Troubleshooting a Laser Fume Extractor/Filter Alarm
The XL300 fume extractor comes with a built-in airflow alarm to alert users when insufficient air is being drawn through the machine - this is a safety feature to prevent subtle or undetected gasses or fumes from escaping the laser.
The two most common causes of the low-airflow alarm are:
1. Clogged or worn filters.
If you open the front of the filter box using the chrome latches on the right side, you can visually check the filters for blockage.
If one of the first two filters is clogged, you can try knocking the debris out into a garbage can while outdoors or in a well-ventilated area to extend the lifetime of the filter.
Remove the hose from the extractor's "in" port and ensure no debris has collected in the hose or prefilter before reattaching.
Always wear appropriate PPE when removing or shaking out filters, as particles can be hazardous.
The filters in any filtration system will wear out over time - though there are many variables affecting how long a given filter will last, including material choices, depths of engrave, etc.
If your first couple of filters are clogging up repeatedly and not pulling air as well as before, or if the fume extractor's exhaust begins to have a strong smell, it's a good indication that your filters may need to be replaced.
You can purchase replacement filter packs here: https://www.inksmith.ca/products/laser-cutter-filtration-replacement-filters
2. Laser's exhaust fan.
The laser has a built-in booster fan to help the filter system remove smoke more quickly - it is toggled using the small chrome button beneath the laser's power switch and e-stop.
If the filters are clean but the alarm persists, check to ensure the laser's exhaust fan has not been disabled.
The fan is enabled when the button is pressed down.