Fume Extractor activated carbon - Additional filter for Vevor XF250 & XF180

A fume extractor filters harmful fumes created by soldering or other processes.

When soldering, fumes are created by the heated flux. They contain VOCs and gases that are harmful. Activated carbon filters are used to capture these by a process called adsorption (different from absorption). This means that what is captured is now part of the activated carbon. When the activated carbon is saturated, it cannot capture anything anymore, and dangerous substances can pass trough the filter.

This is why each of the 3 stages in the Vevor fume extractors has a service life and need to be replaced regularly. We will focus on the 3rd stage made of activated carbon. It should be replaced every 6-12 months depending on your usage. Problem : the spare filter price is around 60€ or 68$ per unit.

Electrical power

Model

Filter price (2025)

Vevor 100W

XF180

64$

Vevor 150W

XF250

68$

Hypothesis : The cleaner the air passing through the filter is, the longer the filter will last.

We will add another filter in order to reduce the amount of substances to be treated by the expensive filter, therefor increasing its service life. This additional filter forces the air flow through activated carbon and is easily refillable. The pellets are both inexpensive and easy to source. Filling the container with brand new activated carbon pellets cost me around 9€ .

- Select the files corresponding to your fume extractor.

- Print the lid and the container laying flat on the bed, adjust the orientation in order to minimise bridges. Use PLA+ for the lid and PETG for the container.

- Remove the dust from the activated carbon pellets that formed during transport using a bowl and compressed air. Otherwise it will go into the other filter stages.

- Fill the container, check that nothing is falling through the mesh. Wiggle the container.

- Secure the lid with M4x10mm screws. Wiggle the assembly to set the pellets in place. Wiggle the assembly upside down to set the pellets in place.

- Install the pre-filter into your fume extractor.

I don't have the necessary instruments to measure and compare the air quality with and without this modification. The service life improvement has not be measured.

Take care of your eyes and lungs. May the odds be ever in your favor.