TurboLase laser surface cleaning devices. Eliminates more than 20 types of contaminants without damaging the surface

What is science today is technology tomorrow. Edward Teller

Industrial cleaning of surfaces as a separate area of ​​technological development was formed quite a long time ago. At the same time, as a rule, cleaning is not very noticeable when considering individual processes in industry, although it is an important, and in some cases extremely important, process in the production cycle. The importance of industrial cleaning is determined by the fact that it directly affects the quality of products, their functionality and safety. Modern methods of cleaning materials are: chemical ( Fig. 1 ), thermochemical, thermal and mechanical, including sandblasting ( Fig. 2 ). All these technologies have their advantages and disadvantages. The disadvantages of most methods include labor intensity, resource consumption, environmental friendliness and lack of efficiency. However, there is an innovative technology that surpasses many of them. We are talking about industrial laser cleaning technology.

Rice. 1. Chemical treatment

Rice. 2. Sandblasting or shot blasting

Rust removal equipment

The most popular portable option includes two separate modules - a backpack with a power source and a laser head with a slurry receiver, which are connected to each other by a fiber optic cable.
The kit also includes a device for video surveillance of the process. Laser cleaning units operate in the following sequence:

• When turned on, the surface is scanned to identify the depth and nature of the rust. This is performed by a short laser pulse of relatively low power;
• After scanning, a laser beam is directed onto the surface to be cleaned with a power that is optimal for the dimensional evaporation of the substance (however, the power is adjustable, and the user can set a different processing mode for cleaning rust);
• The remains of the oxide film destroyed and separated from the base metal (which did not fall into the center of the light-focused beam) are captured in a special container;
• The processing process stops automatically when the surface reaches a state in which the photon flux directed onto it begins to be reflected, i.e., free from oxides.

The power of installations for cleaning metal using the method under consideration depends on the purposes of their use. For example, a laser for removing rust from relatively small areas (the so-called “laser backpack”) has a power ranging from 12...20 W, and is powered by rechargeable batteries. More powerful - up to 1000 W - devices are also compact, but are powered from a stationary 220 V power supply. They are supplied with a light guide cable up to 10 m long. Stationary portal-type systems are also produced, with cables up to 50 m long, which are designed for cleaning particularly large metal surfaces .

Main technological indicators of portable installations

The advantages of laser as a rust remover are:

1. No harmful environmental emissions.
2. No noise during operation.
3. High cleaning efficiency and quality.
4. Possibility of using combined coatings when processing, not only from different metals, but also on connections between steel and other materials (for example, inlays, steel plates on leather products, etc.).
5. Easy to set up and use.
6. No need for consumables.

The performance of the method is amazing

There is an opinion about the danger for operators who operate the equipment in question. However, it is not. The radiation is strictly directed and affects only the surface being treated. Special glasses protect the worker from excess light flux, and during remote processing, the progress of the process is monitored using a video surveillance system.

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Advantages of the method

The use of modern developments in creating the processing method under consideration determines that it is characterized by a large number of advantages. Examples include the following:

1. During operation, no toxic substances are formed that can have a negative effect on the human body.
2. The processing technology does not generate noise. Mechanical impact can generate a large amount of noise, which can create significant discomfort.
3. High efficiency and quality of the resulting product. Other rust removal methods do not achieve such high results. In this case, the possibility of making a mistake is excluded, since the person does not control the quality of cleaning.
4. It is possible to use the laser cleaning method when the surface is a combination of different materials. An example is when there is leather and other trim on a steel plate.
5. The device is easy to use. As a rule, the installation selects optimal operating modes automatically. You can enter information manually, for which there is a special remote control or display.
6. There is no need for various consumables. When using the chemical cleaning method, a fairly large amount of reagents is required, which are subsequently unsuitable for use.

You can often come across the opinion that the generated radiation has a negative effect on the operator’s vision. Conducted studies indicate the safety of the directional beam.

In addition, many machines have a special protective casing, and the operator must wear safety glasses.

Laser metal cleaning can also be done manually. In this case, laser cleaning involves the use of a remote control.

Manual laser cleaning

Modern models are almost completely automated. In this case, the operator is not in close proximity to the device, but observes what is happening through the video surveillance system.

Equipment

A wide variety of equipment is available for sale.

In some cases, a video surveillance device is included in the delivery package, which allows you to remotely monitor the process.

Laser

The laser installation operates as follows:

1. When the device is turned on, it scans the surface to check for rust spots. At the same time, modern technologies make it possible to determine the depth and nature of the damage. Testing is carried out by a low-power laser beam.
2. After testing of the product has been stopped, the device itself selects the beam power. In addition, this parameter can be configured manually. This indicator should be enough for the rust to evaporate.

Modern equipment is capable of automatically determining the complete purification of metal from various contaminants, and then stopping the processing process. The power of the installation can vary over a wide range, for example, for inexpensive installations the indicator is 12-20 W. Powerful models for professional use have a power rating of about 1000 W.

What laser models are available?

The most popular on the market are devices from Clean Laser (Germany), which produces a large line of laser equipment. The most popular is the compact “backpack” laser, consisting of 3 separate modules connected by a fiber optic cable:

• backpack with power source;
• laser head;
• video surveillance device.

When the unit is turned on, the surface is scanned, the depth of the rust is determined, and only then a laser beam of full power is directed to the area of ​​contamination. The remains of destroyed rust elements that have become detached from the metal are taken into a special container. The process ends automatically when the surface of the product becomes completely free and the light stream directed at it is reflected.

Small, low-power battery devices are very popular among archaeologists and antique lovers, as they can remove stains even from delicate, valuable items. Medium-sized units with a power of up to 400 W look like compressors and are usually used in auto repair shops and small industries. Large, powerful installations are large-scale and cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Chinese lasers

Products made in China are also in demand on the market, because their price is usually cheaper than that of European installations. For example, the LY CL 100 device is used to clean rust from metal products, has a power of 100 W, and is operated without changing the head for 50,000 hours. Here are other characteristics of the device:

• repetition frequency – 1.2-25 KHz;
• operating speed – 7000 mm/sec;
• linear speed – 70 m/min;
• wavelength – 1064 Nm;
• installation weight – 70 kg.

Such mobile devices can be used to clean a car body, remove paint, or strip rusty areas. The use of a laser is considered an effective and safe way to update parts, helps extend their life and seriously saves on the purchase of new ones.

Specifications

• The installation has a power of no more than 100 W.
• Operational life - 50 thousand hours.
• The repetition rate is 1.2-25 KHz.
• The unit is designed for cleaning an area of ​​20x20 cm.
• The operating speed exceeds 7 thousand mm/sec.
• The device has a linear speed of 70 m/min.
• The installation uses air cooling.
• The wavelength is 1064 nm.
• There is computer software inside the device.
• The dimensions of the product are 25 x 45 x 50 cm.
• The installation weighs up to 70 kg.
• The warranty period is 12 months.

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Such a mobile tool will become indispensable if you need to clean rust from a metal surface or remove paint from a car body. In this case, removal is carried out layer by layer right down to the primer itself. The penetration depth of a laser beam is affected by its wavelength and refractive index. Cleaning metal surfaces with a laser is considered the most effective and safest method.

Features of use

Laser rust removal
To work with laser equipment, it is necessary to take into account a large number of nuances. You should know that both micro and macro applications are possible, as well as volumetric use, which is used in enterprises producing large quantities of equipment.

In micro applications, lasers act as wire strippers when soldering or welding electronic connections in the form of terminals or wires. Since it is impossible to clean small wires from old insulation in other ways without the risk of damage. The laser is capable of removing a 1 micrometer thick layer or sputtered coating of silver without touching the copper part. It is also used in the following operations:

1. Thin cuts or cuts.
2. Make holes in the wires if necessary.
3. Notches on small boards.

As for macro applications, lasers are justified when processing expensive products in the form of coins, bars, and other important items. The technology is also used in the production of rubber products. The light flux removes plaque well from molds after a large number of pours. Chemical cleaning will take a lot of time, and there is a risk of damaging the surface.

Note! Thanks to the laser, such consequences are removed and the time required to remove corrosion is minimized. Laser treatment takes 60 minutes versus 8 hours using the chemical method

In addition, the product will not require dismantling during operation, which is much more convenient for technical reasons and will eliminate problems during further assembly.

Large anti-rust lasers have been used for a long time in the production of parts for the aviation industry, space and other aircraft. Since the 90s, most military and civilian aircraft have been cleaned of paint and plaque with a laser, as this is required by aircraft maintenance. High-power lasers are also required to remove rust from railway cars, buildings, ship hulls and bridges.

Which to choose?

When buying a laser, you need to start from the problems that will be solved with its help. General recommendations:

1. Low power lasers are purchased for microprocessing. With their help, you can strip wires and remove oxides from terminals and microcircuits. Such devices are in demand among electronics repairers.

2. Medium power lasers are the most popular devices. They are bought by auto repair shop owners who clean car bodies. With their help, they not only remove rust, but also paintwork.
3. Large factories and enterprises are purchasing high-power lasers.

For personal needs, you should take a closer look at inexpensive Chinese lasers. They are in demand on the market and are cheaper than their European counterparts. The average duration of operation of the device without changing the head is 50,000 hours.

Before purchasing, you need to pay attention to the weight of the unit and its dimensions.

Equipment capabilities:

Laser cleaning welds, stamps and molds, complex details, from rust on metal fences, monuments, from the oxide film, from paint, from soot, from a layer of insulating material, etc.	Laser cleaning of welds Laser cleaning of complex parts
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TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICSTurboClean laser cleaning system

Do you have questions about the operation of the equipment and its delivery? We will answer all your questions about laser cleaning technology for metal surfaces. Contact our specialists by phone: (812) 326-7892, 332-0659 or 8-800-5555-620 (toll-free within Russia). Reviews about the operation of laser machines. Photo and video materials about the operation of equipment at the production sites of our clients. Thanks and recommendations. Popular marking systems are supplied by us under the “EXPRESS SALE” program of equipment. see Conditions, equipment and cost of equipment for program participants >>> You can purchase our equipment on lease through any leasing company you choose or on the terms of our leasing partners.

Areas of application

It should be noted micro-exploitation, which consists of working with small parts and various circuits, terminals and connectors. This laser can be used to clean wires, solder connections and make cuts on boards, which confirms the versatility and effectiveness of this method.

In addition, thanks to high precision, it is possible to remove a layer of insulating material without damaging the base.

Large industrial enterprises have long used professional equipment for processing various metal surfaces, be it the oil refining, automotive or aerospace industries.

Advantages of the method

Using small installations that operate on a battery, you can carry out the procedure for removing rust from a metal surface yourself.

More advantages of this method compared to converters, mechanical options, and so on will be described below:

1. No harmful fumes, safe operation.
2. The person does not interact with the working base.
3. High quality removal.
4. Silent operation of the machines.
5. Fast processing of bases.
6. Easy to set up and adjust the machines.
7. Turn off the laser in automatic mode after the end of the procedure.
8. You can work with different types of metal surfaces.
9. No need to buy consumables.
10. The material is not damaged, the layer is removed equally.

What is the duration of the effect of plasma cleaning using atmospheric plasma?

Unfortunately, no reliable figures can be given here. The duration of the effect depends on storage conditions, processing parameters, and the degree of contamination.

1. A humid atmosphere and elevated temperature (more than 20 °C) sharply reduce the duration of the plasma treatment effect.
2. Repeated processing increases the duration of the treatment effect.
3. In general, the following recommendation applies to metal, glass and ceramic surfaces: bonding, printing or painting should be done within one hour of plasma treatment to achieve maximum performance.
4. Plastics are characterized by the following duration of plasma treatment effect:

• PA (with and without glass fiber reinforcement): 1 - 2 weeks
• PP, PE: we recommend additional treatment for one to maximum two days
• PC: 2–5 days
• ABS, PC/ABS: 2–5 days

Please note that these are approximate values. Depending on the manufacturer, significant differences may occur due to the use of different additives and release agents.

Laser rust removal

Laser technology requires the use of special equipment. Laser cleaning is characterized by the following features:

1. High efficiency. At an insignificant cost, you can update the product and restore its beauty.
2. The quality of the resulting surface is high.
3. High processing speed associated with process automation and the use of light beam focusing technology to impact metal.
4. Such cleaning requires the use of special equipment. It appeared on sale relatively recently, but is already in great demand today and is installed in specialized workshops for restoring metal products.
5. Focused light leads to heating of the surface and partial restructuring of the structure. However, the impact does not cause a change in the crystal lattice, that is, hardening is not carried out. This is due to the point effect of the beam.

Laser surface cleaning

Laser rust removal is carried out when the product is small in size. This is due to the fact that the working area of ​​laser systems is limited.

In addition, problems arise with deep rust, which violates the integrity of the material structure.

Laser repair

Laser repair

Repair of laser equipment is possible only at a professional level and with unique experience. Even the best quality equipment requires repairs from time to time. Most often, service centers are contacted for the following reasons:

• The device cannot be turned on.
• Does not respond when parameters are changed.
• The digital monitor is not working.
• The case heats up intensely.
• There is no laser activation by an external sound source.
• The cause of poor performance was mechanical damage.

Note! There are many high-quality service centers in Moscow that specialize in repairing laser equipment of any level of complexity. They can quickly diagnose the device, draw up an estimate for repairs and identify the most likely damage. You can always find suitable spare parts in stock and deliver lighting equipment both for repair and return to work.

In addition, qualified workers will provide all the necessary consultations and also advise on an approximate plan of action.

You can always find suitable spare parts in stock and deliver lighting equipment both for repair and return to work. In addition, qualified employees will provide all the necessary consultations and also advise on an approximate plan of action.

Long-term operation of the laser depends on how correctly the settings are selected and how often preventive maintenance is carried out

It is important to lubricate moving parts, replace light bulbs and other elements. Repair work should be entrusted to professionals with relevant experience. Otherwise, an attempt to save money will lead to premature failure of the laser.

Otherwise, an attempt to save money will lead to premature failure of the laser.

Laser equipment requires care and caution, including not touching it with your palm, hair or other parts of the body without protection. The installation for laser surface cleaning has many variations depending on the size, power, purpose and other characteristics

It is also important to consider for what purpose the laser is planned to be used. It is capable of removing rust from both small and large surfaces. It is the laser method of removing rust that is considered the most effective, including in terms of time costs

A good laser for rust removal will cost a lot, the price depends on the manufacturer. The correct choice of device will ensure effective removal of rust from various surfaces and a long period of operation in all conditions.

It is the laser method of removing rust that is considered the most effective, including in terms of time costs. A good laser for rust removal will cost a lot, the price depends on the manufacturer. The correct choice of device will ensure effective removal of rust from various surfaces and a long period of operation in all conditions.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=SX0t57oWgl4

Laser cleaning technology

Laser rust removal (CleanLaser system) is based on the well-known physical principles of the interaction of metal with particularly powerful light radiation, which is a laser beam. In accordance with them, pure metals reflect laser radiation, and compounds with a more complex chemical composition, on the contrary, absorb. The latter includes not only rust (as is known, it is a mixture of three iron oxides), but also various contaminants, hydride films, etc.

When a laser beam is absorbed by a surface, one of three processes can occur:

1. Heating without phase transformations, when the layer bombarded by a directed photon beam softens and peels off.
2. Heating followed by melting.
3. Heating with further evaporation of the surface material.

Thus, two technologies for using a laser against rust are theoretically possible - a conditionally “soft” mode, as a result of which the surface layer is separated from the steel base in the form of flakes (then removed mechanically), or a “hard” mode, in which the rust from the treated surface is simply evaporates.

Removing rust using laser

The melting point of rust (depending on its composition) is in the range of 1580...1640C, i.e., higher than the melting point of steel. To achieve the specified temperatures, the thermal power density in the laser beam action zone must be no lower than 106 W/cm2, and the diameter of the ion-photon beam must be no more than 100 microns. In this case, it is possible to effectively remove an oxide film with a thickness of 50...75 microns, which is quite enough to remove a layer of rust.

The efficiency of laser rust removal is also enhanced by the fact that in the center of the concentrated light beam, accompanying processes are activated - shock waves and extremely high temperature changes. They accelerate the processes of separation and destruction of oxides.

How does the remover work?

The principle of operation of the laser is quite simple. The device, emitting a luminous flux, affects the metal. If the surface of the product is clean, then it simply reflects it. Areas covered with rust, on the contrary, absorb these rays.

As a result of the accumulation of excess energy, the oxides begin to peel off and move away from the base. Under the influence of powerful laser radiation, corrosion melts and evaporates.

The melting point of oxides is 1600 degrees. Steel changes its structure at higher rates. Therefore, the laser does not have a destructive effect on the metal.

High cleaning efficiency is achieved not only by exposing the metal surface to high temperatures, but also by impact loading. Using a laser, you can clean not only smooth but also corrugated products equally well.

Laser cleaning of metal from rust and other contaminants:

Laser cleaning of the surface of metal and other materials consists in the fact that a powerful, short and fast laser beam produces micro-bursts of plasma, which in turn creates shock and thermal waves. Under the influence of a laser beam, materials from the surface being cleaned evaporate without damaging or affecting the surface itself. The process of removing materials occurs due to thermal expansion (laser ablation effect).

The laser cleaning system has no consumables, is compact, durable and environmentally friendly.

Rice. 1. An example of laser cleaning of metal from rust (right)

Laser cleaning is well suited for selective cleaning, namely it minimizes the risk of damaging the surface and avoids the presence of residual chemical processes and substances after cleaning. In other words, the uniqueness of laser surface cleaning lies in the fact that when removing (removing) the contaminated layer, the main part of the product material is not damaged.

Laser cleaning technology is based on pulsed laser radiation. The main parameters of laser radiation that affect the efficiency of the cleaning process are radiation power, pulse duration and radiation wavelength. The power of laser radiation is selected in such a way that it does not have any effect on the surface of the material being cleaned, but is sufficient to form micro-bursts of plasma. The pulse duration is nano- and microseconds. It determines the depth of the thermal effect of radiation. The wavelength of laser radiation determines the depth of penetration of radiation into the contaminating material and is micrometers.

Using laser cleaning, not only the surfaces of metals and their alloys are cleaned, but also other non-metallic materials: marble, granite, gypsum, concrete, etc. Laser cleaning allows you to remove from a contaminated surface: rust, oxides, oil, scale, paint, carbon deposits, products oil refining, adhesive and galvanic coatings, organic contaminants, rubber, wire insulation, film coatings, radioactive contaminants, etc.

The use of lasers in modern automated processing complexes (centers) makes it possible to automate the process as a whole and increase processing productivity. The current level of power of fiber emitters is capable of providing industrial levels of high-performance cleaning up to tens of square meters per hour at a low cost of the process.

Technological process of laser cutting of metal

The beam forms a point on the sample. Point exposure allows you to achieve the fastest possible heating above the melting and boiling point. The substance begins to evaporate. If the density of the material is high or wide, then evaporation is difficult, so a gas cylinder is present - an inert gas (oxygen, nitrogen, ordinary air) is directed at this zone and blows out the molten elements.

Types of surgery

The classification is based on the choice of the working element, that is, the device that generates the laser flow. There are three types of installations based on power:

• No more than 6 kilowatts – work with solids. It is based on ruby ​​or special durable glass. They allow the generation of high impulse with a constant flow.
• Up to 20 kW - using gas. A gas mixture of nitrogen, oxygen, and helium is heated and accelerated using electricity.
• Up to 100 kW – the most powerful gas-dynamic machines. They are based on carbon dioxide, which is directed in a narrow stream to a localized area.

Read also: Arrangement of lamps on the ceiling in the bathroom

Laser metal cutting modes

Any installation has many parameters. Their choice depends on the specific characteristics of the material being cut and the desired result. For example, power increases in direct proportion to the thickness of the sheet.

Chemical composition also matters. Carbon steels have advantages over low-carbon steels in terms of strength, but they also heat up and break down 25-35% slower due to the addition of carbon. Other alloying additives have a similar effect.

The gas chosen also has an effect. Pure oxygen is twice as effective as regular air. The quality of the cut (roughness, formation of chips, defects) depends on the speed of the process and the thickness of the workpiece. And, of course, accuracy is important. The best indicator is for CNC machines. They are pre-programmed, all indicators are entered, and the program is selected automatically. Here is a table that will help determine the mode:

When the surface of ordinary steel comes into prolonged contact with air or any other corrosive medium, a layer of iron oxide gradually forms on its surface. This not only spoils the appearance of the product, but also provokes its further rusting. The most popular chemical methods for cleaning metal surfaces from rust. But, as they say, “not by bread alone”...

Laser type cleaning equipment

All mechanisms for laser metal cleaning are as automated as possible, and at the same time, human effort is reduced to a minimum. Laser types of machines may differ in design type, power, size, and some of them will be equipped with a remote-controlled camera that is connected to a computer. For metal processing, laser types of installations are equipped with very long cables (from 50 meters or more).

By type of power, devices can be as follows:

• For a small area - from 12 to 20 W (small laser on a battery).
• For medium-sized areas - from 100 to 400 W (compact portable systems).
• The most powerful installations up to 1000 W (stationary and portable devices).

Please note that, as a rule, such tools can work against rust or for other purposes without replacing the working head for 100,000 hours. After this, the part will need to be replaced so that the structure can continue to be used.

Laser machines are safe for people, and they are also equipped with special protection against rays escaping beyond the dimensions of the workpiece.

Advantages of the method

Laser cleaning of metal from rust is used everywhere, both at large industrial enterprises and even in small automotive services. With the help of small batteries with low power units, it is quite possible to clean metal from corrosive elements with your own hands in the simplest garage.

A little about use.

Application area

The laser has a wide range of applications, and at the same time it can be distinguished between micro and macro zones and large-scale operation. The costs of processing will also vary, because they depend on exactly how much the structural installation itself costs, its power, complexity and scope of work.

Microapplication

This area of ​​application will involve stripping wires during welding and welding of various electronic connections - connectors and terminals. By any other method, besides laser, it is almost impossible to clean small and flat wires from the old insulation layer without damaging them. The light beam will remove a layer of insulation no less than 1 micron thick or a silver-sprayed coating, without touching the copper type component.

In addition to the fact that in the field of electronics, lasers are used to perform:

• Thin cuts.
• Holes in wires.
• Notches on the surface of the board.

Please note that, if necessary, laser types of installations can be used to remove polyamide coating from cooling or braking systems, which is required to strip the ends of connection tubes. The laser method makes it possible to perform complex operations without damaging the aluminum core

Macro application

Large scale use

Laser rust removal is used in the field of components for spacecraft, aircraft and other things. Back in the 1990s, most military and passenger aircraft were cleared of paint and plaque as part of maintenance using a laser. Similar devices are used to remove old lead paint from ship hulls, bridges, other large structures, as well as buildings and railway cars.

Rules for removing plaque at home

To remove rust from a metal surface by electrolysis, you will need:

• a suitable plastic container, such as a bucket or basin;
• a steel or stainless steel plate that will act as an electrode - it is better to give preference to stainless steel, since it will last much longer than ordinary metal; it is good if the plate completely surrounds the perimeter of the part being cleaned;
• ordinary tap water;
• soda ash - it is sold in household chemicals departments; housewives use it to wash things;
• battery charger.

To prepare the solution you will need 3 water and 1 teaspoon of soda. The procedure is as follows:

1. The prepared solution is poured into the container.
2. An electrode is lowered into it.
3. Immerse the part that needs cleaning into the solution. This is done in such a way that it does not touch the electrode.
4. Connect the power. Polarity must be strictly observed. The electrode must be connected to the positive “+” conductor, and the object to be cleaned to the negative “-”. Contact with parts must be good.
5. After completing all preparatory manipulations, turn on the power. If the charger is equipped with an ammeter, you can see how the system begins to pass current.
6. After a short time, bubbles will appear on the part. This is completely normal and indicates that the cleaning process has started.
7. The duration of the procedure depends on a number of factors. The size of the part and the electrode, as well as the area of ​​rust, matters. Periodically, the system must be turned off, the product removed from the solution and inspected. The average duration of cleaning is 5-6 hours. If the object is covered with a very thick layer of plaque, you can leave it to soak overnight.
8. When the cleaning process is completed, the part is removed, washed under running water and inspected. If there are small areas of rust left on the product, they can be cleaned off with a plastic scraper.

At the end of the procedure, the part is dried with a hairdryer or left to dry in the sun. To protect against rust re-formation, you can apply a small layer of lubricant to the metal surface.

Laser cleaning equipment

All mechanisms for laser metal cleaning are as automated as possible, while human effort is reduced to a minimum. Laser machines vary in power, type of design, size, and some are equipped with a remote-controlled camera that is connected to a computer. To process large units, laser systems are equipped with long cables (from 50 meters).

In terms of power, devices can be as follows:

• for small areas – 12-20 W (small laser on batteries),
• for medium-sized areas – 100-400 W (portable systems of compact size),
• powerful installations - up to 1000 W (portable and stationary devices).

As a rule, such tools can work against rust or for other purposes without changing the working head within 100,000 hours. Afterwards, the part must be replaced in order to continue to operate the device. Laser systems are safe for humans; they are equipped with special protection against the beam escaping beyond the dimensions of the workpiece.

Advantages of the method

The innovative method of cleaning surfaces from rust has a number of strengths that attract people to units for stripping metal workpieces:

1. No substances harmful to the environment are released.
2. High quality stripping.
3. Installation of CNC systems on modern machines, which allows to reduce physical effort on the part of a person to a minimum.
4. Silent operation of moving elements.
5. Easy setup.
6. Automatic shutdown of the focusing beam after finishing cleaning.
7. Availability of a protection function against radiation escaping beyond the workpiece.
8. Ability to work with combined materials.
9. High processing speed of working surfaces.
10. There is no need to buy consumables or change equipment.

Contrary to popular belief, laser beams are safe for health. The main thing is to use safety glasses and not point it at areas of the body.

What types of lasers are produced?

Equipment from the German company Clean Laser, which produces a series of laser devices, is in great demand.

The most popular are compact stations that include three different modules, but they are connected by a specific cable:

• Backpack with power supply.
• Head with laser.
• Video surveillance device.

Small battery-powered devices with low power are also in demand in archeology and among antiques specialists, because the laser removes plaque even from very expensive objects.

Medium equipment (no more than 400 W) is similar to compressors and is often used in automobile workshops and small industries.

But large installations are used on a large scale and have a very high price.

Lasers from China

So, the LYCL100 station is purchased to remove corrosion on a metal base, its power is 100 W, the head needs to be changed after 50,000 hours of operation.

Some other indicators of the device:

• Repeats – up to 25 KHz.
• Speed ​​– 7000 mm per second.
• Linear speed – 70 m per minute.
• Wavelength – 1064 Nm.
• The weight of the device is 70 kilograms.

Similar portable preparations can be used to clean car bodies, to clean paintwork or rusty parts.

The use of lasers has a high level of efficiency, does not harm objects, extends service life and makes it possible to save on the purchase of new parts.

What devices are used?

Automated devices are used to remove rust. They perform their function almost independently. A minimum amount of effort is required from a person. Devices are distinguished by type of design, power and control features.

Types of lasers, depending on their power:

1. From 12 to 20 W. These are low-power units that are powered by a battery.
2. From 100 to 400 W. These are compact, portable systems used to remove oxides from medium-sized products.
3. Up to 1000 W.
   These are powerful devices that are most often stationary. The working capacity of such lasers reaches 100,000 hours. Only after this time may it be necessary to replace the head. After installing the new part, the device can be used further.

For personal needs and small businesses, portable units that are compact in size and manually controlled are most often purchased.

One of the most convenient models is a laser backpack. It is small in size and light in weight, thanks to which a person has the opportunity to quickly and without any inconvenience process large and small objects. Such devices are applicable both in production conditions and outside it.

When a higher power laser is required, it is better to purchase a stand with a built-in air filtration system.

Large factories use large-scale stationary instruments that are synchronized with a computer.

Review of the laser backpack in the video: