SCCM Case Study: Machine Shop Black Process Dust Control

Challenge: Controlling Visible Black Process Dust in a High-Density Facility

Spring Creek Custom Machining operates a full-service 12,000 sq. ft. machine shop in Northwest Arkansas, specializing in machining plastics, steels, and nonferrous metals. Their facility houses CNC machines, abrasive water jet machines, heat treatment equipment, welding stations, black oxide processing, wire EDM, and numerous manual machining tools.

With dozens of machines positioned tightly throughout the facility, black process dust was constantly being generated and released into the air. The dust became a visible issue, and workers quickly began complaining about the poor air quality conditions.

Source capture wasn't feasible: Retrofitting duct drops to each machine and installing a central dust collection system would have been cost-prohibitive given the facility's layout and equipment density.

Solution: Strategically Positioned OX3500C Ambient Air Cleaners

 

Four OX3500C air cleaners (with silencers) were strategically installed above the shop floor and positioned to create a circular airflow pattern, filtering all machines throughout the 12,000 sq. ft. facility.

These air filtration systems feature a T-Style airflow pattern that draws air through inlets on both ends of the units and pushes filtered air through a center grill/fan for optimal circulation.

The OX3500C units are ideal for machine shop applications, equipped with dual replaceable micro-glass fiber filters that increase total filter area and reduce static pressure during operation.

Key Features:

• Dual replaceable micro-glass fiber filters providing increased filter area and lower static pressure
• Built-in silencers for quieter operation in the work environment
• Circular airflow pattern designed to encompass all machines across 12,000 sq. ft.

Results: Dramatic Improvement in Air Quality

With the strategic positioning of the four OX3500C units, airborne particles were reduced dramatically throughout the facility. Shop conditions greatly improved, and worker complaints about air quality ceased.

Client Testimonial

"We love our air cleaners! We use them in a machining environment, and they have been great for reducing the amount of black particles in the air."

— Brianne Huffman, Spring Creek Custom Machining

Why Choose Fume Xtractors?

Cost-Effective Alternative to Source Capture

When retrofitting duct drops and central dust collection systems isn't feasible, ceiling-mounted ambient air cleaners provide comprehensive filtration without the prohibitive costs of traditional exhaust systems.

Built for High-Density Manufacturing Environments

Designed for facilities with dozens of machines in tight quarters. Our ambient air cleaners deliver reliable performance across large spaces where traditional source capture isn't practical.

Dual Filter Design for Heavy Particulate Loads

The OX3500C features dual replaceable micro-glass fiber filters specifically engineered to handle black process dust and heavy particulate from machining operations—increasing total filter area and reducing static pressure.

Energy and Cost Savings

By filtering and recirculating tempered air, ambient air cleaners can reduce heating and cooling costs when compared to traditional exhaust methods.

Scalable Solutions for Any Facility Size

From compact OX3000 units to heavy-duty OX7000 systems, our complete line of ambient air cleaners addresses the air quality challenges that manufacturing facilities of any size face every day.