Whether we are talking about rust, paint, different oxidants or other grime, unwanted deposits ultimately end up damaging parts and equipment of all kinds in various industrial sectors. Until recently, companies used industrial cleaning methods that have been on the market for many years—ranging from different chemicals to sandblasting—to avoid the significant damage caused by these intruders. Although sandblasting has been recognized for several decades, this technique should not be taken lightly as it can cause certain health problems and the equipment is also expensive and cumbersome. As for chemical methods, they are losing popularity due to the risk of damaging certain surfaces, their lack of precision and, of course, their effects on the health and safety of workers as well as on the environment.
As early as the 1980s, research was being done to find alternative solutions, and the idea of using lasers emerged. The first attempts would combine laser technology with existing cleaning technology. This research ultimately led to the laser cleaning solutions we see on the market today.
Although fiber laser cleaning systems have not completely replaced traditional methods, their qualities are earning them a growing market share. Laser systems are generally quieter, non-abrasive, efficient, precise and environmentally friendly, not to mention requiring minimal maintenance. They are very versatile, being effective on various types of dirt, rust, paint, oxidants and other contaminants and impurities, plus they can be used on various surfaces. Unlike traditional methods, laser cleaning does not use any hazardous chemicals, making this method a better solution for both the environment and worker health.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Laser cleaning is a contactless system, where a high-intensity laser beam is used on the surface being cleaned. The laser energy is thus absorbed by the contaminants or undesirables we want dislodged, causing them to detach from the surface. An adequate vacuum system makes it possible to dispose of this residue in complete safety.
The type of laser used will greatly depend on the type of surface being cleaned (material, thickness, degree of soiling, etc.) and the contaminants that must be removed. Several parameters must be considered when choosing the laser: its power, pulse duration, scanning speed and the distance between the focusing lens and the surface being cleaned.
While the initial cost for a laser system might be high, laser cleaning requires no consumables other than electricity, is easy to automate and can be very selective, making it a perfect choice for cleaning delicate or hard-to-reach areas. The operational benefits of this technology mean users will see a return on their investment over time.
AN EVEN MORE ATTRACTIVE OPTION
The laser cleaning market is constantly evolving, and studies predict a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.1% by 2030. More industries are adopting it, including:
- Manufacturing industries, for the removal of production residue and contaminants, mould cleaning, etc. Laser cleaning helps extend a machine’s life and optimize production processes.
- Restoration of art and historical monuments: Thanks to its non-abrasive nature, laser cleaning makes it possible to gently clean dirt, contaminants and more from delicate surfaces without damaging pieces of art, sculptures, monuments, etc.
- The aerospace industry: Airplanes, rockets and satellites can benefit from laser cleaning to remove coatings, paint, rust and a number of contaminants.
- For the automotive market, both for repair and in manufacturing plants. It can be used to restore rusty parts, of course, but laser cleaning also allows surfaces to be prepared before welding, bonding and coating. It also removes rubber, paint and grease residue from automobile parts.
Today, industries are increasingly adopting laser cleaning for their different needs as they become more conscious of their environmental impact and focused on worker safety. To ensure the reliability of your laser cleaning system, you must, among other things, make sure you have the right optical fiber. Our selection of active doped fibers for fiber lasers offers you an excellent choice for providing the fiber laser performance you seek in a variety of applications. Do not hesitate to ask our experts about the possibilities Coractive offers when it comes to laser cleaning!