Laser cleaning, a form of laser ablation, is a cutting-edge technology that removes selective layers of material from a surface using laser energy. This process utilises photonic energy to peel off, vaporise, sublimate, or burn away unwanted waste material without causing harm to the underlying bulk material. It’s a non-contact, non-abrasive process, which minimizes damage to the substrate while efficiently cleaning the targeted area.

 

Industrial laser cleaning is revolutionizing the way materials are cleansed across various sectors. This advanced technology harnesses the power of focused laser beams to rapidly vaporize or peel off surface contaminants, resulting in a pristine finis3. From the mining and marine industries to more general industrial applications, laser cleaning is the future of surface preparation.

 

There are two main types of laser cleaning: pulse and continuous wave (CW) lasers. Pulsed lasers produce short bursts of high-intensity light. They can produce high peak power, while their average power is relatively low. On the other hand, CW lasers produce a continuous stream of light. They provide continuous power, making them an excellent option for tasks that require a steady supply of energy.

 

Pulsed lasers are great for spot and seam welding or biological sample testing, where heat input is a significant factor. They are also ideal for cutting and marking without damaging the product. CW lasers, however, are suitable for high-speed seam welding tasks like pressure sensors, airbag initiators, and battery tabs. The choice between pulsed and CW lasers depends on the specific requirements of the cleaning task.

 

In conclusion, laser cleaning, with its pulse and CW variants, offers a highly efficient, precise, and eco-friendly alternative to traditional cleaning methods. It’s a testament to how far we’ve come in harnessing the power of light for industrial applications.