Most lasers come with some type of built in exhaust fan. These exhaust fans are meant to remove smoke and odor from the laser cabinet. Removing the smoke keeps the mirrors and optics inside the laser cabinet cleaner. So, a good exhaust setup is important.
The downside to these built in exhaust fans, they tend to lack CFM (amount of air being moved) causing smoke to be left in the cabinet, and they tend to be a tad bit on the noisy side.
If you are looking for a better solution, upgrading to a 6" inline exhaust fan is your best bet. I recommend either one of the two different models listed below.
AC Infinty Cloudline S6 Inline Fan w/ Speed Controller
The 6" AC Infinity Cloudline fan is a beast. Specs include 402 CFM and 32 dBA. Quiet and Powerful. The duct size is 6', and dimensions are 7.9 x 12.6 x 8.4 in. Usually costs around $110.
VIVOSUN Inline Duct Fan w/ Variable Speed Controller
The 6" Vivosun Inline Fan is another great setup. Specs include 390 CFM and <37 dBA. Quiet and Powerful. The duct size is 6', and dimensions are 11.8 x 8.7 x 8.7 in. Usually costs around $68. So, considerably cheaper than the AC Infinity, with not much CFM difference. These are actually the inline fans I use in my shop on my two lasers.
Installation:
Installation of the inline fan is fairly simple.
Figure out the location where the exhaust will exit the room, shop, or garage. This can be out a door, window, or you can even install a vent kit through the wall. I use this kit found on Amazon. 6" Louvered Vent
TIP: When setting up the inline fan, you want the fan to be close to the exit. These fans work better pulling air than pushing. Closest to the exit is best.
TIP: Most lasers have a 6" exhaust port. Reducing or increasing the hose size or vent size can alter the fans performance. For optimal performance, keep the size of ducting and fittings 6" through the entire run.
Most OMTECH lasers come with an internal exhaust fan built into the unit. For best air flow with adding the inline fan, this internal fan should be removed.
Depending on the laser model you have, the exhaust fan may be on the back, or on the left hand side.
The internal exhaust fan is connected with a few screws to a 6" exhaust flange. Once these are removed, the internal fan can come out. Some models come with a 6" duct running from the laser debris tray, to a internal flange. These models also have an external flange built in to the metal cabinet wall (not removable). The internal fan in placed between these. Same concept as above, remove ducting from the flange, unscrew the screws holding the flange to the internal fan. Then remove the screws holding the fan to the cabinet door wall. Now, remove the fan, and connect the internal flange to laser cabinet door using the same screws. Connect the internal ducting from the debris tray, to the internal flange.
There will be a grounding wire (color may vary... mine was yellow) connected to one of the screws between the internal flange and the fan. You should reconnect the wire to one of the bolts holding the flange to the cabinet door.
Now that the fan is removed, you will need to disconnect the wires. There will be two, a positive and a ground. You can trace them back over to the power supply and unscrew them from the terminals, or you can cut the wires close to the fan and cap them using some wire nuts.
Connect the 6" ducting to the external flange using a hose clamp.
Run the ducting to the "IN" side of the new inline exhaust fan. Connect with a hose clamp to secure it to the fan.
Using another hose clamp, connect a run of ducting to the "OUT" side of the fan.
Depending on your setup, you either run that of the door, or connect it to your wall/window vent you have installed.
Your Inline Exhaust Fan Upgrade is now complete.
List Of Components:
To install the inline exhaust fan upgrade to your laser, you will need each of the components listed below.