Plasma Table downdraft containment of smoke

[bbourdage]

We have an older 5x10 downdraft table in a super clean 40,000 SF temperature controlled area. The downdraft works well, but there is always smoke that is not captured. We built a motorized hood , used dark acrylic so we can still see through it. (It actually wipes down super easy to keep clean).

with the make shift curtains we put on it, it releases no smoke or smell. We can change the direction of the top vent to push or pull, and it is variable. most of the smoke goes out through the downdraft vent/fan.

What have people done to have curtains that are movable so that you can change out material, and then quickly put them back. We are looking at the akon curtains, but the corner radius is quite large. We were thinking magnets , or some type of corner pieces to attach to.

Thank you in advance for you comments.

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[tinspark]

Now that’s a great idea!
Looks like it flips up out of the way when you load and unload material. and down when cutting
That looks like it would work really well and not need near as big of a fan to accomplish teh same thing..

[Plasma-art]

What an great idea to deal with the smoke.

What have people done to have curtains that are movable so that you can change out material, and then quickly put them back.

For moving them out of the way maybe build a lightweight aluminium frame and tension the curtain on that or just use the same acrylic as on top instead.
A couple of hinges to flip them up so they rest on the top angled part out of the way of everything.
Should not be to hard to figure out to close the corners up when folded down and the magnets might be a good solution for that.
Only issue would be weight and where to leave the front part because that can't fold up but it might be able to fold inwards.

[abmetal]

We used curtains for a couple years and had a rope and pulley system to raise them. The smoke was removed ok but the exhaust didn't remove the particulates to my satisfaction, so we finally went to a downdraft system. So much better.

Allen

[adbuch]

That looks like a pretty cool setup! I really had never considered something like that. I'm using a combination of water tray and draft system on my Plasmacam 4x4 and it pretty much eliminates the smoke. I do mainly smaller parts and one-offs and I like the open table for my use as it allows me quicker access should a tip-up occur. Nice job on yours.
David

[Jason@bc]

That looks awesome man, nice set-up!

[arnegrant]

We cover the unused area on the table with light gage steel.

Keeps the smoke sucking down.

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[adbuch]

I cover the unused portion of mine with masonite (hard board). Some folks use welding blankets to do the same. I bought some a while back, but haven't had a chance to use them yet.
David