Fume Extraction
Fume Extraction
The BOFA fume extractor is a standalone air filtration unit designed to remove fumes and particles from the Vision Miner 22 IDEX print chamber during and after printing. This unit is intended for older printer versions (V3 and earlier) that did not have a built-in HEPA filter. The Vision Miner 22 IDEX V4 already has a built-in HEPA filter, so the BOFA unit is not needed for V4.
This article covers setup, connection, usage modes, and troubleshooting for users who already have a BOFA unit.
Info: IMPORTANT: Vision Miner no longer sells or distributes BOFA units. If you need replacement filters or a new unit, contact BOFA directly.
Safety and Warnings
Warning: WARNING: The fume extractor recirculates hot air from the chamber. The hoses and exhaust may become warm during operation with a heated chamber. Avoid touching the hose ends directly after extended use. IMPORTANT: Running the fume extractor continuously reduces the maximum achievable chamber temperature. If you need the highest possible chamber temperature for materials like PEEK or PEKK, turn the unit off during the print and only use it to vent fumes when the print is finished.
1. Unit Overview
The BOFA fume extractor is a standalone 110V unit with a standard power plug. No additional wiring or integration with the printer electronics is required.
The unit includes three filter stages:
- Pre-filter � captures large particles and debris.
- HEPA filter � captures fine particulates.
- Carbon filter � absorbs chemical fumes and odors.
The unit ships with two hoses that connect to the fume extraction ports on the rear of the printer.
2. Connecting the Fume Extractor
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Locate the two fume extraction ports on the back of the printer.
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Connect one hose from the BOFA unit's outlet to one port on the printer.
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Connect the second hose from the BOFA unit's inlet to the other port on the printer.
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Plug the BOFA unit into a standard 110V power outlet.
The system is self-contained. Air flows from the printer chamber, through the BOFA filters, and back into the printer chamber. No external venting is required.
3. How the Air Circulation Works
The air path is a closed loop:
Print chamber ? BOFA unit (pre-filter ? HEPA filter ? carbon filter) ? back into print chamber
Because the air passes through the BOFA unit and back, it acts as a mild heatsink � the unit cools the air slightly before returning it. With the fume extractor running continuously, the chamber typically reaches around 75 �C instead of the usual maximum. This is generally not an issue unless you are printing materials that require the highest possible chamber temperatures.
4. Usage Modes
How and when to use the fume extractor is entirely up to you. Here are the most common approaches:
Continuous operation
Run the BOFA unit throughout the entire print. This keeps the air inside the chamber filtered at all times. The trade-off is a slightly lower maximum chamber temperature (approximately 75 �C).
End-of-print venting
Keep the BOFA unit plugged in but turn it on only for 1�2 minutes at the end of a print. This clears fumes from the chamber before you open the doors, reducing direct exposure to residual fumes.
External exhaust (uncommon)
If the heated chamber is not being used, disconnect the return hose from the printer and route it out of a window or door. This pulls fresh outside air in through gaps in the enclosure frame instead of recirculating it. This setup is uncommon and only practical when chamber heating is not in use.
No fume extraction
Many users do not use the fume extractor at all. This is the most common configuration. The printer operates normally without it.
5. LED Indicators
The BOFA unit has an LED indicator on the front panel:
| LED Color | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Green | Normal operation � filters are functioning correctly |
| Red | Filter replacement required � the filters are saturated or airflow is restricted |
When the LED turns red, the unit's internal filters need to be replaced. Continued use with a red LED will reduce filtration effectiveness.
Info: Note: For detailed filter replacement instructions and parts ordering, refer to the official BOFA documentation included with your unit, or visit the BOFA product support page.
FAQ
Is the fume extractor required?
No. The fume extractor is an optional accessory. The printer operates normally without it. Many users choose not to use one. On V4, a HEPA filter is already built in, so the external BOFA unit is not needed.
Does the fume extractor reduce chamber temperature?
Yes, slightly. Running the unit continuously typically limits the chamber to around 75 �C instead of the usual maximum. If you need the highest chamber temperature, run the unit only at the end of the print.
Can I use the fume extractor with both V3 and V4 printers?
The BOFA unit connects to the fume extraction ports on the rear of the printer, which are present on both V3 and V4 models. However, V4 already has a built-in HEPA filter, so the BOFA unit is not needed for V4. The unit is relevant for V3 and earlier versions that lack built-in filtration.
Does Vision Miner sell BOFA units?
No. Vision Miner no longer sells or distributes BOFA units. If you need replacement filters or service, contact BOFA directly.
Where can I get replacement filters?
Since Vision Miner no longer distributes BOFA units, contact BOFA directly or refer to the documentation included with your unit. Replacement filter kits include the pre-filter, HEPA filter, and carbon filter.
Troubleshooting
- Issue: Red LED on the BOFA unit.
- Cause: Filters are saturated or clogged, restricting airflow through the unit.
- Solution: Replace all three filter stages (pre-filter, HEPA filter, carbon filter). Refer to the BOFA documentation for the replacement procedure.
- Issue: Chamber temperature lower than expected with fume extraction running.
- Cause: The BOFA unit acts as a heatsink � it cools the recirculated air slightly.
- Solution: This is expected behavior. If you need higher chamber temperatures, turn the unit off during the print and only run it to vent fumes at the end.
- Issue: Unusual smell despite the fume extractor running.
- Cause: Carbon filter may be exhausted, or hoses are not fully seated in the ports.
- Solution: Check that both hoses are securely connected. If the smell persists, replace the filters � the carbon filter loses effectiveness over time.
Support
Vision Miner Support
- Email: support@visionminer.com
- Phone: +1 (949) 522-4422