|
Things to Consider When Choosing the Appropriate Solder Fume Extractor
What type of soldering are you doing?
The type of soldering [e.g. Hand Soldering, Wave Soldering, Reflow Soldering, Production Soldering, Maintenance Soldering, Pipe Soldering, Mechanical & Aluminum Soldering, Resistance Soldering, Stained Glass Soldering, etc.] being performed by the operator directly determines the size, configuration, and air volume that the fume extractor will require in order to be effective. Certain applications can release more fumes or may be spread out over a larger surface area; this may require a more powerful fume extraction unit. Sentry Air Systems offers a large variety of solder fume extractors, including Series 100 options (with the lowest air volume rating), and Series 450 options (with the highest airflow rating of up to 950 CFM).
“This question also determines whether or not you may need features like ESD-Safe Fume Extraction. For those working on applications that need to be protected from Electrostatic Discharge, such as electronic soldering, this feature may be a primary requirement as you search for a solder fume extractor. If your process calls for an ESD-Safe unit, take a look at the Model 100 Stainless Steel Solder Sentry, which is an ESD-Safe benchtop fume extractor.
In addition, the type of solder being utilized is important in determining the appropriate filtration media. For example, is lead-based solder being utilized? If so, a HEPA filter is critical to use in order to capture the lead particulate.
How often do you solder?
Do you solder 8 hours a day, 5 days a week? Or do you solder for a half an hour once a week? The amount of time spent soldering should be taken into consideration when choosing an appropriate fume extractor. Extractors with more powerful fans, larger filter media, and pre-filtration should be selected if soldering is performed on a regular basis.
How big is your workspace?
Can your benchtop workspace accommodate a fume extractor? [Sentry Air’s smallest benchtop solder fume extractor has a footprint of 6.25” L x 8” W x 8” H]. If you don’t have room on your benchtop, would you prefer a wall-mounted unit to hover over your work area or a floor unit that reaches your work area via flexible hose?
Sentry Air’s most popular benchtop solder fume extractor is the Model 100 Stainless Steel Winged Sentry. If you’re interested in a wall-mounted model, take a look at the Model 200 Sky Sentry. For a floor model, try the Model 100 Stainless Steel Floor Sentry. For further containment, you may want to try a Ductless Fume Hood.
How many operators are soldering at once?
Is there one or multiple operators soldering? Sentry Air Systems offers multi-operator fume extraction units that equally share air volume through separate self-supportive or “python-style” flex hoses.
If you have two operators, take a look at the Model 200 Floor Sentry Double, which captures solder fume via two self-supportive flex arms.
For four operators, try the Model 300 Floor Sentry Quad.
Sentry Air’s Multi-Station fume extractor is a conceptual design for up to 20 operators.
Sentry Air’s Application Specialists recommend fume extraction units based on the amount of air flow and what kind of filtration media you will need to safely perform your application. For further assistance, call us at 1.800.799.4609, fill out this form to receive additional information, or email us at sales@sentryair.com. |
