Exhaust system for a laser cutting device

An exhaust system adapted for use in a laser cutting device including a base having a working surface for supporting a work piece thereon, a laser plotter head mounted for movement over the working surface of the base, and a laser communicating with the plotter head for directing a work piece cutting laser beam onto the work piece on the working surface, said exhaust system operating to exhaust fumes generated during operation of the laser from an area proximate the work piece, and comprising:

• (a) a multiplicity of exhaust ports formed in the working surface of the base;
• (b) a manifold cooperating with an underside of the base and in substantially sealed fluid communication with the multiplicity of exhaust ports in the working surface;
• (c) an elongated, flexible exhaust hose connected at a first end thereof to the manifold and at a second end thereof to the laser plotter head, the second end being directed towards the work piece on the working surface and movable in unison with the movement of the plotter head;
• and
• (d) vacuum means connected to the manifold for simultaneously drawing air inwardly through the exhaust ports in the working surface and through the exhaust hose, whereby fumes generated during operation of the laser are simultaneously exhausted from an area above and below the work piece.

A method for exhausting fumes generated during operation of a laser cutting device from an area proximate a work piece supported on a working surface of a work base, the laser cutting device including a laser plotter head mounted for movement over the working surface of the base, and a laser communicating with the plotter head for directing a work piece cutting laser beam onto the work piece on the working surface, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) forming a multiplicity of exhaust ports in the working surface of the base;
• (b) providing a manifold cooperating with an underside of the base and in substantially sealed fluid communication with the multiplicity of exhaust ports in the working surface;
• (c) connecting a first end of an elongated, flexible exhaust hose to the manifold and a second end thereof to the laser plotter head, the second end being directed towards the work piece on the working surface and movable in unison with the movement of the plotter head;
• and
• (d) connecting vacuum means to the manifold for simultaneously drawing air inwardly through the exhaust ports in the working surface and through the exhaust hose, whereby fumes generated during operation of the laser are simultaneously exhausted from an area above and below the work piece.