Over the last few decades, laser coding systems have steadily risen in popularity throughout the packaging industry. For instance, electronics and automotive engineers frequently use lasers to foster component traceability via long-lasting lot codes and data matrices. Beverage and food packaging groups also prize laser systems for their industrial speed and wide substrate versatility. Similarly, pharmaceutical groups use lasers to mark everything from glass bottles to plastic blister packs to comply with federal regulations and distributor guidelines. 

As a part of laser’s widespread growth, today’s top coding and marking companies have gradually expanded their laser offerings as well. Industry-leading companies like Markem-Imaje and Domino Printing Sciences now have robust laser portfolios to accommodate the needs of different fields and line set-ups. Videojet, in particular, has embraced the growing laser field by building one of the largest laser catalogs in the industry. 

Today, Videojet’s laser portfolio contains:

• 12 CO2 laser models.
• 7 solid-state laser models.
• 25 mark windows for CO2 marking.
• 15 different lenses for CO2 marking.

Videojet also distributes fume extractors, and this year, the company expanded its extractor selection by introducing a line of branded fume extractor models under the name “Xtract.”

Below, we take a look at Videojet’s fume extractor options to see what the Xtract line is all about.

Why Laser Operators Need a High-Quality Fume Extractor

Laser marking systems are well-known for their pinpoint accuracy, high-quality codes, and industrial marking speeds. However, laser systems don’t just produce long-lasting product markings—they also release harmful chemicals, smoke, and debris into the air. 

To produce markings, laser systems use concentrated beams of light to remove portions of a substrate in a precise, controlled manner. Although this method is highly effective at creating durable, highly readable codes, when it is used to mark materials like plastic and rubber, it also releases potentially toxic chemicals into the work environment. 

Depending on the material being marked, workers in the environment may be exposed to:

• Nitrogen dioxide.
• Carbon monoxide.
• Lead.
• Aluminum dust.

If breathed in, noxious fumes produced by laser systems can cause:

• Liver damage.
• Kidney damage.
• Lung cancer.
• Respiratory system irritation.
• Nervous system damage.
• Brain damage.

Fume extractors prevent these issues from occurring by inhaling noxious fumes before they have a chance to enter the larger work environment. 

Positioned near a laser’s contact point, a fume extractor first acts as a vacuum, sucking up all produced chemicals and debris. Next, the dangerous substances are filtered out of the air and collected in a drum within the extractor. Finally, the newly cleaned air is released back into the environment where it can be safely breathed in by all. 

With the aid of a properly functioning fume extractor, laser system users can guard the health of their employees and maintain a safe facility.

Xtract Breakdown: An Overview of Videojet’s Fume Extractor Line

Given Videojet’s status as a global coding/marking leader, it should come as no surprise that it’s been gradually building its laser portfolio over the last few years. Just 10 years ago, Videojet only had a few laser options available—today, it has 19 different systems to offer. 

Earlier this year, Videojet further expanded its laser portfolio by introducing the Xtract series fume extractors. Although Videojet has sold fume extractors for several years, this is the first time its branded any extractor models with its company name. However, this development does not mean that Videojet is producing these fume extractor modes in-house. Xtract extractors are produced by the UK-based company BOFA and privately labeled for sale by Videojet.

This isn’t to say that Videojet is doing anything wrong. Many companies private-label outsourced products to enhance their existing portfolios and complement their products. Moreover, BOFA makes excellent systems that are well-known for their dependability and solid construction. 

The new Videojet fume extractors also fit this description. Containing compact models and heavy-duty extractors alike, the Xtract line is made up of four machines, each designed to create safe, odor-free environments in different settings. 

Here are our thoughts on each Xtract system:

• Videojet Xtract Lite: The Xtract Lite is a compact system for light-duty laser marking and engraving applications. While the Xtract Lite is marketed as a competitively priced system, we are hesitant to believe this considering Videojet’s history of selling pricey machinery.
• Videojet Xtract Pro: A highly advanced laser fume extractor, the Xtract Pro combines a powerful range of unique features into a compact design.
• Videojet Xtract PVC: The Xtract PVC is the ideal fume extraction solution for laser marking on PVC materials. All of the Xtract PVC’s internally exposed surfaces have been coated to resist the corrosive nature of the fumes generated when lasering PVC materials.
• Videojet Xtract Max: Videojet’s highest-end laser extraction system, the Xtract Max, combines an extremely large filter capacity with high airflow and pressure rates, making it ideal for many heavy-duty applications that generate large amounts of particulates and gaseous organic compounds.

For intricate details and physical specs on the new Videojet fume extractors, click here to view the official Xtract Series brochure.

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