Laser Ablation Of Substrate Contaminants

Laser Ablation – aka Laser Cleaning. What is it? Laser cleaning is a process of getting rid of matter from a surface by irradiating it by means of a laser beam. This process is an alternative to traditional sandblasting media. At low amounts of power, the substance is heated by the laser and evaporates. At elevated laser power stages, the matter is most frequently converted to plasma. The means of removing substance is most frequently with a pulsed laser beam, but can be completed with a constant beam laser at high enough energy ranges. Due to the characteristics of laser cleaning, the procedure is particularly suited for elimination of substances from metallic surfaces. Pulsed lasers are used to cleanse surfaces, eliminate paint, or get ready surfaces for paint. High-level power lasers can clean a great section with one pulse, lower power lasers are scanned across an area.

Benefits of laser cleaning vs conventional blasting or elimination methods:

-No solvents are used, which is healthier for the operator and the environment

-Cost for each hour is lesser than conventional dry blasting media, initial equipment expenditure is normally much higher though

-Gentler than abrasive blasting, creating little to no damage on most surfaces

-Surface being cleaned isn’t subject to excessive heat

-Easy to automate the process by way of machines and robots

In a lot of laser uses, fume and particle extraction is tremendously important. When lasers are used without these systems, airborne particles can accumulate on top of the laser lenses, causing decreased performance. A solution to this setback is a discrete particle and fume extractor. Even though this adds to the already high cost of paying for laser ablation systems, it removes power robbing contaminants while also getting rid of dangerous vapors and dust. This also has the additional benefit of keeping the work area incredibly clean, with very trivial to no cleanup necessary after use.

In addition, fume extraction machines can provide a very high level of vacuum to avoid plugging of the small orifices that can impede airflow. These machines frequently come with simple to use digital control panels, filter life monitoring, and the ability to filter particles and fumes.

One of the primary manufacturers of laser cleaning systems in the world is Clean Lasersysteme. These machines are manufactured from the highest quality components that are designed and built in Germany. CL makes a wide assortment and volume of laser cleaning systems, from small items all the way up to high intensity 1000 watt units.

Clean Lasersysteme has been a pioneer in developing one of the worlds first truly mobile laser cleaning methods by introducing the CL20QF and the CL20QF-BP. The CL20QF is an ultra compact laser cleaning system with an average laser power of 20 W. Weighing merely 20 lbs, this unit can be attached by means of a backpack carrier system and battery to be converted into a truly mobile system. Suitable for cleaning, exterior treatment, paint elimination, as well as removing contaminants and coatings. This component is also ideal for statue conservation and monument and artifact cleaning.

Applications where laser cleaning is perfect is rubber and plastic mold cleaning, oxide elimination, grease and oil removal, paint removal, weld and fusion prep, surface roughening, and cleaning of brake pad backing plates before adhering the friction substance. As with any exterior prep and material removal, protection precautions are necessary.

Laser cleaning is enormously safe, as long as certain safeguards are taken. The chief concern of laser systems is the destructive outcome of laser radiation near unshielded eyes. Special safety glasses are mandatory, and shielding curtains are frequently necessary to protect the eyesight of other people nearby. The shielding must be sufficient to the type of laser being used. In addition, as pointed out previously, laser removal often generates damaging fumes, therefore some kind of fume extractor method is highly recommended.

In summary, laser cleaning techniques present an extremely high level of performance. On the other hand, initial equipment investment is often very elevated. Depending on amount and kind of use, these systems may be incredibly feasible for high volume users owing to a lower cost per hour in comparison to traditional sandblasting media methods.

Learn more about alternatives to traditional sandblasting at Sandblasting Authority