Although laser applications in the fields of cutting, drilling, and welding are well-known, their applications in industrial cleaning are relatively new and have unexplored broad potential.

The advantages of laser cleaning

The main problems of traditional cleaning methods include: negative impact on the environment and wear on the substrate. The sandblasting system generates a large amount of waste and can damage the fine surface of the substrate; Using chemical solvents for cleaning can generate potentially hazardous vapors and liquid waste.

The shortcomings of traditional cleaning methods have led to the application of laser technology in the field of surface cleaning. Due to its many advantages, laser cleaning has now become the most effective method for removing unwanted substances from material surfaces.

At present, pulse laser cleaning and coating removal systems are widely used in various fields, from removing sulfide residues from tire molds and sculpted surfaces through ablation, to stripping insulation layers from wires, and removing coatings from fine surfaces.

Laser cleaning applied to surface polishing and rust removal in steel manufacturing

Laser cleaning is also an effective and efficient method for removing rust and oxide layers from the surface of metal materials. Rust and oxide layers are pollutants formed on metal surfaces due to natural or artificial processes. When metals are exposed to moisture, they react with water to form ferrous oxide, thereby rusting. This type of rust can reduce the quality of the metal, making it unsuitable for use in various applications.

On the other hand, due to the heat treatment process, an oxide layer will form on the metal surface, which will cause color change on the metal surface, thereby hindering subsequent finishing operations.

To remove these unwanted surface deposits, descaling treatment is required to provide a smooth surface for pre finishing and finishing (such as electroplating).

Traditional methods for rust and scale removal include physical methods such as sandblasting, polishing, scraping devices, additional blowing, and wire brushing; There are also chemical methods, such as using alkaline or acidic chemicals to remove the oxide layer. However, these methods not only cause environmental pollution, but also damage the base metal.

To avoid these drawbacks, laser cleaning has become the preferred method for rust and scale removal operations. Remove the rust layer/oxide layer by irradiating a laser beam with peak power and high repetition frequency on the rust layer. The laser must be emitted in short pulses to avoid damage to the base metal. Rust quickly absorbs the energy of the laser beam, leading to an increase in temperature. Once the temperature is high enough, rust will melt and eventually evaporate. Pulse fiber lasers are the preferred choice as they provide greater control over power, wavelength, and pulse duration, allowing for the evaporation of rust/oxide layers without causing any damage to the substrate material.

Laser cleaning technology can also be used for surface cleaning. Before applying anti-corrosion protective coatings to steel parts, the surface of the parts must be cleaned to ensure that there are no pollutants on the surface. Surface cleaning/preparation requires the removal of all contaminants from the surface of steel parts in preparation for the application of protective coatings. These pollutants include oil, grease, oxide layer, hydrates, workshop primer, etc.

Due to the use of non friction and non-contact methods in fiber laser cleaning, which do not involve solvents, chemicals, or grinding media, it is very suitable for surface cleaning preparation and rust/scale removal. The cleaning process can be carried out on a small or large-scale scale, and the cleaning process can be automated. Laser cleaning is an environmentally friendly, cost-effective rust removal method that can prepare for the application of protective coatings on the surface of parts.

About HGTECH

HGTECH is the pioneer and leader of laser industrial application in China, and the authoritative provider of global laser processing solutions. We comprehensively layout the construction of laser intelligent equipment, measurement and automation production lines, and smart factories to provide an overall solution for intelligent manufacturing.

We deeply grasp the development trend of manufacturing industry, constantly enrich products and solutions, adhere to exploring the integration of automation, informatization, intelligence and manufacturing industry, and provide various industries with laser cutting systems, laser welding systems, laser marking series, laser texturing complete equipment, laser heat treatment systems, laser drilling machines, lasers and various supporting devices The overall plan for the construction of special laser processing equipment and plasma cutting equipment, as well as automatic production lines and smart factories.