The Role of Extraction in Electronics Manufacturing

Extraction systems play a crucial role in electronics manufacturing due to the large amount of dust and fumes in the air that can be harmful to health.

The need for dust extraction and fume extraction systems has increased due to electronics being one of the world’s fastest growing industries, thanks to new technological advances.

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Making a significant contribution to the economy, the UK electronics industry employs a quarter of a million people and has a market value of around £78 billion, according to research in 2023.

A key driver in its growth is the demand for electronic devices in telecommunications, healthcare and the automotive sector, with 5G networks, the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence increasing the number of advanced technologies.

Electronic devices are increasingly used in healthcare for the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of patients and the provision of health records.

In the automotive sector, the growth in electric vehicles and the development of autonomous vehicles is driving demand in the electronics industry.

Health risks

Manufacturing processes such as soldering, welding and laser cutting can produce harmful fumes containing chemicals including beryllium, arsenic and lead. Workers who are regularly exposed to them can suffer serious health issues, including cancer and respiratory problems.

The manufacture of printed circuit boards can produce toxic fumes such as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, formaldehyde, acetone and hydrocarbons. When inhaled, they are extremely dangerous and can cause asthma and other respiratory diseases.

Fumes can also contain smoke, dirt, dust and soot that can lead to health problems including cancer and allergies. The particles can settle into carpets and furniture if left unchecked, leaving workers continually exposed to pollutants.

Damage to equipment and products

In addition to health risks, fumes and dusts caused by electronics manufacturing can also negatively impact the quality and performance of the electronic components being produced. A manufacturing environment containing a build-up of dust, and fumes can compromise the effective functioning of the electronic components and circuits, potentially leading to failure.

When dust builds up, it can generate greater heat, damaging electronic circuits and decreasing their functionality, reliability and lifespan. Similarly, particulate matter and dust can also impact the lifespan and performance of the manufacturing equipment, leading to costly repairs, or the need to replace machinery more frequently.

Cleanrooms are an important part of production processes in the electronics industry, where an engineered space, free from airborne contaminants, is necessary to create key components for electrical equipment. Equipment failure isn’t an option for the healthcare sector, for example.

Often provided for scientific research, cleanrooms enable employees to carry out their tasks in an environment completely free from airborne organisms, dust and vaporised particles.

Benefits of extraction systems

Air quality management is crucial in electronics manufacturing to minimise the risks of industrial diseases and damage to electronic components and equipment.

AirBench provides a number of solutions to enable employees to work safely in a clean environment. Our downdraught benches are self-contained workbenches with a built-in dust and fume extractor system. Employees can work with ease on the surface of the downdraught bench, as the dust or fumes will be drawn down through the surface into internal filters, returning clean air to the room. Simply plug in the downdraught bench and begin work, as no installation is needed.

An additional solution, our AirBench air cleaning units are based on proven fan and filter technology. They will solve atmospheric dust problems resulting from dust escapes from nearby manufacturing processes. A simple solution, they run continuously to gently clean and recirculate air in the workshop, helping to improve the environment for employees.

Our larger AT systems are made for factory environments where there may be excess dust and fumes in the air, such as in the mass manufacture of electronics devices or components. The stand-alone extraction system can continually clean a high volume of air, with an integrated pulse-clean system removing dust from the filters.

AirBench cleaning systems are available with multiple options for filters to solve specific problems. Contact our team of experts for help and advice on your specific requirements.