How to Use Laser Cleaning Machines for De-Rusting Metal – 2024 Guide

Source: laserforcleaning.com

Metals are an integral part of every industry making up numerous parts and electronic devices. Therefore, before each assembly of the machines, as well as in the process of maintaining the devices, we have to clean the surface of the metals.

Conventional processes for cleaning the surface of metals can require long working hours. They also produce substances that are toxic to workers and the environment. For this purpose, laser cleaning machines are becoming more and more popular.

In this article, we’ll talk about how the cleaning process is performed using a laser machine. Thus, you will find out all the benefits of this method, and you will know how to use it to your advantage. Keep reading and find out more.

How does the cleaning process go

Source: adapt-laser.com

The entire de-rusting process remains confusing for people without expertise. For that reason, we prepared a couple of facts that will bring the de-rusting process using a laser cleaning machine closer to you.

1. Ablation of materials

The removal of rust from the metal or deposits that are adhered to the metal such as mud is removed by laser ablation. It can be imagined as a laser passing through the metal and peeling off the layer of rust. Or, more technically, the laser binds to the rust molecules and breaks them down, and removes them from the actual metal.

However, every metal has a different verge of destruction. For that reason, as hispeedlaser.com suggests, you will have to adjust the machine to produce a beam strong enough to destroy the rust. Otherwise, no matter how long you keep the beam pointed at the metal, there will be no results.

2. Selective cleaning

Another important feature that must be mentioned is the ability of selective layer removal. You might be thinking that the laser can destroy the deeper layers of the material. However, as mentioned above, every metal has a different verge of destruction. With that, you can easily do selective layer removal by adjusting the power of the beam.

For example, the rust and grime buildup, as well as grease and paint require less energy to be removed compared to the underlying metal. That way, you don’t need to fear the destruction of the component, and you’ll be sure that the cleanup is thorough.

Also, if there are two contaminants, you can simply increase the energy to destroy one of the deposits, causing the other to be destroyed as well. Thus, with one process, you got rid of all the deposits.

3. Quick de-rusting by using strong beams

The de-rusting process can be seen as the chiseling process. You can either do the chiseling multiple times with low energy, or you can use larger hammers that produce more energy and reduce the working time. This analogy works the same on laser cleaning machines.

You can use continuous laser exposure to the metal, or use strong pulsating beams. The results are completely the same, however, the strong and pulsating beams require much less time for a de-rusting process. Not only the de-rusting process is faster, but it also contributes to less heat exposure to the metal underneath.

4. Safety ensured

Source: lasercomercial.com

This de-rusting process is only performed by the laser cleaning machine beams. With that, there are no additional products needed, you only need an electrical socket and you are good.

Also, there is no need for any chemicals which makes this method safer than the other alternatives. The workers will not be exposed to toxins, and they will not have to think about proper disposal. In addition, the laser cleaning machines are designed to be completely safe and meet all of the needed regulations, and there is no need for hefty personal equipment.

5. Broad industry implementation

Due to their quickness, selective layer removal, and safety, laser cleaning machines have a broad industry implementation. This includes maintenance of steel bridges, prolonging the lifetime of pipes, preparing the assemblies of anodes, and lots of other things.

The only thing that needs to be learned is differentiating the verges of the destruction of each metal so you ensure efficiency and prevent damage.

Benefits of using a laser cleaning machine

To see further why is this de-rusting method so popular, we have prepared a shortlist with some of the benefits that the laser cleaning machine offers us.

1. Automation

In case your business is using an assembly line, and you need a laser cleaning machine in production, you are in luck. These machines are compatible with CNC so you can create a complete automation process. This makes your whole production quicker and simpler.

2. Precise positioning

The cleaning machines are using flexible fiber in order to guide the beam. Also, there is an integrated scanner that controls the movement and helps with objects with non-specific shapes and textures which are usually hard to reach. That is why lasers have an advantage over other de-rusting methods.

3. Long stability

Source: laserage.eu

Laser machines usually last around a hundred thousand hours, providing a stable beam, and are highly reliable. This is what makes businesses highly interested in such machines since they are long-lasting and highly stable for many years to come.

4. They don’t pollute

With no additional materials and chemicals needed for the de-rusting process, there is no waste produced by these machines. Еven the gas particles that are created during cleaning can be removed with a special exhaust that is placed on the machine. Due to the environmental friendliness of these machines, they’ve become very popular across all industries to save the earth.

5. Extremely low cost of maintenance

Just because this de-rusting process does not require other materials and chemicals, they are much cheaper to operate in the long run.

When it comes to maintenance, the only thing that needs to be done is the occasional cleaning of the lens, and possibly replacing it with a new one. That is how your laser cleaning machine will last the longest, and provide stable beams for an extremely low cost of maintenance.