Lasers have transformed how many industries work. Whether it’s electronics, manufacturing, food and drink, or even luxury goods, the impact of laser technology goes further than most of us would imagine.
What is Lasering?
Lasering is the industrial process where customization meets mass production.
Take the FMCG drinks market for example. The accuracy and speed of laser coding and marking are not only critical to productivity—with some production lines processing 125,000 cans per hour— but it’s also essential for traceability. The frequency at which a laser is firing, the wavelength at which it operates, and the power density it generates all govern how quickly and accurately a laser can operate. On many levels, there’s no room for error.
At the other end of the spectrum, lasers play a key role in customization and communicating brand, whether by engraving logos on products or cutting and marking the high-quality packaging that reinforces the values that appeal to consumers.
For example, in the cosmetics industry, lasers are used to create high-precision logos on products, such as lipsticks. Here, where look and feel are an essential part of the, sometimes premium, price pitch to consumers, there’s no room for poor marking or sub-standard packaging.
Why is Fume Extraction Important for all Laser Processes?
What these very different markets share in common is the need for laser fume extraction to filter fume or particulate emissions at the point of ablation…and that means investing in extraction technology. Donaldson BOFA’s laser fume extraction systems help keep equipment free from contamination that might otherwise disrupt laser beams, harm quality, or even cause unscheduled downtime. Laser fume extraction is also a key contributor to removing airborne contaminants and maintaining a clean, healthy working environment.
Why Choose a Donaldson BOFA Extraction System?
In FMCG canning lines, the portable laser fume extraction systems developed by Donaldson BOFA are designed to keep pace with high speeds. The speeds involved can cause emissions to travel from the point of ablation, so our engineers will take account of this momentum, along with the type and size of particulate, when designing a system, with the aim of keeping laser lenses dust-free.
This engineering assessment can be critical, as making assumptions can be the enemy of productivity in manufacturing. This includes paying close attention to both the process and the materials being worked. For example, the laser cutting of acrylic materials for a store point-of-sale display will emit volatile organic compounds, which need to be filtered to help maintain a clean working atmosphere.
In addition, while the adoption of fiber laser technology helps deliver high speed and accuracy, this process can sometimes also generate higher temperatures than other types of laser systems. Donaldson BOFA has developed technology that helps maintain operating temperatures at the laser head and mitigate the risk of thermal events from any increased temperature at the material surface.
Finally, how laser fume extraction is controlled can make a significant contribution to productivity in an increasingly data-driven and automated environment, such as barcoding, labeling, and packaging. Donaldson BOFA’s innovative Pro OS software platform delivers a range of advanced features to boost performance including detailed system status, filter life monitor, and a two-way data stream direct to your laser system or network allowing you to centralize data from multiple Donaldson BOFA systems.
Finding the Right System for Your Process
Donaldson BOFA’s laser fume extraction systems have been specifically designed for laser applications to enhance productivity. Whether it’s laser coding, laser marking, laser cutting, or laser engraving, Donaldson BOFA’s advanced extraction systems help to protect valuable equipment, maintain high-quality standards, and reduce downtime. For personalized guidance on the best system for your application, speak to a member of the team.
