Fume extraction is a simple way to guard yourself and others from toxic fumes present in the workplace. These machines take full responsibility for supplying clean air, so you don't have to worry about anything other than work.
But why is the extraction process so easy? How do the various components and accessories comprising an extractor work to accomplish a great feat? In this blog, let's focus on one feature of an extraction machine that might seem insignificant. Here are the different purposes of weld fume extraction arms.
What Is a Fume Extraction Arm?
Understanding what a fume extraction arm is actually quite easy. As its name suggests, this is an "arm" device that collects emissions and other particles and carries the toxins towards the extraction fan, filter system, or dust collector.
This allows welders and other industrial workers to take advantage of local ventilation. With an extraction arm, you can capture fumes straight from the source. You can position it right near the object you are welding without a larger piece of equipment impeding your workflow.
Ultimately, these arms are flexible extraction options that help businesses save on costs and workshops save on space. Most importantly, however, these localized ventilating accessories keep welders and other employees alike safe and protected from potentially harmful chemicals, dust, particles, or toxins.
The Different Purposes in Welding and Fabrication
We're here to talk about weld fume extraction arms, which, as its name suggests, are used in welding work environments. They're attached to the larger components of the device, such as the fan, filter, and dust collector. You can find extraction arms affixed to all forms of machinery—wall-mounted and portable devices typically always feature an extension arm. Some downdraft tables do, as well.
Toxic Fume Removal
First and foremost, an extension arm's defining purpose in the workshop is to remove toxic fumes from the air effectively. These chemicals are produced when metal is heated, and many of them can cause life-long health issues, along with chronic daily symptoms. Aluminum, magnesium, nickel, stainless, steel, and copper alloy welding all create toxic fumes. When working with these materials, it's always recommended that you have local ventilation to control the quality of air.
Dust Control
Fume extractors don't just capture fumes—they also effectively eliminate significant dust accumulation. Now, dust piles throughout your home may be visually unappealing, but they won't harm you. In a workshop, dust piles can and will harm everyone inside the building. When dust accumulates, whether on surfaces, on counters, or on high ledges, it becomes the perfect fuel for sudden combustion. All you need is an open flame and some gas, and those dust piles will go up in flames.
Sudden combustion is actually one of the biggest risks to welders outside of toxic fume exposure. That's because welding produces a lot of debris, especially in large quantities. Luckily, weld extraction arms can reduce both toxins and dust at the same time.
Space Saving
Earlier, we mentioned how an extraction arm is actually a space saver for a welding business. That's because they allow for smarter layouts of workstations and extraction devices. For instance, you can easily line a wall with wall-mounted extraction machines, leaving more floor space for movement and other objects. As long as you have a suitable extraction arm connected to the wall-mounted device, you can enjoy local ventilation without obstructing workflow.
The Different Purposes In Other Industries
The different purposes of weld fume extraction arms aren't confined to just the welding industry. In fact, there are hundreds of jobs across countless industries that extraction arms are responsible for, many of which are paramount for the well-being of society. Local ventilation is important for protecting pharmaceutical, auto repair, and medical professionals, along with many others.
Healthcare
Did you know that many pharmaceutical companies and their laboratories implement extraction arms throughout their facilities? Pill production involves exposure to various compounds and chemicals that are not safe for humans. As such, lab techs use extraction arms for local ventilation.
Other healthcare industries use these devices as well, including dentistry. Dentists use them in the procedure room to eliminate "surgical smoke," which is a byproduct of their operations and is known to cause cancer. They also use the arms to eliminate biological waste like microparticles of blood and spit.
Artifact Preservation
Yes, this heavy-duty welding device is a popular machine in the artifact preservation industry. Professionals who carefully dust and exhume ancient artifacts need a way to eliminate dust buildups without damaging the piece conveniently. They use extraction arms to suck up excess materials, allowing them to properly and safely preserve a piece of history.
Artwork
Many artists use source capture devices while they work, mainly stained glass makers and lithographers. The production process for both of these crafts involves harmful chemicals that produce dangerous emissions. Having an extraction arm mere inches away from their projects protects both the artists and the art.
Food Production
Health and safety regulations mean that food production processes must adhere to cleanliness. You don't want biological cross-contamination happening in a food plant, spoiling countless shipments of products that are potentially harmful to customers. That's why food manufacturers implement extraction arms throughout their factories to maintain sanitized air quality.
Woodworking
Remember how dust piles are not welcomed in an industrious workshop? Well, woodworking produces a significant amount of debris that quickly accumulates in small spaces. This is the case for any size of operation, from massive businesses to a hobbyist's garage setup.
If your woodworking space lacks good cross breezes, it's a good idea to have a source capture device nearby. Much like welding, this allows you to manipulate wood without having to work over obstacles safely.
As you can see, there are limitless applications for source capture equipment throughout any industry. These extraction accessories provide the best protection for employees and all other individuals present in the workshop. If you're hoping to better protect yourself and others, consider our excellent welding extraction arm products that are perfect for any working environment!
