CNC Cabinet Filtering

[Stout]

I posted this under the Hypertherm forum, but i'll move it to this general forum.

I need to put a fan and filter in my Hypertherm Micro Edge cabinet and am concerned about the level of filtering I would need. I bought a couple of generic 4.5" PC case filters and a 110v PC fan, but I don't want the metal dust getting into the cabinet. Do you think they will be enough? They are removable so I could wrap them in tissue or something finer.

I recently went from a system with a dry, non ventilated table, to this new water table and dust is reduced quite a bit. Actually almost no dust. But it is still a concern.

I've also considered a positive pressure system using compressed air, a very low pressure regulator, and the filters in the cabinet to let the air out. That way there would be no fan in the cabinet to suck in dirty air. Just filters to let out the compressed air. Any thoughts?

[DanOSB]

Shop air is expensive

But if u are that concerned you could set a thermostat and when it is hot turn on the shop air at 3 psi or something till its at right temp... Instead of leaving it on all of time it will add up on ur bill


Or U can get some fine car filter and once a week or a month open up the cabinet n blow the stuff out

[CNCCajun]

A purged cabinet combating dust will require a good amount of air.

In the plants we purge for flammable gases in our junction boxes.

But most of the applications attempting to purge for "fine" dust always seems to be a battle.

Compressed air is very expensive . . .

Steve

[ger21]

I use the square type automotive air filters mounted with a frame. They're only $5-10, and keep out all dust. The rubber frame of the filter is soft and makes a very good seal. I have a router, in a very dusty shop, and the inside of my cabinet is spotless after 2 years of use.
Just mount your fans in front of the filter, and pull fresh air in through the filter. You can use another filter with just a hole to let the heat out, or add a fan to that one too.