and more.

Fume Xtractors arms offer ultra-smooth articulation and a flanged suction hood for maximum dust and fume removal. Get in touch with our experts to customize your solution.

2. Self-Supporting & Flexible

Fume arms are built to be self-supportive and flexible so that they stay in place but are also flexible enough to move around a project without restricting the machine operator's view.

Fume Xtractors extraction arms come equipped with exhaust hoods that rotate 360° to provide maximum accessibility.

3. Proper Usage

A fume extraction arm must be properly used to prevent any risks of fume and/or smoke exposure. Fume arms must be positioned at the center distance to ensure effectiveness - meaning the machine operator will move the arm as they move around the project.

4. Hanging Fume Arms

Hanging Fume Extraction Arms are our most popular style! They're ideal for a wide range of applications and feature a large diameter hood, solid steel construction, and durable external joints.

We also offer standing extraction arms that mount to table-tops and workbenches, and telescopic fume arms for small spaces.

5. Capture Range

The reason that flanged hoods are often used in combination with fume arms - and why we use them in our systems, is because the flanged shape reduces the amount of false air that gets sucked into the sides of the extraction arm.

Fume Xtractors fume arms provide 2x the suction distance when compared to competitors.

FAQs: Fume Arms

How do fume extraction arms work?

Fume extraction arms are designed to capture smoke and fumes directly above the welding arc. This style of source capture system utilizes an exhaust hood and blower to extract and draw contaminated air into a contained filtration system - where it is cleaned and returned into the facility or exhausted outside, away from the plant.

Are all fume extraction arms the same?

No. Fume extraction arms are made available in a variety of styles, including hanging arms and standing arms, to accommodate most machining applications, with different arm lengths and hood diameters, mounting options, lighting kits, and more.

Why do fume arms need to rotate?

Fume Xtractors extraction arms come equipped with exhaust hoods that rotate 360° to provide maximum accessibility, staying self-supportive and flexible without restricting the machine operator's view.

How should a fume extraction arm be positioned during use?

Fume arms must be positioned at the center distance to ensure effectiveness - meaning the machine operator will move the arm as they move around the project.

What is the most popular style of fume extraction arm?

Hanging Fume Extraction Arms are the most popular style. They're ideal for a wide range of applications and feature a large diameter hood, solid steel construction, and durable external joints.

Why do fume arms use flanged hoods?

Flanged hoods are used in combination with fume arms because the flanged shape reduces the amount of false air that gets sucked into the sides of the extraction arm, improving capture efficiency.

It's important to remember that the risk of weld fume and smoke is not limited. Long-term exposure to weld fume presents serious health and safety risks. Protect your work environment with a solution from Fume Xtractors!

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