Laser Cleaning of Metal and Rust/Corrosion is essential for preserving the surface texture and shape of the objects being cleaned. Laser metal cleaning has a wide range of applications across industries such as shipbuilding, construction, and renovation. Rust removal is the most common use of laser cleaning, where metal parts and iron-containing materials are cleaned of oxidation without damaging the underlying material.
It is important to note that most metal oxides, not just iron oxide, can be removed with laser cleaning. Utilizing state-of-the-art laser rust removal machines, this method outperforms traditional techniques like sandblasting and chemical treatments in terms of efficiency and environmental impact in many cases. However, if the rust layer is too thick, a two-step cleaning process may be applied.
The goal of laser cleaning is to remove surface material without damaging the underlying substrate. While lasers are capable of cutting through several inches of steel, cleaning requires a much gentler approach and an understanding of ablation thresholds. Each material has an ablation threshold that effectively defines the energy required to vaporize it. Stay below the threshold, and the bulk material remains unharmed. However, exceed the threshold even once, and it will affect the bulk material.
Ablation in the context of laser cleaning refers to the process of removing unwanted layers, such as dirt, oxides, or coatings, from the surface of a material using laser energy. Laser ablation enables precise and controlled cleaning without damaging the underlying material. This method is often used in industries for cleaning metals, stone, and other sensitive surfaces.
Fortunately, most contaminants, such as rust, oil, and coatings, have lower ablation thresholds than metals, stone, wood, and similar materials. However, avoiding damage to the substrate requires careful adjustment of laser parameters, such as wavelength and pulse energy. Precise control of spot size and shape further enhances the efficiency of laser cleaning by minimizing overlap as the beam scans across the surface.
The needs of your company will determine the cost of a customized laser cleaning service. Factors such as location, facility capabilities, and the amount of required labor will influence the overall cost. We will guide you through the process and help you determine the appropriate level of service for your requirements.
The laser diode module typically lasts between 25,000 and 50,000 hours, and sometimes up to 100,000 hours. The long-term performance of laser cleaning machines depends on strictly adhering to recommended best practices and maintaining optimal working environment conditions.
The power requirements of laser cleaning machines are often lower than those of a fan heater or air conditioning system, which makes sense given that many users are concerned about how the laser will affect their electricity bill. Lasers consume varying amounts of energy depending on the size and power of the laser.