Metal filtration systems

Systemy filtracyjne do metalu

Welding Fumes and Metal Dust – The Invisible Hazard

Welding fumes are classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a Group 1 carcinogen, regardless of the electrode type, base material, or welding method used. At the same time, metalworking facilities generate dust from cutting, grinding, and surface finishing operations. This dust is abrasive, often contains heavy metals, and settles on precision machine components. Dust extraction in welding and metalworking areas is not an option – it is a requirement arising from occupational health regulations and increasing pressure from insurers.

NAWARA offers SZAFIR welding fume extraction units, RODONIT grinding tables, SZAFIR welding dust collectors, and ONYX powder coating spray walls.

Fumes generated during carbon steel welding contain manganese oxides, iron oxides, and submicron particles (PM1) capable of reaching the pulmonary alveoli. Welding stainless steel additionally generates hexavalent chromium and nickel, both classified as carcinogenic substances with very low occupational exposure limits (Cr VI: 0.01 mg/m³). Grinding and polishing of metals generate metallic dust that poses both health and fire hazards. In dust form, aluminium has a lower explosive limit below 60 g/m³.

The occupational exposure limit for welding fumes is 1 mg/m³. In accordance with Directive 98/24/EC, engineering controls (extraction systems) take priority over personal protective equipment. Replacing extraction systems with respiratory protection is permitted only as a temporary measure.

Metal Filtration Systems from NAWARA

SZAFIR Welding Fume Extraction Units

Filtration units designed for local extraction of welding fumes and metalworking dust. Filter cleaning is performed pneumatically using pulse-jet compressed air cleaning. The units can operate indoors and outdoors.

Model filtration area [m2] Inlet diameter [mm] Number of filters fan power [kW] Base dimensions [mm]
SZAFIR 1 37 250 4 5,5 1045×1250×3000
SZAFIR 2 60 300 6 7,5 1045×1250×3000
SZAFIR 3 90 350 9 11 1477×1753×3469

CHOOSING A DEVICE

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RODONIT Sanding Table

Professional grinding tables with integrated filtration and extraction systems for dust-free surface processing. Features include two-stage filtration, air recirculation, a felt-covered work surface, and large dust collection drawers. Motors are provided in ATEX-compliant versions.

Model Airflow [m³/h] filtration area [m2] Motor [kW] Weight [kg] Noise Level [dBA] Dimensions [mm]
RODONIT 20 5500 6 2,2 ATEX 250 68,5 2060×1195×1370
RODONIT 30 6600 10 3 ATEX 450 78,5 3060×1195×1370

ONYX Spray Walls

Designed for powder coating applications. Cartridge filters capture powder particles, which are collected in a trough located in the base of the spray wall. The system ensures a clean and controlled working environment, directly contributing to coating quality.

Comparison Table

Application Recommended Product Filter Class Extraction Method
Carbon steel MIG/MAG welding SZAFIR 1 / SZAFIR 2 M Extraction arm
Stainless steel welding SZAFIR 2 / SZAFIR 3 H13 Extraction arm + hood
Plasma or laser cutting SZAFIR 3 H13 + aktywny Extraction table
Metal grinding and polishing RODONIT 20 / RODONIT 30 M/H Grinding table
Powder coating ONYX M Spray wall

FAQ

Is a HEPA filter required for welding stainless steel? 

Yes. Hexavalent chromium has an occupational exposure limit of 0.01 mg/m³. A Class M filter does not provide sufficient retention of submicron particles. We recommend a minimum of H13 filtration, ideally a SZAFIR 3 filtration unit with a filtration area of 90 m².

How many workstations can be served by one SZAFIR filtration unit? 

It depends on the filtration unit capacity and the number of active extraction arms. NAWARA designs multi-workstation systems with damper regulation, allowing one filtration unit to serve from several up to several dozen workstations.

How should metallic dust collected in the filter be disposed of? 

Stainless steel dust is classified as hazardous waste and must be transferred to a licensed waste management company. SZAFIR and RODONIT systems are equipped with high-capacity collection containers that facilitate waste removal and documentation in accordance with waste management regulations.