Piranha Laser cutter air assist filter mount

thingiverse

This adapter connects a standard Vax Swift/Turbo type HEPA filter to the normal air pump supplied with Pirahna laser cutters, providing essential air assist for cutting. At [rLab](https://wiki.rlab.org.uk/wiki/Main_Page), we created this adapter because dirty air was causing our laser cutter lenses to last only a few months. Since installing this filter, our current lens has lasted over a year and still looks almost new. To use this filter, you'll need to print all 5 parts: the junction pipe, HEPA module mount, pump mount, upper mesh mount, and lower mesh mount. The junction pipe, HEPA module mount, and pump mount must be glued together using standard plumbers' pipe weld cement. This assembly completely replaces the inadequate filter that comes with these pumps, requiring threaded rod and a wingnut for attachment. The upper and lower mesh mounts are only necessary if you plan to install the filter in an area where sparks from the laser cutter may reach it. The mesh mounts hold a cylinder of fine stainless steel mesh, which acts as a spark catcher to prevent sparks from reaching the flammable filter. To assemble the spark arrestor, get a sheet of fine stainless steel mesh and trim it to size so that it fits into the groove in the mesh mounts with a small overlap. Glue or weld the edges together to ensure there are no gaps for sparks to pass through. It's easiest to do this using the 2 mounts as a support structure to hold the mesh in place while working. Once the mesh is glued into a tube, trim it to length so that when assembled, the top of the HEPA filter locates into the recess in the upper mesh mount. Then, glue the stainless mesh into the grooves in the mesh mounts using epoxy resin, which soaks through the mesh and forms a strong and spark-proof seal around both ends. Depending on your laser cutter's usage, it's likely that the mesh should be removed and washed in soapy water every 3-6 months, and the filter changed every 6 months.