Laser cutting produces two distinct types of pollutant. There's airborne particulate from the material being cut, and there are also volatile odour-causing compounds released as vapour. A single filter type can't handle both effectively, so the F2000 uses a staged system rather than one generic filter. The pre-filter exists to intercept larger particulate first, so it doesn't reach and clog the finer media downstream, which is why filter life is extended significantly compared to the original F500 system.

The HEPA filter then works mechanically, trapping fine particulate as air is forced through its dense fibre structure. Odour isn't solved by mechanical trapping though, since it requires adsorption instead, and this is what the activated carbon stage provides. Its porous surface chemically binds the volatile compounds responsible for smell rather than just filtering out particles, which is the specific reason the F2000 eliminates most odours rather than only reducing visible smoke. Because each stage is doing a distinct job instead of one filter compensating for all pollutant types, the unit can run indoors for longer periods without the smell or particulate build-up that would otherwise force the window-venting workaround.