This is probably my stupidest DIY idea to date, and will probably just end up with me spending even more to buy a proper filter unit. But I don't run this laser often, and I just need a stopgap solution to hold me over until I get a better one.
For those interested in replicating for yourself (not recommended but you do you), you'll need:
- IKEA SAMLA 22L box
- 3D printed parts here on Printables
- 3D printed box clips
- Prima Klima charcoal filter 180m³/h - ø100mm
- Filter fabric ZF50 M5
- ~3mm gasket or seal around both the lid and the top of the charcoal filter
- Thick glue or sealant
- Some 100mm flexible ducts and hose clamps
You'll need to find a way to cut the holes in the lid of the box. It's quite brittle. Perhaps a dremel will do the job, or a hot knife, but this plastic will let off some toxic fumes if you do that. It's why I said not to do this at home... The nice thing about this whole build is you only need to butcher the lid; the box itself is not modified in any way.
While the Prima Klima comes with a filtering sock around the outside, it's mostly just designed to stop very large bits of dust and dirt entering the filter. It's important to have a pre-filter stage so that the charcoal filters what it's best at, rather than getting gummed up with larger particulates, and the ZF50 M5 fabric is there to do that. It's placed on the inside as we're reversing the direction of airflow compared to its original design.
Either way, I don't expect this solution to last as long as it should as this is a 2-stage filter. The more expensive 3-stage solutions have a HEPA filter in the middle, to capture more particulates before it reaches the final charcoal stage. Without it, the charcoal will saturate much faster. But that would have costed more money, so here we are.
If you enjoyed this, check out my previous video where I show the OneLaser XRF in more detail.