Page 33 - MetalForming February 2019

The Real Cost of
Shop Air Quality
Don’t stop at the capital cost when assessing fume-extraction and full air-cleaning systems. Review the total cost of ownership as well.
BY LOUIS A. KREN, SENIOR EDITOR
FABRICATION
Fumes and particulates populating the air in a manufacturing environ- ment are quite different from those present only a few years back. Metalformers and fabri- cators shape and assemble evolving grades of materials featuring new mixtures of ele- ments. These materials, coated with newer formulations of rust inhibitors, surfactants, soaps, oils and more, release fumes and particulates during forming, cutting, heating and welding operations, with machinery adding mist to the mix.
Air-quality systems strive to stay ahead, with manufacturers developing unique equipment and filters to combat the dirty air. To win the battle, both in the air and in the pocketbook, a manufacturer should closely examine its air-handling needs, and look beyond initial system cost to the total cost over the
Today’s air-cleaning systems for metalformers and fabricators employ variable-frequency drives as well as other technologies to better handle exotic dust and fumes and keep maintenance and energy expenses in line.
www.metalformingmagazine.com
MetalForming/February 2019 31