The EDM Fume Extractor plays a pivotal role in the mist collection of EDM machines, as fumes contain harmful particles such as PM 2.5, PM 10, and metals such as chromium, nickel, copper, manganese, tungsten, and cadmium. These are very harmful in nature, which costs workers health and productivity.
EDM fume extractor have various key sizing and technical parameters to consider, including airflow volume, filtration technology, motor power, noise level, and fume capture efficiency. These parameters are crucial to consider when planning to purchase an EDM fume extractor . These are discussed below:
Airflow Volume:
For standard EDM set ups, the recommended airflow volume is between 300 CMH and 1000 CMH.
Electrostatic precipitators are ideal for EDM applications because they efficiently capture sub-micron smoke and oil particles. This capability reduces the frequency of filter replacements, making them a practical choice for maintaining air quality in these environments.
Motor Power in HP: Depending on the necessary static pressure and CFM capacity, the power rating is usually expressed in fractional horsepower to a few horsepower (e.g., 0.25 to 1.5 HP).
Noise Level: To keep a store safe and comfortable, operating noise should preferably stay between 70 and 75 dBA.
There are basically two major operational risks that need to be managed by the: EDM fume extractor
Roughing Line Risks: The roughing line quickly produces a large amount of thick oil smoke and thermal mist due to its high energy consumption. This smoke quickly fills the shop floor in the absence of a collector, posing a breathing hazard.
Risks associated with finishing lines: Although finishing produces less smoke, the operation frequently goes unsupervised for several hours or days. The slow accumulation of hazardous oil film on the shop’s floors and electronics A fume ex. prevents the slow accumulation of hazardous oil film on the shop’s floors and electronics.
There are several key benefits to using EDM fume extractor for these lines, including the following:
Health and safety: Prevents inhalation of vaporized hydrocarbon oils by operators, which can cause respiratory problems and skin irritation.
Machine Longevity: Avoids sticky oil residue buildup on the EDM’s sensitive optical linear scales and CNC electronics.
An EDM fume extractor is a filtration unit that is attached to or close to the EDM machine. In both roughing and finishing cycles, electric sparks vaporize the dielectric fluid (usually hydrocarbon oil or deionized water). This vaporization produces a thick visible smoke and oil mist. The fume extractor works by producing a vacuum that pulls the fumes from generation point (these fumes at source with a suction hood placed @100-15mm from generation point), filters it, and returns clean air back to the shop.
There are various health risks associated with EDM machines. Here they are:
Inhalation of nanoparticles and fumes: The metal workpiece and the dielectric fluid (such as hydrocarbon oil or kerosene) are decomposed by the thermal-electric discharge, releasing fine aerosols and nanoparticles <100 nm containing heavy metals such as iron, aluminum, chromium, nickel, and copper.
Studies have shown that aerosol particles produced during electrical discharge machining (EDM) processes exhibit higher toxicity to human cells compared to background air. Additionally, these particles generate increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS).
EDM fume extractors prevent various health risks by using their ESP technology to remove harmful fumes and dust as well as control the fumes during EDM operations.
If your EDM machines operate without proper oil mist control, efficiency is being lost daily.
Evaluate your setup or consult an expert like Filter ON India to select the right system as per requirement, budget and scope. Contact us to learn more….
Ans: The different parameters for selection of an EDM fume extractor are type of operation (roughing / finishing), airflow volume, motor power in HP, noise level and fume capture.
Ans: There are different health issues caused by fumes and mist from EDM machines such as inhalation risk and other health risks.
