Venting The Exhaust From Your Thunder Laser
Preface: This article covers some key points about Venting Your Laser and adapting aftermarket exhaust components
Important Considerations:
Existing Systems
Do not connect the exhaust output of this laser to an existing exhaust system. Please consult a qualified HVAC or industrial mechanical professional to help you plan and install your system.
Do not connect your Laser Exhaust to a Dust Collection System.
Intake Air
Even if you have great exhaust flow out, you must have the same volume of air coming in. This can be realized easily if you are in a somewhat airtight area like an interior room in your home or business. The negative ambient pressure is created by the laser sucking 300-1100 CFM out of the room, depending on setup and fan. If the incoming air into the room and the laser is not sufficient, the fumes will not escape.
Often by having a window on an opposite wall open, intake Louvers, or a slightly raised garage door, you can feel the air flow into the space as the laser exhaust operates
Negative Pressure Plenum
Exhaust fans work better when pulling air away vs pushing through the duct. When the fan is pushing air through the duct, the duct becomes positive pressurized and that is when fumes and dust can escape the duct more easily. When pulling air, the duct becomes negative pressurized (vacuum) and any leaks would also then pull in air into the duct, keeping fumes and dust in.
The best solution is to mount the fan right at the exit (or as close as possible which may require an extension cable, more information below) so it pulls the exhaust though the ducting. Some mount their fans outside and have a true negative pressure system. We should clarify that mounting the blower on the exterior is only for fans that are sheltered and/or rated for outdoor use.
Example Exhaust Setup (Nova/Odin)
Here is one setup where the fans and exhaust systems are easily accessible for inspection and maintenance. The fan outlet is less than 24" from the building exit. The left one is a Cloudline S6 and the one on the right is a 4" S series (Odin shown was a prototype that shipped with a 4" exhaust, all production models had a 6" exhaust). The components in this article were used in this installation:
Reducers
Thunder Laser does not recommend using reducers on your exhaust system. All piping should be at least as large as the exhaust outlet on the machine.
Flow Restrictions
Any restrictions can cause major issues venting fumes. Use the shortest runs possible with minimal bends and turns. The helix reinforced cloth flex ducting is plasticized but it can still be permeable if under pressure. Rigid ducting is recommended for long and/or complex runs.
Vent Hoods
It is important to get a vent hood with a damper to keep the outside air from entering the laser, especially in the winter. Cold air from the exhaust system can affect the Laser Tube temperature.
If conditions are below freezing this could be an issue. It may be beneficial to leave the Machine Lid Up and Tube Door Open on your machine to help equalize temperature inside the machine closer to the ambient temperature of your space
A spring-loaded damper may be more efficient at remaining completely sealed but if and when the spring fails, the damper is rendered largely ineffective.
A weighted damper is less prone to failure. The exhaust system must also be periodically inspected, cleaned, and maintained for optimum performance and safety.
Description | Example and Link |
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Where to buy Exhaust Vent for exits:
Size | Link |
|---|---|
4" for Bolt/Aurora | |
6" For smaller Nova, Odin, Bolt Pro, Titans | |
8" For Larger Nova and Nova Pl |
Cold Weather
A blast gate can be used to greatly reduce outside air flowing back into the machine. If you are in an area with extended cold days and the laser is not in use, disconnect the exhaust system completely from the outside air source. Opening the lid of the machine, Laser Tube door and the Front Access will also allow the laser to acclimate better to the garage Ambient Temperature while the machine is not in use.
The examples below may require reducers or adapters for the hoses to fit as well as additional mounting considerations.
Example Description | Example |
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Where to buy some spring loaded backdraft inline adapters:
Size | Link |
|---|---|
4" for Bolt/Aurora | |
6" For smaller Nova, Odin, Bolt Pro, Titans | |
8" For Larger Nova and Nova Pl |
Your stock exhaust fan (Q3 2021 and newer)
Machine | Duct Size | Fan Max Airflow | Noise | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mini 60 | 6" | 323 CFM | 26 dB | |
Odin Series | 6" | 382 CFM | ||
Aurora V2 | 4" | 215 CFM | ||
Nova\Nova Plus 24 | 6" | 382 CFM | ||
Nova\Nova Plus 35 | 6" | 382 CFM | ||
Nova\Nova Plus 51 | 8" | 735 CFM | ||
Nova\ Nova Plus 63 | 8" | 735 CFM | ||
Bolt\Bolt Plus | 4" | 215 CFM | ||
Bolt Plus 24\ Bolt Pro Series | 6" | 382 CFM | ||
Titan 27/35 | 6" | ~600 CFM | 56 | CY-150 |
Titan 51 | 6" | ~850 CFM | 62 | CY-180 |
Your stock exhaust fan (Q3 2021 and older)
Machine | Duct Size | Fan Max Airflow | Noise | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mini 60 | 6" | 323 CFM | 26 dB | |
Odin Series | 4" | |||
Aurora V1 | 3" | 27 CFM | 26 dB | |
Nova 24 | 6" | 323 CFM | 26 dB | |
Nova 35 | 6" | 482.6 CFM | ||
Nova 51 | 6" | 482.6 CFM | ||
Nova 63 | 6" | 482.6 CFM |
AC Infinity Cloudline S-Series Inline Exhaust Fans
Since Thunder Introduced the quiet Inline fans in Q3 2022, you do not need to use an aftermarket fan. The reason people used to buy aftermarket fans is was generally for noise mitigation, not performance.
This is some basic info on AC Infinity Cloudline S-series axial inline exhaust fans
Model | S6 | S8 | S10 | S12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Duct Size | 6" | 8" | 10" | 12" |
Dimensions | 7.9 x 12.6 x 8.4 in. | 8.5 x 11.9 x 9.2 in. | 11.3 x 15.1 x 12.2 in. | 12.2 x 17.7 x 14.0 in. |
Airflow | 402 CFM | 807 CFM | 1201 CFM | 1604 CFM |
Noise | 32 dBA | 39 dBA | 48 dBA | 62 dBA |
MSRP (Oct 2024) | $99 | $159 | $269 | $369 |
Link |
Connecting an aftermarket fan to your Thunder Laser
DO NOT USE AN ADAPTER LIKE THIS TO RUN AN EXTERNAL AIR COMPRESSOR FROM THE COMPRESSOR JACK ON THE LASER.
THIS IS FOR ADAPTING THE EXHAUST FAN TO ACCEPT AN AFTERMARKET INLINE FAN.
You can connect an exhaust fan that does not draw more current than your stock fan. You will find that info linked above. To do this you will need an IEC 60320 C14 Male to NEMA 5-15R Female 10A adapter like this:
Description | Reference Image and Product Link |
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Extending the stock Fan Power Cable
The fan power cable can be extended using a c-14 to c-13 extension cable, like below:
Description | Reference Image and Product Link |
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Roof Venting
Farbulous Creations did a great video on exhausting through the roof, but there is a lot of great info even if you are not going through the roof.
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