Slide#1
Slide#2
transparent_image

Revolutionize Robotic Welding with Micro Air's Wet Dust Collector: Precision Meets Purity - 11-11-2025

In the high-stakes world of robotic welding, where precision and productivity reign supreme, airborne contaminants pose a silent threat. Fumes, metal dust, and particulate matter not only compromise air quality but also jeopardize worker health, equipment longevity, and operational efficiency. Enter Micro Air's Wet Dust Collector—a game-changing solution engineered specifically for robotic welding environments. This innovative system captures hazardous emissions at the source, transforming dusty workshops into safe, compliant havens of innovation; while mitigating fire risk, unlike traditional cartridge collectors.


At the heart of modern manufacturing, robotic welding arms dance with flawless accuracy, fusing metals in automotive, aerospace, and heavy machinery production. Yet, each arc strike unleashes a toxic cocktail of welding fumes containing hexavalent chromium, manganese, and other heavy metals. Traditional dry filtration systems often fall short, risking fires from filter clogging and spark capture. Micro Air's Wet Dust Collector flips the script. By leveraging advanced wet scrubbing technology, it pulls contaminants into a turbulent water bath —neutralizing the risk of fire and fumes before they escape. This results in up to 99.5% efficiency in particulate removal utilizing 4 stages of filtration. Passing through water, a chevron filter, a MERV10 scrim filter, and finally a MERV 16 rinsible pleated filter, far surpassing industry standards.

What sets Micro Air's system apart is its seamless integration with robotic setups. Compact and modular, the collector mounts directly onto welding cells, minimizing footprint in space-constrained facilities. Its self-cleaning design uses cyclonic separation to maintain peak performance without frequent downtime. Imagine a continuous operation where robots weld uninterrupted, while the collector silently handles the mess—recycling water for sustainability and reducing waste compared to disposable-filter alternatives. The Micro Air rinsible MERV 16 after filter can be rinsed and re used several times before needing to be replaced. Saving your company money by extending the life of the filter.

Safety is paramount, and Micro Air delivers. Compliant with OSHA, EPA, and NFPA 660 guidelines, the Wet Dust Collector eliminates explosion risks associated with combustible dusts, a common hazard in welding, also mitigating the risk of fires in the collector. Workers breathe easier in cleaner air knowing that their health and safety is a priority. Environmentally, it's a win: the closed-loop system prevents pollutants from entering wastewater streams and is easily removed by a sludge vac or a manual shovel for safe disposal. But don't just take our word for it—efficiency metrics speak volumes. With energy consumption controlled by a VFD, it cuts operational energy costs while boosting consistent throughput. Customizable options, like variable speed fans, water level controls and high temp shut down monitoring for optimal scrubbing, ensure it adapts to diverse fume and alloys—from stainless steel to aluminum. Micro Air's team of engineers provide a turnkey solution, backed by a 2-year warranty and world class customer support, making adaption to your manufacturing process effortless.

In an era where manufacturers demand reliability and responsibility, Micro Air's Wet Dust Collector isn't just equipment—it's a strategic edge. Elevate your robotic welding operations today. Contact Micro Air to schedule a demo and experience the clarity of clean air. Your robots are precise; now, make your environment match that perfection.

Read more →

Air Quality in Welding Shops: When Ambient Filtration is the Answer - 10-29-2025


Welding is essential to fabrication, but it creates one of the most significant workplace air quality challenges. Every weld produces smoke, gases, and fine particulates that linger in the air long after the arc stops. If not controlled, these contaminants build into a haze that exposes workers, coats equipment, and leads to safety compliance risks.

Most welding operations start with source capture using arms, booths, or hoods positioned near the arc to pull fume away. But in real-world conditions, not every particle is captured. Some smoke escapes when welders reposition, some drifts into the general shop air, and some originates in locations where hoods are impractical for primary capture. This is where ambient air filtration becomes critical as a secondary option when source capture is impossible.

Micro Air’s MXT ambient air cleaners are designed to complement source capture, removing background fume from the entire welding shop. They restore visibility, reduce worker exposure, and maintain clean air throughout the facility.

Why Welding Fume Is a Serious Air Quality Concern Welding fumes contain fine metal particles, oxides, and gases. Depending on the materials welded, contaminants can include iron oxide, manganese, or hexavalent chromium. These particles are typically less than one micron in size, small enough to penetrate deep into the respiratory system.

Overexposure leads to health issues, from short-term irritation to long-term respiratory disease. OSHA has established strict permissible exposure limits (PELs) for welding-related contaminants. Meeting these limits requires more than partial fume control it requires a shop-wide approach that ensures both local capture and ambient cleaning.

Source Capture vs. Ambient Filtration Source Capture involves positioning arms, hoods, or booths near the welding arc. It is the first line of defense and is highly effective when welders can position hoods correctly, removing the gases away from their breathing zone.

Ambient Filtration addresses everything that escapes source capture. Units are mounted overhead or on walls, circulating shop air continuously. They remove the haze that builds in open areas, corners, and spaces where source capture is not practical.

In welding shops, the best results come from combining both methods:

Source capture removes fume directly at the weld. Ambient systems like Micro Air’s MXT units clean the overall air volume, eliminating residual smoke and maintaining background air quality.
When Ambient Filtration Is the Answer Not every welding shop can rely solely on source capture. Facility managers should consider ambient filtration when:

Multiple welders work in the same space and source capture cannot cover every station simultaneously. Welders move frequently, making hood repositioning impractical. Large parts or assemblies prevent the use of close-proximity hoods. Shops experience visible haze despite having some local exhaust systems. Bridge cranes or cannot access weld area directly.
In these situations, ambient filtration ensures that the entire facility benefits from continuous air turnover and cleaning.

Micro Air’s MXT Ambient Air Cleaners The MXT series from Micro Air is designed for heavy-duty welding environments where background fume control is essential.
How They Work MXT units are ceiling- or wall-mounted, creating push-pull airflow patterns that continuously cycle air through filters. Contaminated air passes through multi-stage filtration, including high-efficiency filters for fine particulates. Clean air is discharged back into the shop, reducing haze and restoring safe air quality. Key Benefits Whole-shop coverage for welding bays, fabrication areas, or open-floor layouts. Scalable design, allowing multiple units to be combined for larger facilities. Low maintenance, with easy filter access and long service intervals. Compliance support, helping facilities maintain OSHA PEL limits.
Designing an Ambient Filtration System for Welding Shops Ambient systems must be tailored to the size and activity level of the shop. Considerations include:

Air changes per hour (ACH) required to maintain clean background air. Ceiling height and floor area, which determine the number and placement of MXT units. Type and intensity of welding, which influences filter media selection. Integration with source capture to create a layered approach.
Micro Air engineers work with facility managers to calculate airflow requirements, design layouts, and configure MXT units for maximum coverage and efficiency.

Maintenance and Monitoring Even with robust equipment, maintenance is essential for performance. For MXT units, best practices include:

Monitoring filter differential pressure to track loading. Replacing filters when efficiency declines. Inspecting units regularly to ensure airflow patterns remain balanced.
Cleaner Welding Shops with Ambient Filtration For welding shops, air quality is both a safety and compliance priority. While source capture remains the first defense, it cannot solve every challenge. Micro Air’s MXT ambient air cleaners provide the final layer of protection, ensuring that haze, background smoke, and residual fumes are eliminated across the facility.

With scalable designs, easy maintenance, and proven filtration, MXT units allow facility managers to maintain safe air, protect workers, and simplify compliance with OSHA standards.

Ready to Improve Air Quality in Your Welding Shop? Micro Air designs complete air filtration systems for welding environments, including source capture solutions and MXT ambient cleaners. Share your shop size, welding processes, and compliance needs, and our team will configure the right solution.

Breathe easy. With Micro Air, welding shops run cleaner, safer, and more productive.

Read more →

Industrial Dust Collectors: 5 Design Rules Every Plant Engineer Should Know - 10-14-2025


Dust drifting through the aisles, haze clinging to the rafters, operators clearing their throats between weld beads, if that sounds like a normal shift, the problem isn’t just housekeeping. It’s a collector that was sized by guesswork, fitted with the wrong filters, or starved by spaghetti-shaped ductwork. The result? Rising differential pressure, surprise filter swaps, and a friendly note from OSHA.

Before you sign off on a new system or retrofit the one you have walk through these five design rules. They’re drawn from decades of field fixes and the engineering baked into Micro Air’s FRP FORCE™ and RP Series cartridge collectors. Apply them once, and you can walk the plant floor for years without thinking about dust again.


1 | Calculate the Real CFM - Not a “Guesstimate”

Everything starts with airflow. Too little CFM and fine particulate slips past the hood; too much and you pay for horsepower that never translates into cleaner air. Map your process first, collector second:
Capture velocity comes first 100 – 250 fpm for most industrial processes. Hood area is next; multiply velocity by open area to find the raw CFM for each pickup. Static-pressure losses elbows, flex hose, spark arrestors can add inches of water-column resistance, so measure duct length honestly. A 10 percent growth factor cushions against future shifts or new equipment.
Short on time? Micro Air’s application engineers will plug your numbers into a worksheet and send back the fan curve plus the FRP or RP model that matches it.


2 | Choose Cartridge Media That Matches Your Dust

Filter life rises or falls on media selection. A cartridge that breezes through wood dust can blind in days on sticky chromium smoke. Match the dust, not the catalog photo.

Common Dust Best-Fit Media Why It Works Welding, laser or plasma smoke
Wood chips, fiberglass, abrasive composites
Humid or oily dust Nanofiber cellulose-poly blend
Spun-bond polyester
Oleophobic spun-bond Captures sub-micron fume on the surface, then pulses clean easily.
Tough fibers shrug off grit and can be washed if needed.
Repels moisture and oil so pulses stay effective.
Swapping media in an FRP FORCE™ or RP cabinet takes minutes and transforms a collector for a new product line without touching the shell or the fan.


3 | Respect the Air-to-Cloth Ratio

Air-to-cloth ratio (ATC) is airflow divided by filter area. Stay in the 2.0–3.5 : 1 sweet spot for dry dusts. Starving the filters forces the blower to fight a rising ΔP, guzzling compressed air and electricity. Oversizing wastes steel and floor space.

When CFM climbs, bolt on another RP filter module, the cabinets are built for that. Better yet, pair the blower with Micro Air’s Intelli-Touch™ VFD. The drive ramps the fan only as high as the pressure set-point demands, trimming motor energy by up to 60 percent and soft-starting to protect bearings.


4 | Lay Out Ductwork Like a Highway, Not a Labyrinth

A premium collector can’t defeat bad ductwork. Every tight elbow and abrupt transition steals static pressure; every branch that isn’t balanced robs a hood on the far end.

Keep runs as straight and short as the plant allows. Limit transitions to 3 : 1 tapers to avoid turbulence. Balance branches with blast gates or let Intelli-Touch™ handle it automatically. Segment capture zones so idle workstations aren’t pulling air they don’t need.

5 | Include NFPA and OSHA Safety Into the Original Design

Retrofitting explosion vents or spark arrestors after an incident is the most expensive compliance plan on earth. Start safe:

Spark arrestors upstream quench hot metal before it reaches cartridges. Explosion vents sized to NFPA 68 relieve pressure safely outdoors. Abort dampers pivot to blow a flame front out of occupied spaces. Wet collectors (HydroMax®) are mandatory for aluminum, titanium, and magnesium fines under NFPA 660. Continuous filter cleaning - Micro Air’s patented Roto-Pulse® keeps dust from baking onto filter pleats, reducing fire load.

A Day in the Life of a Well-Designed Collector

Monday, 07:00. Maintenance scrolls through the Intelli-Touch dashboard: airflow 18,200 CFM, ΔP a steady 2.1 in. wg, filter life 78 percent remaining. They tap once to acknowledge and grab coffee, not a wrench. The production floor is clear enough to see the crane rail 25 feet up. That’s what happens when airflow is sized, media is matched, ductwork is rational, and safety is built in, it just works.

Ready for a Free Spec Review?

Send Micro Air your hood sketches or the rough CFM numbers you have today. An engineer will sanity-check the design and suggest the right FRP FORCE™ or RP model. no pressure, no invoice. If we can’t cut energy or filter spend, we’ll say so. But nine times out of ten, a better spec pays for itself within the first year.


Read more →

NFPA 660 - 08-27-2025

NFPA 660, the "Standard for Combustible Dusts and Particulate Solids" (effective December 6, 2024), consolidates previous combustible dust standards (NFPA 61, 484, 652, 654, 655, and 664) into a single, comprehensive guideline. It aims to streamline compliance and enhance safety for industries handling combustible dust, including those using dust collectors. Below is a summary of key highlights relevant to dust collectors:

Key Highlights for Dust Collectors
Unified Framework: NFPA 660 merges fundamental requirements (Chapters 1-10) with industry-specific provisions (Chapters 21-25), making it a one-stop standard for dust collector compliance across sectors like woodworking, metalworking, agriculture, and chemical processing. Dust Hazard Analysis (DHA): Chapter 7 mandates a DHA to identify and mitigate combustible dust risks. For dust collectors, this involves assessing dust accumulation, ignition sources, and system design. Facilities must update their DHA every five years to ensure ongoing safety. Hazard Management (Chapter 9): Dust collectors must be designed and maintained to prevent dust accumulation and control ignition risks (e.g., static electricity, sparks). The standard emphasizes proper airflow velocities to avoid dust settling in ducts, a critical factor for dust collector performance. Industry-Specific Requirements: Wood Processing (Chapter 24): Dust collectors handling wood dust must meet strict filtration and location criteria. Enclosureless dust collectors are allowed indoors only under specific conditions (e.g., max 5,000 CFM, no active cleaning while running, 20 ft from exits). Combustible Metals (Chapter 22): Enhanced containment and filtration protocols are required for dust collectors managing highly reactive metal dusts (e.g., aluminum, magnesium), These dusts may require a “WET” collector like the Micro Air HYDROMAX series.. Agriculture/Food (Chapter 21) and Other Materials (Chapter 25): Tailored measures ensure dust collectors address unique risks, such as fine particulate buildup or chemical reactivity. Equipment Design and Placement: Dust collectors over 8 cubic feet are recommended to be located outside to reduce explosion risks. Indoor units must comply with spacing rules (e.g., 20 ft from occupied areas or exits) and avoid spark-generating operations nearby. Some may require flameless venting. See your Micro Air distributor. Equipment Design and Placement: Dust collectors over 8 cubic feet are recommended to be located outside to reduce explosion risks. Indoor units must comply with spacing rules (e.g., 20 ft from occupied areas or exits) and avoid spark-generating operations nearby. Some may require flameless venting. See your Micro Air distributor. Maintenance and Housekeeping: Regular maintenance of dust collectors is critical to ensure efficient operation and minimize dust buildup. Collected dust must be removed daily or more often if needed, especially for enclosureless systems. Explosion Prevention: While NFPA 68 (venting) and NFPA 69 (prevention systems) remain separate, NFPA 660 integrates their principles, requiring dust collectors to incorporate explosion isolation or protection where applicable.
Practical Implications for Dust Collectors

Compliance Continuity: If your dust collector met prior standards (e.g., NFPA 652 or 664), core requirements are largely unchanged, but documentation must align with NFPA 660’s structure. Enhanced Clarity: The standard resolves conflicts between previous guidelines, offering consistent terminology and expectations for dust collector safety. No Major Design Overhaul: Existing dust collector designs are generally still valid, though new technologies and research may refine future expectations.
NFPA 660 simplifies the regulatory landscape for dust collectors by providing a cohesive, risk-based approach to combustible dust safety, ensuring facilities can efficiently protect workers and operations from fire and explosion hazards. Micro Air is committed to providing companies for solutions to all of your Air Cleaning needs. Contact your Micro Air distributor for more information on how we can help!


Read more →

Understanding Dust Characteristics - 08-06-2025

There are many important details to consider when choosing the correct air filter, mainly dust characteristics. Below are the dirty little details we need to know to help you choose the best filter for your application:

Read more →

Cartridge filter dust collectors - 07-09-2025

Cartridge filter dust collectors deliver powerful, efficient, and low-maintenance solutions for capturing fine dust and particulates in industrial environments. Designed with advanced pleated filter media, these systems offer superior filtration, maximizing airflow while minimizing energy costs. Their compact design and easy-to-replace cartridges make them ideal for manufacturing, woodworking, metalworking, and pharmaceutical applications. With enhanced durability and compliance with strict air quality standards, cartridge filter dust collectors ensure a cleaner, safer workplace, boosting productivity and protecting your workforce.

Read more →

Robotic Weld Cells Air Change Rate - 06-27-2025

For a robotic Weld cell, the recommended air changes per hour (ACH) for fume extraction typically range from 10 to 20 ACH, depending on factors like the welding process, materials, fume generation rate, & local regulations. Micro Air suggests you get in contact with your local distributor to help work through the variables.
For more information, or help with a solution; please contact us today.

Read more →

WC5000 and WCCAB - 06-17-2025

Micro Air is thrilled to announce the launch of the redesigned WC5000 and the all-new WCCAB, now in full production as part of the Hyrdomax lineup. These advanced wet dust collectors are engineered to eliminate risks of fire and deflagration of combustible dust, ensuring safer operations while minimizing costly repairs and downtime.

Key Features of the WC5000 and WCCAB:
Micro Air’s WC5000 and WCCAB set a new standard in dust collection technology, providing businesses with reliable, high-performance solutions to maintain safe and efficient operations

Read more →

Benefits of a Wet Collector for combustible metals - 06-04-2025

Micro Air’s wet collector, often referred to as a wet dust collector or wet scrubber, is highly effective for managing combustible metal dust due to its ability to safely capture and neutralize combustible particles. Here are the key benefits of using a wet collector for combustible metals:

Read more →

Selecting Filter Media - 05-19-2025

It is important to discuss your application and environmental factors when choosing the correct filter media for your dust collector. Below is a brief description of the most common cartridge filter choices.

Read more →

Benefits of Telescopic Arm - 04-25-2025

A telescopic fume extraction arm offers several benefits for managing hazardous fumes and dust in workplaces like welding shops, laboratories, or industrial settings:

Read more →

Focus On Welding - 04-10-2025

Focus On Welding

Hazards of Weld Smoke and Fumes in the Workplace.

Overexposure to weld smoke and fumes can cause a wide range of health problems.

Metal dust particles in welding fumes are a leading cause of eye irritation in factories. Metal dust also can cause upper respiratory irritation with black material being coughed and sneezed from workers who are exposed to welding fumes. Metal dust particles are also known to cause headaches.
Manganese, the primary metal in welding wire, can cause workers to feel exhausted, apathetic and weak. It is also a primary cause of headaches. Chronic overexposure to such fumes leads to a condition known as “manganism” which is characterized by neurological and neurobehavioral health problems. The permissible exposure limit (PEL) for manganese is 5.0 milligrams per cubic meter TWA. Manganese is the trigger for EPA Rule 6x. Click HERE to learn more

Read more →

Case Study MXT3500 Oil Mist - 04-10-2025

Case Study MXT3500 Oil Mist

Application: Oil Mist
Location: Watertown, CT
Products: Micro Air MXT3500

Chief Complaint: A facility in Watertown Connecticut was worried about their quality of air inside their draw press production area. Amongst their biggest worries were clogging AC and heating units, as well as worker complaints and turnover. Upon initial review there was a noticeable haze throughout the work area. The initial contaminant reading inside of the facility using a Temtop air quality meter was 505.1 micrograms per cubic meter
Solution: After working with facility personnel Steve Roland with Aquest Corporation suggested a series of MXT3500 ambient air cleaners strategically placed to maximize the efficiency of the T – style air cleaner. The client chose to mount these with Micro Air provided wall brackets. Steve revisited the facility a few weeks after the installation of 12 – MXT3500s and retested the air at 48.3 micrograms per cubic meter. A dramatic drop in the level of contaminant found in the air.

Read more →

Why Roto-Pulse - 04-10-2025


Why Roto-Pulse

The Micro Air Roto-Pulse: Revolutionizing Dust Collection Technology

In the world of industrial air filtration, efficiency, durability, and innovation are key to maintaining a clean and safe working environment. Among the standout technologies in this field is the Micro Air Roto- Pulse system, a cutting-edge cartridge cleaning mechanism designed to enhance the performance of dust collectors. Developed by Micro Air Clean Air Systems, a leader in industrial air quality solutions, the Roto-Pulse system has redefined how filtration systems tackle dust and particulate matter, offering a quieter, more effective, and energy-efficient alternative to traditional methods.
What is the Micro Air Roto-Pulse?

At its core, the Roto-Pulse is a revolutionary filter cleaning system integrated into Micro Air’s cartridgebased dust collectors, such as the FORCE™ and RP series. Unlike conventional reverse pulse or backflush systems that rely on abrupt, high-pressure air blasts to dislodge dust from filters, the Roto-Pulse employs a unique, incremental rotation mechanism. A compressed air-driven tube, equipped with pre-drilled holes, rotates inside the filter cartridge, delivering precise pulses of air across the entire inner surface of the filter. This process ensures a thorough and uniform cleaning cycle, dislodging dirt particles and extending the lifespan of the filter. The system operates continuously while the dust collector is in use, keeping filters clean without interrupting airflow. This seamless operation translates to improved filtration efficiency, reduced maintenance downtime, and lower operational costs—benefits that resonate with industries ranging from manufacturing and welding to woodworking and pharmaceuticals. Click HERE to learn more

Read more →

We use cookies to make sure you have the best experience on our website. We don't sell your information. By continuing to use this site you are accepting this policy.