FAQs

No obligation on-site demonstrations are available across the UK, allowing you to view AirBench in operation on your own dust or fume problem. Contact us to book.

Alternatively, we always welcome visitors to our factory and recommend this for buyers considering our larger ranges including VertEx booths.

Most models of AirBench can be supplied configured for 110V supply. We have several different options for conversion; contact us to discuss the most appropriate.

AirBench downdraught bench prices include delivery within mainland UK; onwards delivery is charged at cost.

We do not include offloading, positioning, or installation as standard – in general installation simply involves plugging in to a 13a socket.

All our units are workshop run before despatch and are supplied with a completed commissioning certificate, in accordance with current HSE guidance.

Disposable media pads should be changed at least monthly. Most other filters will last 6 – 12 months generally. In heavy use this may be less; ask us for guidance.

For high volume applications, consider our RP model with self-cleaning filters.

Immediately beneath the surface in most models (EX, FP, FN, FPK types). Filters are generally interchangeable allowing you to update your AirBench to an alternative specification if required.

In the FPW and FPT ranges the final filter is housed in the box to the left hand side and is accessed through a removable door.

In the RP range the main filters are again beneath the surface but are removed for changing via a removable front door.

Call us; we are always happy to recommend a model and filter set. For most applications we have standard models to suit.
Alternatively, use this site to navigate to a suitable model – just find an application similar to yours, then choose the construction type from the table of available models.
Our standard configurations cover most applications; if your application is not listed, please ask.

The only ongoing costs for most AirBenches are filters, and electrical supply. Most units run on a standard 240v single phase supply, at relatively low powers (typically <500w); and if you call us to discuss your application, we can give an estimate of ongoing filter costs. We offer filtration to H13 HEPA grade; however, over-filtering will cost more money to buy and replace. Our standard filter configurations have been designed and proven for almost all applications. Call us if you would like to discuss the correct selection. Most of our filter configurations are interchangeable – it is generally straightforward to upgrade filters at a later date if required.

Wheels are useful and are available on most models – but AirBench is easily moved on a pallet truck. If you are only likely to move your AirBench on rare occasions, don’t buy wheels.

In most cases… No. AirBench is self-contained. If required, we can supply AirBench configured for connection to your ductwork, at no additional cost. Ask us for details of ducting requirements.

Using a vacuum cleaner or by removing from the unit and emptying into a bag – wearing appropriate PPE of course. Some filters (including carbon filters) are not cleanable.

We would recommend the use of PPE when handling contaminated filters.

Ask your waste handling company. Some carriers will accept filters in normal waste; some will require double bagging, and some will want to arrange special collections.

Contact us for current pricing. Pricing depends on the grade of filter, and the size of the AirBench.

If you would prefer a service contract, contact us to request pricing.

Installation is normally completed by customers. It is designed to be a quick and simple process, even for larger booths; although there is some heavy lifting; if in doubt, contact us, and we can provide support.

Typically, each VertEx is a single phase unit with a 13a socket. We can configure with multiple wiring options; units can be daisy chained or linked to a distribution board; built for 3 phases; or controlled remotely. We use intelligent fans which allow many control options.

Usually, 230v 1phase. 415v 3phase versions are available, generally at no additional cost.

If you would like us to, and at a small charge. However, our modular units are designed for self-installation.

If required; we will usually advise on our initial assessment visit.

As many as you want. Our modular booth system allows for changes in production areas or unit configurations, quickly and simply.

Usually, 4-5 weeks although if you are in a rush – ask us.

BS00A05 grey as standard. We can supply in other colours if required; just ask.

Typically, 6-12 months, but this depends on the application.

It draws dust and contaminants through the front of the unit, filters them, and returns cleaned air to the room.

Running costs are low. Electricity consumption is fairly low as these are very efficient units; we publish power consumption data in our datasheets. The main component of running cost is filter replacement; filter costs depend on the unit type and filter spec so can vary quite widely. Contact us for details.

We can manufacture these units in 110v if required, although as a non-mobile item this is unusual.

Initially, look at the filters after a week. This will help you determine the filter cleaning cycle. After this – typically this is a weekly or monthly task. Gauges mounted to the front of the unit will indicate when the filters need attention.

These units are generally user-serviceable for routine maintenance. We recommend an annual service when undertaking your LEV test – LEV testing is mandatory for all extraction systems and should be undertaken at least every 14 months (more often for some processes).

We are happy to offer service contracts for annual testing and maintenance.

We would estimate 1 day per filter unit, including wiring to your machine tool.

Either connected to a standard supply and controlled using the rotary isolator on the front of the machine; or (more usually) connected to your machine tool by our electrician, so the OMF unit runs while your coolant pump is running.

We can offer a single phase unit using a highly efficient fanset if required. Standard units are three phase; either 230 or 415v as required to connect into either your mains supply, or your machine tool’s main board.

Yes, we have fully trained and insured installation partners.

You are welcome to install, and we will ship the OMF with a complete ducting kit for your machine.

We can provide fittings which will allow this although most units discharge back into the workshop.

Yes, although usually only OMF500 is small enough that you would want to do so!

On OMF500, yes – the sump can very simply drain into your machine. For larger units, the sump would usually drain into a drip-tray. This can, if required, be pumped back into your machine.

Yes, depending on the size of the machine tool and the size of the OMF. OMFs are designed as central systems so the larger units in particular are usually installed to multiple machine tools.

If well fitted, yes! We use only high quality clip-together ducting from a leading specialist manufacturer.

For coolant – no more than with any other machine. For oil mist, discuss with us.

We are fully insured and will not undertake any work on your machines without your prior agreement.

We can usually deliver a unit complete with ducting in under 2 weeks – faster if you are in a rush.

We can usually match colours; there may be a small charge for this.

OMF500 can be machine mounted. Larger units should be floor mounted.

Note though that machine mounting means that you have to climb a ladder to perform any routine servicing! Locating the unit next to your machine tool means that operators are not working at height while handling filters.

AOF units are typically machine mounted as these are more compact and designed for a single machine tool.

HEPA filters last typically one year. First stage mist filters, with care, can last several years.

This is possible and would be a costed option. However, in most cases it is not necessary; the large face gauges on the front of the machine provide ample indication of filter condition.

Mainly filters. Contact us to discuss likely filter costs. Electricity costs are low – our most popular unit OMF1000 runs at 500w.

Contact us with details of your machine and the coolant in use and we will confirm our recommendations. A site visit would then be required to confirm suitability and discuss duct layouts.

The OMF range have been proven in service and in recent years have been one of the leading brands of mist filtration units in the UK. We can introduce you to satisfied customers across the UK and Europe.

AOF filtration units are popular across Europe and again are one of the leading brands of mist filter.

Cyclonic filtration is effective down to 10 microns. Below this level, efficiency drastically reduces. Coolant mist can be sub-micronic – the final stage HEPA filter in an OMF allows for very high grade filtration.

In addition, cyclonic filters may require daily maintenance – compared to monthly maintenance for an OMF. This is a significant time commitment.

The pressure gauges on the front of the unit show when the filters are full. The primary filter can be cleaned; in general, filters will require cleaning every 1-3 months depending on level of use.

The HEPA filter cannot be cleaned and must be replaced when full.

Contact us for current pricing.

Yes. The ducting is clipped together; disassembly and reassembly is usually a quick process.

Contact us prior to moving to ensure you have sufficient ducting, and check the fan is capable of handling any pressure difference.

Annual servicing is more than sufficient; in most cases these units run for many years with minimal attention and only a basic check by an engineer is required to keep the system operational (plus filter changes as required).

Note however that as an LEV system all extraction units should be tested every 14 months to confirm they are working as designed.

Yes. You should wear PPE when working with coolant.

We are one of the UK’s leading dust and fume extraction manufacturers. We have been manufacturing dust extraction equipment for over 25 years, from our factory in the East of England.

We are a family-run business, and pride ourselves on a personal approach.

12 months as standard, with any required remedial work being carried out on site, or the unit returned to our works – at our discretion and our cost. We have a very low level of warranty call-outs, at less than 1% of our production.

We service and support our own products. We do not currently offer servicing for other manufacturer’s products.

If you would like to arrange a service contract, please contact us for information.