Chief Automotive Technologies’ new heavy-duty weld fume extractor collects weld fumes at their source, protecting technicians against breathing harmful airborne particulates. It’s part of the company’s product line expansion into “fusion” products shops need to properly repair collision-damaged vehicles. In addition to the fume extractor, the fusion group includes a new rivet gun as well as a full line of spot and MIG/MAG welders that had previously been marketed under the Elektron brand. It uses an electric motor to draw weld fumes through a cylindrical arm that leads to a large ProTura Nanofiber cartridge. The filter offers a MERV 15 efficiency rating. MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) ratings vary from 1 to 16, with higher ratings indicating greater efficiency in trapping airborne particles. The filters provide the ultimate combination of high efficiency, low operating costs and longer filter life. A built-in pressure gauge on the fume extractor shows when the filter should be replaced, and the machine’s “Quick Seal” door release provides extremely fast filter removal and maintenance with no tools required. While traditional fume extractor arms are made of plastic tubing, the Chief fume extractor’s arm is manufactured of powder-coated aluminum with cast aluminum joints, which helps prevent wear and breakage in even the most demanding shop settings. The seven-foot arm holds a bell-shaped extraction hood with an integrated 360-degree handle for easy maneuvering, and an ember catcher prevents hot particles from reaching the filter. The fume extractor features a compact design, long vertical reach and is very easy to use. The technician simply rolls the fume extractor to the work area, positions the extraction hood near the metal being welded, and turns the motor on. An optional arc detector will automatically turn on the fume extractor as soon as the technician strikes the arc. Other options include a hood-mounted light kit to help illuminate the work area and an extended 10-foot arm for reaching vehicles loaded on frame racks or lifts. To learn more about the new Chief fume extractor (models FE7 or FE10), visit www.chiefautomotive.com/OnOurLines/ or call (800) 445-9262. Chief is active on Twitter and Facebook. For video, visit Chief’s Vimeo channel.