Recognizing The Need For Fume Extraction:
Both managers and operators alike are placing more emphasis on health and safety in the work place. In the case of the electronics industry there is no doubt that fumes associated with the production process emits harmful toxins into the workplace. Soldering, fluxes, solvents, adhesives, and sealants are all recognized causes of occupational asthma. Due to the high temperatures needed in hand soldering, fumes created from this process are one of the most common pollutants in the electronics workplace.
Commonly used solder wire in the electronics industry incorporates rosin or flux core. This flux is based on colophony,
a resin derived from pine trees. The high level of acidity in resin acts to clean any layer of oxidation on the components
being soldered, allowing for a better bond, blemish free surface and thus improving overall joint quality. However, it is this
rosin core that is burning off during the soldering process as evident by the fumes being emitted from the solder joint.
The danger lies in these fumes that contain both particulate matter and gaseous compounds capable of casuing a variety
of work associated ailments including:
| * Headaches & Dizziness | * Nose Bleeds | |
| * Chronic Bronchitis & Chest Pain | * Dermatitis | |
| * Eye & Sinus Irritation | * Occupational Asthma |
Synthetic "non-rosin" fluxes have been found to contain even higher levels of irritating compounds in the fumes and thus
pose a greater danger in the work place. Common toxic particulates and gaseous compounds found in solder fumes include:
| * Ethane | * Methyl Alcohol | |
| * Acetone | * Toulene | |
| * Hydrocarbons | * Diterpene Acid | |
| * Formaldehyde | * Carbon Dioxide | |
| * Carbon Monoxide | * Rosin Particulates |
For the assembly line, it is key to find the best system to efficiently and cost effectively reduce health hazards inherent with exposure to the fumes in the workplace no matter what your industry or application.
For the factory manager, additional concerns lie in finding a reliable supplier of fume extraction equipment that will improve the workplace environment, decrease operator exposure to harmful particulates and gases in a cost effective manner without intrusion into the work space. In additional, increase regulation of the work place eventually will lead to government requirements limiting operator exposure to harmful fumes and thus it is imperative to find a partner organization capable of working with factory personnel to develop programs to meet new environmental regulations. XY Plus' full line of fume extraction systems were developed in England to address the stringent regulations in the UK and meet all current governmental regulations there. XY Plus has an ongoing program to develop new products to help your organization attain occupational and safety hazard compliance worldwide.
The XY Plus Solution To Your Fume Extraction Needs:
The XY Plus range of fume extractors were developed with the express purpose of purifying the air and removing or neutralizing the toxins and particulates commonly found in the electronics industry manufacturing process. The XY Plus system combines a powerful vacuum pump with a 3 stage filtering and purification system to remove 99.997% of air-borne particulates down to 0.3 microns ( Stage 1 Pre-Filter ) and 95% of particulates as small as 0.01 microns ( Stage 2 HEPA Filter). Improving on typical systems available today that provide a thin layer of activated charcoal coated sponge, XY Plus filtration systems includes a Stage 3 filter sandwich of bonded gas media that neutralize gaseous pollutants commonly found in the electronics manufacturing environment. The system is designed so that contaminated air spends a minimum "DWELL" time of 0.1 - 0.3 seconds in the neutralizing media to insure that purified air - cleaner than the air typically found in the workplace - is pumped back into the work place. Filters are available for special applications that require the removal of particulate gases and / or fumes as well as for industries other than electronics assembly.
Our brushless high performance motors are built for years of maintenance - free operation and powerful enough for long trunking runs. A motor cooling system totally independent of the fume extraction flow means that the motor runs cooler and extracted fumes can not clog up the motor. A heavy gauge steel case with finely welded seams insures better vacuum and prevents leakage while acting as a sound barrier making the XY Plus systems the quietest available. In additional, a built in silencer not only reduces noise levels but eliminates the need for unsightly external devices. Easy to change self sealing filters prevent particulates and gases from seeping in around the filter, escaping back into the work environment while shortening pump life. Unique to the industry, an easy to read filter gauge helps you plan filter changes, ensuring constant protection. The sturdy construction of the XY Plus range of systems provide all the features you demand in a compact and versatile unit while helping your business to better comply with governmental regulations.
The XY Plus System Advantage:
| * High efficiency , low wattage pumps. | |
| * Motor cooling system independent of fume extraction air flow. | |
| * Compact & portable systems. | |
| * Very low noise levels. | |
| * Durable , low maintenance design. | |
| * Best quality , filters in the industry. | |
| * Simple and quick filter replacement. | |
| * Easy to read filter condition gauge on all units except the VT-2 & HC-3. | |
| * Simple to operate. | |
| * Automatic airflow balancing system. | |
| * Innovative solutions to every setting. | |
| * Turnkey approach. | |
| * ESD safe accessories. |
When reviewing the need for fume extraction, you will discover that systems take many forms on the factory floor. We can break down into two categories.
(A). Vacuum or Compression which are ystems dependent on a tightly sealed tubing system with small extraction tubes mounted on the soldering iron to vacuum fumes at the sources. The big advantage of this system lies in the low installed cost per operator. Disadvantage are that it requires a more rigorous maintenance schedule and captures only 75-80% of the fumes.
(B). Volume systems use larger extraction arms to capture the fumes on the work bench and draw them through the filtering station. This unit captures<90% of the fumes and can also be used with solder pots, cabinets and in other volume applications. The disadvantage is the higher installed cost per operator served.
XY Plus offers both types of systems in a product line that is the most comprehensive in the industry. All units are self-contained with filters that CLEAN the air rather than simply pushing the air from point A to B as would table top fume absorbers or blower systems that push the plant air outside.
Please press one of the following icons to get detailed information on the many types of systems we offer:
 Vacuum (Tip) Extraction |
 Volume (Arm) Extraction |
