Laser Coating Removal Made Easy with Fiber Laser Cleaning Machine

The world’s first laser was invented in 1960 by American scientist Professor Theodore Harold Maiman, using ruby to develop it, thus opening the door to the use of lasers for the benefit of humanity. In the following years, lasers were developed and applied to various fields. The promotion of laser technology has greatly accelerated the pace of social progress, promoting the rapid development of technology in areas such as medical care, equipment manufacturing, precision measurement, and remanufacturing engineering.

In the field of cleaning, fiber laser cleaning machine has achieved significant results. Compared with traditional cleaning methods such as mechanical friction, chemical corrosion, and high-frequency ultrasound, laser cleaning can achieve fully automated operation. It has the advantages of high work efficiency, low cost, no pollution to the environment, no damage to the substrate, and a wide range of materials that can be applied, which fully meets the green and environmentally friendly processing concept and is currently the most reliable and effective cleaning method.

The Principle of fiber laser cleaning machine

The fiber laser cleaning machine utilizes the characteristics of laser beams, such as high energy density, controllable direction, and strong convergence ability, to disrupt the bond between contaminants and the substrate or directly vaporize the contaminants, thereby removing the pollutants and reducing the bond strength between pollutants and the substrate, achieving the cleaning effect on the surface of the workpiece. When the contaminants on the surface of the workpiece absorb the energy of the laser, they undergo rapid vaporization or instant thermal expansion, overcoming the forces between the contaminants and the substrate surface.

Due to the increased thermal energy, the particles of the contaminants vibrate and detach from the substrate surface. Laser cleaning can alter the grain structure and orientation of the substrate surface without damaging it, and it can also control the surface roughness of the substrate, thereby enhancing the overall performance of the substrate surface. The cleaning effect is mainly influenced by factors such as the characteristics of the laser beam, the physical properties of the substrate and contaminant materials, and the ability of the contaminants to absorb the energy of the laser beam.

Application of Laser Coating Removal in the Military Industry

Laser coating removal can be used not only to clean organic pollutants but also to clean inorganic substances. Laser cleaning will be widely applied in equipment cleaning, maintenance, and upkeep. In underground wells or tunnels with high humidity, suitable temperature, and no direct sunlight, it is most conducive to the growth of mold. However, some large equipment is precisely located in such environments for security reasons. Mold growth and reproduction can weaken and damage organic materials, block moving parts, and lead to other forms of corrosion, such as galvanic corrosion, as mold absorbs moisture. The secretion of corrosive substances by mold can further cause metal corrosion and oxidation.

In addition to the common hazards mentioned above, the mycelium of mold can form a bioelectric bridge that affects the good contact of equipment connecting cables. It can bridge the insulated plug cores that should be electrically insulated from each other, thereby affecting the normal testing of insulation resistance and the safe and reliable use of the equipment. This, in turn, affects the normal operation of military training processes and outcomes. In combat situations, it can lead to important equipment not being launched on time or unable to be launched, resulting in mission delays. Therefore, it is evident that the growth of mold poses significant hazards to military equipment and must be regularly removed.

Application of Laser Coating Removal in the Industrial Sector

Fiber laser cleaning machines are widely used in various industrial sectors due to their long lifespan, high efficiency, environmental friendliness, low energy consumption, and minimal maintenance requirements. They are applied in mold cleaning, pre-treatment for part joining, paint stripping, removal of oxide coatings, restoration of ancient artifacts, and more. Whether it’s tire molds, casting molds, or injection molds, the laser cleaning process effectively removes EPDM, natural rubber, mold release agents, production residues, and contaminants without damaging the mold substrate.

Laser cleaning gently and safely removes mold release agents, production residues, and contaminants from the surface of precision tools. After thousands of cleaning cycles, laser cleaning does not cause mechanical damage or surface abrasion, thereby prolonging the lifespan of molds. Laser cleaning can remove all coatings on the substrate at once or selectively remove them layer by layer. Portable laser systems are specifically designed for paint stripping on metal structures, and precise control and direction of the laser beam are crucial for selective cleaning. This ensures that each point receives a uniform pulse, removing a thin layer with each pulse. Laser coating removal finds extensive applications in ships, bridges, transmission towers, and aerospace components.

Application of Laser Coating Removal in Other Fields

The Laser coating removal technology has made significant progress in various fields such as microelectronics processing, cultural heritage preservation, and medical applications. The application of laser cleaning in the restoration of cultural artifacts, artworks, and buildings is widespread, particularly in Europe. Various buildings, including Poland’s Martyrs’ Tomb and London’s Westminster Palace, have been successfully cleaned using laser technology. Laser cleaning effectively removes dirt from sculptures and artworks made of materials such as limestone, marble, and bone, without causing any damage to the cultural heritage itself.

Conclusion

With the continuous advancement of technology, laser coating removal technology will continue to undergo improvements and innovations. Future development will focus on enhancing the performance and efficiency of laser equipment, reducing costs, and expanding the range of applications. More advanced laser systems will not only be able to handle common coating materials but also adapt to a wider variety of coatings. Fiber laser cleaning machines, as a modern green cleaning technology, are products of the industrial development in the new era. They offer the advantages of time and labor savings, non-damage to substrates, and environmental friendliness. These machines are easy to install, operate, and integrate with automation.