Product category:
PCB Assembly Equipment and Tools
News Release from: OK International | Subject: Metcal MFX-2200
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial
Team on 03 June 2005
Fume extraction system provides flexible
solution
A 50% improvement in airflow, 300% increase in HEPA filter size and a 600% boost in carbon gas filter capacity are just three of the benefits of the new Metcal MFX-2200 fume extraction system.
A 50% improvement in airflow, 300% increase in HEPA filter size and a massive 600% boost in carbon gas filter capacity are just three of the benefits of OK International's new Metcal MFX-2200 fume extraction system (compared with previous Metcal generation systems) Primarily designed to provide filtration for up to eight manual electronics assembly workstations, the system's improved performance can also be harnessed to remove particulates and gases from exhaust cabinets and even small bench-top wave and reflow soldering ovens
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 5 Apr 2005 at 8.00am (UK)
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For general electronics assembly applications, a combined filtration model features pre-, HEPA (99.97% efficient at 0.3um) and gas filters.
For more specific applications, such as removing solvent vapours from bonding and underfill operations, a gas filtration model is available featuring a pre-filter and 11kg high capacity activated carbon cartridge.
OK International's Market Development Manager for Fume Extraction, Steve Collier, explained how the company achieved the airflow performance improvements: "During the design of the MFX-2200 fume extraction system, our design team focussed its attention on fan efficiency".
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"Consequently, maximum airflow and system capacity have both been increased by 50% (compared with previous generation systems) without needing to increase the compact fan motor's power specification".
"Having significantly improved airflow, we took the opportunity to design-in a corresponding increase in filter media capacity".
"By analysing where these systems are typically positioned in the workplace, usually under the bench, we designed a new housing that has a similar width and height to previous systems, but exploits unused under-bench space by being 150mm deeper".
Now measuring 450 x 670 x 525mm, the unit can accept either a 457 x 406 x 120mm HEPA filter or 11kg activated carbon filter.
This means the MFX-2200 fume extraction system can process more fumes, for substantially longer periods before requiring a filter change, thus reducing maintenance requirements and workplace disruption.
With regard to the filter change intervals, Collier was also keen to encourage customers to measure like-with-like when comparing fume extraction systems: "System pressure has a significant impact on filter replacement intervals".
"In systems with low suction force, airflow can start to fall long before the filter media is fully saturated, simply because the fan lacks the power to pull the dirty air through the partially blocked media".
"Systems with a strong suction force have the power to maintain airflow as the filter blocks, lengthening replacement intervals and reducing media costs".
Other stated features and benefits of the MFX-2200 fume extraction system include minimal noise generation, castors as a standard and both analogue and digital control options.
The unit's innovations extend beyond the filter unit itself to a new accessories range designed to make complete fume extraction networks easier to design, specify and install.
Cost is also reduced.
Collier explained: "Traditionally, connecting several workstations to one filter unit required a large number of accessories".
"Various hose or duct diameters with fittings and adapters had to be joined together which was a time consuming process".
"The new system uses only one hose size and one hose splitter".
"Users can purchase stock lengths of hose and cut them to size as necessary".
"This versatile, low cost approach to installing fume extraction pipe networks is particularly important in contract manufacturing facilities, which may need to regularly reconfigure their manual assembly and rework benches".
Each MFX-2200 fume extraction system features as standard four 63mm diameter air inlets which, when fitted with Y-connectors, the unit can provide airflow to eight separate 50mm diameter arms.
In this configuration each arm's maximum airflow is up to 75m3/h.
The 50mm arms supplied are from Metcal's BVX range.
For applications requiring greater airflow, for example large PCB assembly, the system can support four 63mm diameter Metcal Omniflex arms, which provide 60% greater airflow when compared with traditional 50mm diameter nozzles without resorting to bulky and awkward 75mm diameter arms.
Maximum airflow is up to 1403m/h per station.
An optional lid can be specified to provide two 100mm diameter air inlets allowing even greater airflow for two individual, or one double fume cabinet.
Maximum airflow is approximately 200m3/h.
Collier concluded: "With increased airflow and filter capacity, plus a simplified accessory range, the MFX-2200 fume extraction system provides electronics manufacturers with a flexible solution to a wide variety of fume extraction applications, from individual workstations to small automated soldering ovens".
"With simplification also comes cost reduction".
"Compared with previous fume extraction systems the MFX-2200 could yield savings of up to 50%". Request a free brochure from OK International ...
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