Filter media is manufactured in large sheets and then cut and formed to the desired shape.  Cylindrical and square are common shapes.  Some filters have media which is pleated, increasing the surface area available for capturing contaminants without the filter taking up more space.

In the case of weld fume control systems, the filter media must be porous enough to allow air to pass through it with as little resistance as possible, but at the same time maintain the capability to capture and hold solid particulate as small as 0.3 µm in diameter.

Various materials and processes are used in the manufacture of filter media.  Aluminum mesh, cellulose, and polyester are just a few of the materials used.

The cellulose-based MERV 14 filters used in the X-Tractor® Mini 200-M, Statiflex® 200-M and Statiflex 6000-MS are pre-coated with silicon dioxide; this white powder helps to condition the filters and increases the filter’s MERV.

Filter media also can be coated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or Teflon(R) to enhance particulate release during the cleaning cycle. The coating may help extend the service life of the filter in heavy fume generating applications like automated plasma cutting.

Lincoln Electric periodically re-evaluates its filter portfolio based on the latest developments in media and how it’s manufactured.  However, even the best filters must be kept in good condition and replaced when the fume extraction system indicates that it is time.

When ordering replacements make note of the spent filters’ MERV and use Lincoln Electric genuine filters for optimal system performance.

Teflon® is a registered trademark of The Chemours Company.