Fume Extraction System xFUME FLEX

The mobile all-rounder for fume extraction
Occupational health and safety is a top priority in gas-shielded metal arc welding (GMAW). Since the International Research Institute of Cancer (IARC) classified welding fumes as carcinogenic to humans in 2018 (IARC Monograph 118), the regulations regarding occupational safety for manufacturing companies are often much stricter. Welding fume extraction systems are now part of the basic equipment of every welding workplace. A flexible and versatile extraction system for the efficient capture of welding fumes is the xFUME® FLEX from ABICOR BINZEL. This mobile welding fume extraction system can be easily integrated into any manual welding workplace, as no special fume extraction torches are required.

Task of a welding fume extraction system
A device for capturing welding fumes must efficiently and reliably extract harmful fumes so that these do not enter the welder's respiratory tract. Ideally, all those working in the vicinity of the welder are also protected from exposure to welding fumes. The welding fume extraction system captures the welding fumes produced and directs them into the extraction system. A pre-filter and a main filter clean the fumes and release the clean air into the environment. Instead of a common carbon brush motor, the xFUME® FLEX is equipped with a brushless motor, which considerably extends the service life of the motor.

A major advantage of the xFUME® FLEX is that the system not only extracts welding fumes from the ongoing process, but also any kind of micro-particles that are produced by cutting and grinding work, for example. Thus, the xFUME® FLEX is a true all-rounder in terms of extraction.

Extracting welding fumes with the xFUME® FLEX

The xFUME® FLEX is a so-called LEV system – Local Exhaust Ventilation – a local welding fume extraction system with movable extraction arm and extraction hood. This extraction system is a cost-effective and at the same time easy start into welding fume extraction, because an investment in special fume extraction torches is not necessary with the xFUME® FLEX and the already existing equipment can be used without restriction.

As a mobile extraction system for welding, the xFUME® FLEX is ideally suited for mobile use at changing individual workplaces. It operates under alternating current at 230 or 115 volts and can be easily connected to a socket. Its freely movable extraction funnel can be easily positioned above any welding workstation and efficiently extracts the welding fumes. Correctly positioned, the xFUME® FLEX captures more than 90 % of the welding fumes. The LED work light, integrated as standard, ensures optimum illumination of the workpiece.

xFUME® FLEX equipment incl. extras
The welding fume extraction system xFUME® FLEX is a compact, mobile extraction unit that allows easy transport to the workplace. Equipped with an extraction arm in two, three or four metres length, the extraction hood can easily be placed above the welding process. In addition, the xFUME® FLEX is equipped with a brushless and therefore durable motor as well as an easily replaceable filter. Due to its filter surface, which is on average three times larger compared to commercially available standard extraction systems with an extraction arm, the filter is more absorbent and therefore needs to be replaced less often. Thus, the operating costs are significantly lower than with many other devices.

Where other LEV systems offer optional or no features at all, such as an illuminated extraction hood or protective grids for the extraction hood, the xFUME® FLEX includes a powerful LED work light and a grid as standard to protect against larger foreign particles.

The advantages of the xFUME® FLEX at a glance:
Extra large filter surface guarantees three times longer service life compared to commercially available standard extraction systems with extraction hood
2, 3 or 4 m long extraction arm enables precise positioning of the extraction hood
Powerful LED work light on the extraction hood in the standard version ensures optimum illumination of the workpiece
Compact, mobile design facilitates easy transport to the workplace
Brushless motor guarantees long service life
Easy to connect to 230 or 115 volt sockets

Advantages of an extraction arm/LEV system
The LEV system or the extraction of welding fumes with an extraction arm is a simple, low-cost and effective entry-level solution for local fume extraction, because nothing has to be changed neither in the welding process nor in the working environment. All previously used welding torches can still be used.

Another advantage of extraction hoods and extraction arms is that they can also be used for TIG welding and plasma welding. Although only very few gases are produced during TIG welding, these are also efficiently captured with an extraction hood and this avoids the need to invest in a special and expensive TIG extraction system. LEV systems are therefore a cost-effective all-rounder solution for MIG welding, MAG welding, TIG welding and also plasma welding.