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Chosing The Right Welding Fume Extractor

Date: 29-07-2025

Weldclass Academy

Different Types of Welding Fume Extraction

In this guide we compare the common methods of controlling and protecting personnel from welding fumes. Welding fumes are more than just a bit of smoke - they contain fine metal particles, gases and chemical vapours that can seriously impact your health over time. Australian Legislation, enacted in all States of Australia since 2024, is also very tough on Fume Control. So if you’re welding regularly, you need a plan to manage fumes properly.

In this article:
Compare Fume Solution By Application
Compare Fume Extractor Types: Advantages and Disadvantages
Helmet, Mobile, Table, or Torch?

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Compare Welding Fume Extractors By Application

In the following table we compare the common fume extraction and protection methods vs their suitability in different applications.

Type	PAPR Helmet	Mobile Extractor (LEV)	On-Torch Extraction	Portable Extractor	Downdraft Table	Wall-Mount Extraction	Ducted Extraction
Fumes extracted at / close to the source	❌	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️
Reduces fumes for all workers in the environment	❌	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️
Stationary / localised work	✔️	✔️	✔️	⚫	✔️	✔️	✔️
Mobile work / changing locations	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️	❌	❌	❌
Suitable Processes:
MIG: Downhand / Horizontal Position	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️
MIG: Vertical & Overhead Position	✔️	✔️	❌	✔️	⚫	⚫	⚫
TIG	✔️	✔️	⚫	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️
Stick / MMA	✔️	✔️	❌	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️
Plasma & Oxy Cutting, Grinding, Gouging	✔️	⚫	❌	⚫	⚫	⚫	⚫
High fume volume Eg: some flux-core wires, frequent use, welding over long periods, etc	✔️	⚫	⚫	❌	⚫	⚫	⚫

✔️ Suitable/applicable ❌ Not suitable/applicable ⚫ Depends on unit/model capability & specific application

Comparing Fume Extractor Types: Advantages and Limitations

Here we cover some of the key pros and cons for each of the main types of welding fume extraction and protection systems.

Fume Control System	Pros ✔️	Cons ❌
Welding Helmet with PAPR Respirator	Relatively low cost for initial purchase Very mobile and allows for unrestricted movement Quickly & easily deployed Powered air provides additional operator comfort	Only protects the user Does not remove fumes from the environment, or protect others in the environment Depends on battery power Requires frequent filter replacement/cost Operator carries additional weight & bulk
Mobile Fume Extractor (LEV)	Extracts fumes at the source Can be moved to different locations Versatile: can be easily deployed, and utilised only where/when needed by each operator Easy to maintain Does not interfere with operator ergonomics or comfort Depending on model/brand, are suitable for wide range of applications including: MIG, Stick, TIG, Grinding, Plasma, Oxy, Gouging	Need to be manually moved to the fume source / welding location In very confined spaces, wall mounted, or other systems may be better option May not be ideal where the welder is having to move very frequently over a wide area
Fume Extraction MIG or TIG Welding Torch	Extracts fumes directly at the point of generation for high efficiency removal Eliminates need for additional set up / movement, with extraction point always at the fume source	NOT suitable for Grinding, Stick/MMA welding, Plasma cutting, or Gouging Typically NOT suitable for vertical or overhead welding, or where there is confined space at the weld joint Torch is bulkier, heavier, and more cumbersome than standard torches (some are better than others) Ongoing cost of torch consumables can be significantly higher than standard torches
Portable Extractor	Captures fumes directly at the arc or torch High mobility, compact, lightweight Ideal for maintenance, on-site repairs, or fieldwork Suitable for MIG, TIG, stick, even light cutting, depending on make/model	Less suction power & capacity vs other systems, not suitable for high-fume processes or long-duration welding Extraction nozzle or hood must be manually positioned close to the arc Small filter: fills up quickly, frequent cleaning or replacement required
Downdraft Table	Extracts fumes at the source Depending on model/brand, suitable for wide range of applications including: MIG, Stick, TIG, Grinding, Plasma, Oxy, Gouging Hands-free operation, does not interfere with operator ergonomics Ideal for training and production Doubles as a sturdy workbench, saving space and improving workflow	Not suitable for large components / structures that can't be placed on the table Larger tables typically require 3-phase power supply May not work well for workpieces that block the airflow path or are too distant from the table surface
Ducted / Central Fume Extraction System	Extracts fumes at the source Suited to large-scale workshops, especially if all workstations are typically active at the same time Minimal maintenance, or down time for operators	High installation cost Time consuming to procure and install Can be inefficient if workstations are used at different times, and/or some workstations are not always utilised Not suitable where portability & flexibility is required

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Helmet, Mobile, Torch, or Table - What is the Right Fume Solution for your Workshop?

These are all popular mothods of fume control, used in workshops across Australia. Each has strengths and limitations, here's a quick summary of each:

PAPR – Personal Protection Wherever You Go

PAPR systems deliver filtered air to the welder via a powered unit and helmet. Great for almost any welding applications and processes, be that production, mobile work, tight spaces, etc. The cooling effect of powered air also provides additional comfort in Australia's hotter climate.

The catch? PAPR only protects the user. A large % of fumes still enter the air, risking others if no other controls are in place.

LEV (Mobile Extractors) – Clean Air for the Whole Workshop

LEV mobile extractor systems, like the Weldclass ALLCLEAR® range, use mobile extraction arms to pull fumes away from the weld zone. They’re highly effective at cleaning the general air and reducing exposure for everyone.

The downside? LEV relies on precise positioning — if the arm is too far or knocked out of place, performance drops. It’s best suited for localised jobs, not long weld runs beyond the reach of the hood.

On-Torch MIG-Gun Extraction – Capture It at the Arc

On-Torch systems, capture fumes directly at the arc / torch nozzle, ideal for production and repetitive welding.

Drawbacks? They can add weight and bulk to the torch and aren’t as effective for vertical welding compared to horizontal or down-hand work.

Downdraft Tables

Fume extraction tables are ideal for production and education environments, where a lot of welding takes place in a workstation environment. There is minimal intrusion into the welders space, in fact downdraft tables can improve ergonomics beyond just fume management by providing a convenient work surface.

On the flip side, downdraft tables are not suitable for workpieces that are too large to fit on the table surface.

Stronger Together

Helmet, Torch, Mobile, and Table Fume Extractors
No single fume solution is perfect and suited to every application, but when combined, they offer powerful, layered protection.

Equipping welders with PAPR helmets, along with a suitable fume extraction system—whether mobile, torch-mounted, or table-based—is standard best practice for protecting workers and ensuring compliance with legislation that sets strict limits on welding fume exposure.

Get a Quote | Request a Demo View The ALLCLEAR Range

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