Introducing The Bernard® Clean Air E™
Welding professionals face daily challenges in keeping their work environment clean and safe. With strict weld fume regulations, effective fume control is more important than ever. The Bernard® Clean Air E™ fume extraction MIG gun helps by capturing welding fumes directly at the source without sacrificing performance.
Why Source Capture Matters
Capturing weld fume as close to the point of generation as possible, also known as source capture, is one of the most effective ways to reduce exposure. Unlike general ventilation or ambient air systems that dilute fumes, source capture methods like fume extraction guns immediately remove hazardous particles, helping improve air quality for operators and surrounding workers.
The Clean Air E™ captures up to 95% of fume at the source. The gun is built with adjustable extraction control through interchangeable shroud lengths and a slider allowing operators to fine-tune suction levels without affecting shielding gas coverage. This balance is critical for maintaining weld quality while maximizing fume capture.
Key Benefits of the Clean Air E™
Efficient Extraction
By removing up to 95% of fumes directly at the arc, the Clean Air E™ helps reduce exposure risks and contributes to a cleaner workspace.
Enhanced Ergonomics
With a lightweight handle design, the Clean Air E™ allows you to weld longer without fatigue. The ball swivel at the rear of the handle makes maneuvering easier, even in difficult positions.
Engineered for Endurance
This fume gun is built to withstand the toughest working environments. Made from durable, tested materials, it features a robust and straightforward design for easy maintenance.
Designed for Demanding Applications
Ideal for high-amperage and high-deposition rate applications, the Clean Air E™ is well-suited for industries such as: Shipbuilding, Heavy equipment manufacturing, General fabrication and manufacturing
Ergonomic and Easy to Use
Unlike bulky ventilation systems, fume extraction guns like the Clean Air E™ seamlessly integrate into a welder’s workflow. With a lightweight, ergonomic design and a user-friendly adjustment slider on the guns handle, it operates much like a standard MIG gun while providing the added benefit of fume extraction.
Customizable
We know every welder has their own preference when it comes to welding style. That’s why we designed two trigger options—a button and a lever, plus an extended lever for added comfort. We also made the shrouds interchangeable, offering three lengths to optimize either weld visibility or fume extraction, depending on your application.
A Smarter Step Toward Safer Welding
No single solution eliminates all welding fume exposure, but using a fume extraction gun alongside a compatible extraction unit like the Miller® Filtair®215 can significantly improve a workplace environment. The Bernard® Clean Air E™ provides a practical, effective way to prioritize welder safety and performance.
It starts at the source™
For Immediate Release BEECHER, Ill./WINDSOR, Ontario (March 20, 2025) — Bernard announced the release of the new Clean Air E™ fume extraction MIG gun, the newest high-efficiency fume extraction gun in the brand’s lineup. Crafted for efficient extraction, enhanced ergonomics and engineered endurance, this gun sets a new standard in MIG welding fume capture technology. With an ongoing priority to ensure safer, cleaner work environments for operators coupled with heightened fume standards being implemented across the country, Bernard saw an opportunity to evolve the standard fume extraction gun to maximize its efficiency and usability. Bernard took customer and welder feedback and designed a product that would be the most impactful for welders in a next-generation fume extraction gun. The team applied that feedback throughout the research and development process until it resulted in the Clean Air E™, which offers solutions to common operator pain points, including: · Efficient extraction: The Clean Air E™ achieves up to 95% fume capture right at the source, which improves air quality in the workspace and reduces OSHA-related risks. · Enhanced ergonomics: The ergonomic design reduces strain and fatigue on welders, which allows them to focus on precision and quality for extended use. · Engineered for endurance: The Clean Air E™ features durable components and long-life consumables, which reduces downtime and maintenance costs, delivering a lower cost of total ownership. “When it comes to welding, operators seek the trifecta in their gun: ergonomics, extraction performance and ease of maintenance,” said Jerome Parker, product manager, Bernard. “The Clean Air E™ was designed alongside actual users to ensure we arrived at a solution that redefined traditional fume capture guns for the modern welder, enhancing both their operator experience and their weld environment.” On the gun itself, the Clean Air E™ offers enhanced features for easier and more efficient use: · Improved weld access: Three nozzle shroud lengths allow operators to balance fume capture with weld access and improved visibility of the weldment. · Instant flow adjustment: The new flow control slide on the back of the handle enables welders to easily reduce airflow by up to 10 cfm to help overcome porosity issues. · Upgraded handle comfort: Two handle styles are available to suit different grip styles and hand sizes, with internals contoured to enhance airflow and fume capture. The lever trigger can also be mounted on top for additional comfort. · Increased flexibility: A durable, lightweight aluminum ball swivel at the end of the handle provides 15 degrees of extra flex in any direction for additional improved ergonomics. · Maximized airflow: A new Y-connector offers contoured internals that maximize airflow, with a vacuum outlet that is compatible with any fume extraction unit. For a premium fume extraction pairing, operators have the option to connect the Clean Air E™ to the Miller® FILTAIR® 215. Learn more about how the Clean Air E™ can deliver safety, performance and comfort for welders at https://www.startsatthesource.com/ About Bernard Bernard, a leading manufacturer of premium semi-automatic MIG welding guns and consumables, is dedicated to enhancing welding productivity and performance. Headquartered in Beecher, Illinois, Bernard is known for innovative solutions that prioritize operator comfort, ease of maintenance, and exceptional durability. Bernard is a proud brand of Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE: ITW). For more information, visit BernardTregaskiss.com, call 1-855-MIGWELD (1-855-644-9353), email CS@itwmig.com. Contact: Lauren Smith, Hiebing for Bernard/Tregaskiss phone: +1 6082684408 lsmith@hiebing.com Keep your Bernard® Clean Air E™ Fume Extraction MIG Gun performing at its best by replacing the Y-connector when needed. This quick guide walks you through the simple steps to ensure a secure fit and maintain optimal fume extraction efficiency. Watch now to keep your system running smoothly and your workspace cleaner. Instructions Separate connector halves. Push rear hose swivel forward to slide it out of the cavity. Slide the hose assembly forward and remove the remaining Y Connector half. Place the new rubber boot into the new Y Connector set. Position the cable assembly in the Y Connector channel, ensuring proper alignment with rubber boot. Pull the hose assembly back into the swivel cavity and ensure it is taut (no slack). Confirm the hose and cable assemblies are properly seated and secure. Align the Y Connector halves and reinstall screws. Find more resources at www.startsatthesource.com Properly connecting your Bernard® Clean Air E™ Fume Extraction MIG Gun to a fume extraction unit is key to maximizing performance and maintaining a cleaner work environment. In this video, we walk you through the simple steps to ensure a secure and efficient connection, helping you get the most out of your fume extraction system. Instructions Thread hose onto the fume port of the fume extraction unit and tighten securely. Attach the opposite end of hose to the 1-3/4” port on the Y Connector, ensuring all connections are tight. Find more resources at www.startsatthesource.com Maintaining your Bernard® Clean Air E™ Fume Extraction MIG Gun is quick and easy! Watch as we walk through the simple process of replacing the neck and trigger, ensuring your gun stays in top working condition. Designed for durability and performance, the Clean Air E™ makes maintenance hassle-free so you can focus on the job. Instructions Changing the Inner Neck Assembly Remove the Shroud and Consumables: Unthread the knurled smoke shroud from the smoke tube assembly and remove the front end consumables. Separate the Handle Halves: Remove the socket head cap screws (7/64″ hex) and keep them for later. Remove the Smoke Tube Assembly: Slide it forward and off the inner neck assembly. Loosen the Lock Nut: Place the neck in a vise (don’t over-tighten). Use 3/4” wrenches to loosen the lock nut on the neck. Unthread the Neck: Once the lock nut is loose, unthread the neck from the end fitting by hand. Replace the Neck: Add the lock nut to the new neck, thread it into the cable end fitting, and tighten by hand. Secure the neck in a vise and torque the lock nut/end fitting connection to 30 ft-lbs (40.7 Nm). Reassemble the Handle: Position the neck and smoke tube assembly into the handle. Ensure the trigger components and vacuum slide are correctly placed, with trigger wires routed properly. Secure the Handle Halves: Use the handle screws and torque them to 10 in-lbs (1.1 Nm). Changing the Switch – Button Model Separate the Handle Halves: Remove the screws completely. Remove the Terminals: Use needle nose pliers to remove the terminals from the trigger switch. Attach the New Trigger: Secure the terminals to the new trigger, position it in the right handle half, and ensure the wires are routed correctly. Reassemble the Handle: Reinstall the second handle half, tighten all screws, and torque to 10 in-lbs (1.1 Nm). Changing the Switch – Lever Model Separate the Handle Halves: Remove the screws completely. Remove the Switch Assembly: Use needle nose pliers to disconnect the terminals and carefully remove the lever. Attach the New Switch: Secure the terminals to the new switch assembly, install it into the mounting cavity, and reinstall the lever. Reassemble the Handle: Ensure all components are correctly positioned, then reinstall the second handle half, starting with the lever screw. Tighten all screws and torque to 10 in-lbs (1.1 Nm). Changing the Vacuum Slide Switch Separate the Handle Halves: Remove the screws completely. Remove the Slide Switch: Carefully take it out of the channel in the handle half. Install the New Slide Switch: Position it in the channel, ensuring it moves freely. Reassemble the Handle: Keep the slide switch properly aligned and reinstall the screws, tightening them evenly and torquing to 10 in-lbs (1.1 Nm) Find more resources at www.startsatthesource.com We designed the Bernard® Clean Air E™ Fume Extraction Gun with interchangeable shrouds, giving you the flexibility to optimize fume capture for your specific welding application. Choose from a longer shroud for maximum fume extraction, a medium shroud for the perfect balance of weld access and fume capture, or a short shroud for maximum weld access while still extracting fumes. Instructions Simply unthread the fume shroud from the neck tube and rethread your desired shroud based on your nozzle size and welding application. Find more resources at www.startsatthesource.com Need to replace the hose on your Clean Air E™ fume extraction gun? We’ve got you covered! Follow these simple steps to swap it out quickly and keep your fume extraction system performing at its best. Watch now and ensure clean, efficient welding every time. Instructions 1. If replacing the vacuum hose assembly, remove all screws to separate the handle halves and remove the front hose swivel from its cavity. 2. Remove screw covers and two screws securing the rear handle, then slide the rear handle and strain relief backward to remove them. 3. Remove screws on the Y Connector and open to expose the cable assembly and rear hose swivel. 4. Pull the vacuum hose assembly backward to remove it from the cable assembly. 5. Slide the new vacuum hose assembly forward over the cable assembly until the front hose swivel rests in its cavity. Align the handle halves and reinstall all screws to retain hose assembly within handle. 6. With the cable straight, pull the hose and position it into the Y Connector, ensuring no slack. Tighten Y Connector screws, correctly positioning rubber boot within the Y Connector. 7. Slide rear handle and strain relief forward onto the cable assembly and secure with screws and screw covers. Find more resources at www.startsatthesource.com Regardless of your experience level, keeping your weld environment safe is a top priority. A multifaceted approach to fume mitigation can help you maximize safety and efficiency. Could it be time to take a closer look at your fume control strategies? Read our article published in the February issue of Fabricating & Metalworking. For the past 40 years, 4-Star Trailers in Oklahoma has built high-quality aluminum stock and horse trailers. Aluminum is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and strong—ideal for trailers designed to endure tough road conditions. However, welding aluminum with a push-pull gun has its challenges. The heaviness of the tool can make it difficult to maneuver in tight angles, and the added weight can lead to welder fatigue, especially when working on large parts or frames. Additionally, this setup can cause delays in production timelines due to discomfort and inefficiency during long hours of use. Before switching to the Bernard® BTB Semi-Automatic Air-Cooled MIG Gun, the team regularly faced feeding issues. The feeding problems were especially noticeable when working on large aluminum parts, causing disruptions and affecting their ability to keep up with demanding production schedules. The difficulty in maneuvering the push-pull gun, coupled with the physical strain it placed on welders, contributed to frequent delays and a slower pace of work. The BTB Gun has been a game-changer. It pushes aluminum wire long distances with ease, something that wasn’t possible with the previous system. Its design is lightweight and maneuverable, making it far easier for welders to handle, especially in tight spots. This has significantly reduced fatigue, allowing the team to work longer and more comfortably without sacrificing quality. The customizable neck lengths of the BTB Gun are another huge advantage, allowing welders to reach into tight angles or handle bigger components with greater ease. The Easy Feed Liner in the BTB Gun reduces friction, making it simpler to feed aluminum wire and minimizing downtime—critical for maintaining a steady workflow in a busy shop. With fewer interruptions, the team is able to stick to production goals and meet deadlines more effectively. The use of AccuLock consumables also contributes to less maintenance, as they last longer than other options, cutting down on the frequency of replacements and the time spent on maintenance tasks. The biggest benefit? The team is more productive and satisfied with their work. With fewer interruptions and smoother operations, they’re able to produce high-quality welds faster. The BTB Gun has not only made their jobs easier but also helped the business run more efficiently. It’s become an indispensable tool in their shop, enabling them to build even tougher, more dependable trailers while improving overall productivity and welder satisfaction. Bernard’s Clean Air E™ fume extraction MIG Gun helps create a cleaner and more productive welding environment by capturing up to 95% of fumes at the source, improving weld visibility, and reducing welder fatigue. Designed for durability in heavy industrial use, it minimizes rework, lowers compliance risks, and supports efforts to attract and retain top talent. Say goodbye to compromise and hello to precision, performance, and peace of mind. It Starts At The Source™ Learn more: https://www.startsatthesource.com Discover the Clean Air E™ difference. Superior Fume Control Right at the Source With up to 95% source fume capture efficiency, the Clean Air E minimizes airborne contaminants, protects your team, and improves visibility on every weld. It helps you meet stringent compliance standards without compromise. Effortless Ergonomics for Extended Use Designed for welders, the Clean Air E features a balanced build, optimized handle design, and a ball swivel for added flexibility. This reduces strain and improves control, focusing on comfort and efficiency to help welders stay productive through long shifts. Industrial-Grade Durability, Reduced Downtime Built for heavy-duty use, the Clean Air E is engineered to last. Its rugged design, combined with long-life consumables, reduces maintenance demands and lowers total costs, keeping your team welding without interruption. Enhanced Visibility for Precise Welds Clearer sightlines mean better welds. The Clean Air E is designed to minimize arc obstructions, providing improved visibility and weld access. With a better view of the weld puddle, welders can work with greater accuracy, control, and consistency. Want to learn more? Click here. The New Clean Air E™ Fume Extraction MIG Gun Offers Superior Fume Capture, Enhanced Ergonomics
The New Clean Air E™ Fume Extraction MIG Gun Offers Superior Fume Capture, Enhanced Ergonomics
Up to 95% fume capture efficiency and optimized design make workspaces safer and reduce welder strain
Product Guide: Clean Air E™ – Changing the Y Connector
Product Guide: Clean Air E™ – Changing the Y Connector
Product Guide: Clean Air E™ – Connecting to a Fume Extraction Unit
Product Guide: Clean Air E™ – Connecting to a Fume Extraction Unit
Product Guide: Clean Air E™ – Replacing the Neck and Trigger
Product Guide: Clean Air E™ – Replacing the Neck and Trigger
Product Guide: Clean Air E™ – Changing Shrouds to Maximize Fume Extraction
Product Guide: Clean Air E™ – Changing Shrouds to Maximize Fume Extraction
Product Guide: Clean Air E™ – Changing Out the Hose
Product Guide: Clean Air E™ – Changing Out the Hose
The Importance of Implementing a Layered Approach to Fume Mitigation
The Importance of Implementing a Layered Approach to Fume Mitigation
Bernard® BTB Gun Transforms Aluminum Welding for 4-Star Trailers
Bernard® BTB Gun Transforms Aluminum Welding for 4-Star Trailers
Introducing Clean Air E™
Introducing Clean Air E™
Features and Benefits of the Clean Air E™
Features and Benefits of the Clean Air E™
