Characterization of emissions resulting from laser material processing and exhaust air cleaning

Abstract The Laser Zentrum Hannover has carried out comprehensive research about the characterisation and the reduction of hazardous emissions resulting from laser material processing. Within the framework of this research, emissions from laser cutting and welding and the efficiency of various filter systems were measured. To do so, emission product sampling was adapted to special requirements. The laboratory investigations used a 1 kW CO 2 laser for cutting and a 5 kW CO 2 laser for welding. Both laser beams could be used in an enclosed working area, from where the emissions entered the exhaust conduit. Sampling took place in a special cubicle in the exhaust duct, in which the aerosols were isokinetically extracted using probes. The examined materials were mild steel, stainless steel, galvanized steel and various plastics such as plexiglass, polystyrol, polycarbonate etc..