What is a hi-vac weld fume extractor?

A high-vacuum (Hi-Vac) extraction unit is a specialized system designed to capture and remove fine particles, fumes, and hazardous materials directly at their source. Compared to general dust collection systems, Hi-Vac units have lower airflow (in Cubic Feet per Minute, or CFM) but higher suction power. They are tailored for highly localized fume extraction (for example, using fume guns or on-torch extraction). Hi-vac systems usually have smaller hose diameters for weld fume collection compared to other portable collectors. A smaller hose diameter means that less air is moved, but the air is moved with greater force, making it more effective at capturing fine particles. High-vac extraction units are often used with fume guns, on-torch robotic tip extraction, and other highly localized extraction methods. Portable weld fume collectors come in both hi-vac (ProCube II and VentBoss G130) and general models (the rest of the VentBoss portable line).