Laser Ablation – Innovative Surface Cleaning Technology
What is Laser Ablation?
Laser ablation is the process of precisely removing layers of material using a laser beam. When the laser light interacts with the surface, energy is exchanged, leading to the selective evaporation of coatings. This process occurs on the surface of the object, minimizing interference with its structure. The laser's operating parameters, such as beam intensity, pulse length, and wavelength, can be precisely adjusted depending on the material.
At low laser intensity, the material is heated and evaporates (or sublimates), while at high intensity, it is transformed into plasma. By precisely adjusting the power density, contaminants can be safely removed from a wide range of materials, such as metal alloys, composites, ceramics, and even paper.
Advantages of Laser Ablation
1. Precise and Controlled Operation
The short pulse duration ensures the selective removal of coatings, reducing the heating of the material. This method is effective for cleaning a variety of surfaces, including heavy metals, paints, corrosion, greases, and industrial compounds.
2. Eco-Friendly Approach
Laser ablation is a more environmentally friendly method of cleaning coatings compared to abrasive or chemical techniques. Some of the environmental benefits include:
• Low energy consumption: Laser fiber technology is about 20 times more efficient than traditional gas or crystal lasers.
• Extended diode lifespan: The average lifespan of a diode in fiber lasers is between 50,000 and 100,000 hours, which exceeds the 10,000–20,000 hours typical for crystal or gas lasers.
• No consumption of gas: Fiber lasers do not require the use of gas, which is consumed during operation in other types of lasers.
How Our Laser Systems Work
Our systems use fiber laser-based pulsed lasers, providing a gentle, eco-friendly method of removing coatings. The laser beam interacts with the surface, causing selective evaporation of coatings through precise pulses of energy.
Uniform Cleaning:
Each laser pulse impacts a large surface area in a circular shape, ensuring an even distribution of energy. By adjusting parameters such as pulse frequency, scanning speed, and head movement, uniform cleaning results are achieved.
Variable Results:
Adjusting the parameters allows for different cleaning effects, from uniform removal of coatings (e.g., for surface preparation for painting or gluing) to delicate modifications of the surface microstructure.
Key Features of Laser Cleaning
1. Non-Invasive
This method avoids mechanical or chemical impact on the substrate. As a result, it is widely used in heavy industry, electronics, aviation (e.g., aircraft maintenance), as well as in the restoration of paintings, sculptures, architecture, and technical objects.
2. Versatility
Laser cleaning works on a wide range of materials, including metals, composites, plastics, ceramics, wood, stone, and more. It is particularly useful when an object is made from different materials, where other conservation techniques might fail.
3. Selectivity
It allows for the selective removal of coatings. For example, if an object is covered with multiple layers of paint, the laser can precisely remove them one by one, adjusting the laser parameters according to the characteristics of each layer.
4. Eco-Friendly
Laser cleaning is dust-free and does not produce harmful substances, thus reducing the negative impact on the environment. Unlike sandblasting or chemical cleaning, this method can be used in almost any setting.
Laser ablation is a revolutionary technology that combines precision, efficiency, and environmental responsibility. It is the future of surface cleaning and restoration across various industries, from manufacturing to cultural heritage preservation.