Fume extraction system covers eight stations

Thanks to the integration of a high-pressure low-volume air pump, the Metcal BTX-208 system can provide fume extraction for up to eight soldering stations when using 5.6mm tubes.

Thanks to the integration of a high-pressure low-volume air pump, OK International's new Metcal BTX-208 system can provide fume extraction for up to eight soldering stations when using 5.6mm tubes.

The BTX-208 fume extraction system is based on the technology of the company's successful BVX-200 portable two-arm system.

The new model is engineered to provide the high vacuum required to draw air through the narrow tip extraction tubes employed in precision soldering applications.

To suit soldering and rework environments a prefilter is followed by a main filter offering HEPA efficiency exceeding 99.97%, plus an activated carbon filter to remove gases.

Both pre and main filters can be changed independently to maximise the working life of each filter and lower the total cost of ownership.

Designed for under bench installation and to be used with any make of hand soldering iron, the BTX-208 fume extraction system unit measures just 508x 254x 288mm.

The weight is 9kg, and noise level is less than 55dBA.

Useful features for companies with manufacturing facilities in different geographic regions include: a universal power supply that accepts 100 to 240V at 50 or 60Hz; and UL, CSA and CE certification.

To complement the BTX-208 fume extraction system, OK International has also developed a new ducting system designed to offer electronics manufacturers a simple, flexible, low cost solution for the rapid configuration of tip extraction installations.

Global Product Manager for Fume Extraction at OK International, Karl Schuepstuhl, explained: "Centralised fume extraction installations are sometimes difficult, costly and time consuming to design, install and maintain".

"Today's electronics manufacturers demand small, modular fume extraction systems that are fast to set up and simple to modify, allowing complete flexibility to enhance the production environment".

Offering true plug-and-play capability, the new tip extraction ducting system comprises a reel of 32mm flexible hose, plus a set of couplings with integrated tip tube glands.

To install the system the customer cuts the hose into suitable lengths.

The first length is attached to the fume extraction unit at one end and a tube coupling at the other.

The remaining lengths of hose are then daisy-chained with tube couplings to form an extraction network for up to eight workstations.

Once the hose is clipped to the underside of the workbench, the free end is capped with a blanking cap, the tip tubes are attached to the 5.6mm diameter glands and the system is ready for operation.

If only one tip tube is required per coupling, a blanking plug is used to seal the unused gland.

Likewise, to form a "branched" hose network, Y fittings are available.

Schuepstuhl concluded: "BTX-208 fume extraction system customers can now employ both the BVX-200 and BTX-208 fume extraction systems in their manufacturing facility, yet only have to stock one type of replacement filter".

"This helps to simplify maintenance procedures and reduce costs".

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