1. The need for extraction
When a component is laser marked an amount of the surface of the substance is thermally decomposed.
‘ABLATION’
Laser ablation causes thermal Decomposition - FUME
FUME consists of:
Particulate & Gaseous organic compounds
VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
Very significant Health risks associated with VOCs and Dioxins

2. The need for Fume / Particulate Extraction
Health, Safety, Productivity = Profitability $$$
Reduced code quality
The need to rework or even reject products
Contamination of the product
Potential damage to expensive parts – Focusing Lens
An increase in unplanned line stoppages
Lost production is Very expensive - Potentially time that cannot be made up – 24/7 Production lines.
Employee absenteeism through ill-health

3. Particulate Particulate generated when lasering the following: Metals
Material processed
Emission products
Metal oxides
Silica Oxides
Cellulose
Calcium Carbonate
Pigment
Aluminium
Metals 
Glass
Carton Board
Plastic Foils
Metallic Foils
Coated Card

4. Fume – By-product
Gases are generally associated with lasering polymers
Polymers (Plastics / Rubbers) produce:
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s)
Exposure to VOCs can cause a range of symptoms:
Eye and respiratory tract irritation
Headaches, dizziness, visual disorders and memory impairment
Many organic compounds are known to cause cancer.

5. Fume – By-product Material processed Emission produced PE PP PS PS/SB
Polyethylene PP
Polypropylene PS
Polystyrene
PS/SB
Styrene PC
Polycarbonate
PMMA
Polymethylmethacrylate
PA 6
Nylon
PVC
Polyvinylchloride
PET
PolyEthylene Terephthalate
Benzene 
1,3-Butadiene -
Formaldehyde
Acrolein
Methylmethacrylate
Phenol
Cresois (all isomers)
Toluene
Hydrogen Chloride
Phosgene
PCDD/PCDF (TEQ)
Methylamine
N-Mitrosamines
Carbon Oxide
THF
Benzo(a)pyrene

6. Fume – By-product
Most chemicals have Occupational Exposure limits set for them, the following are examples of compounds generated when lasering plastics:
From HSE EH40/2005