Principles and Advantages of Laser Cleaning

Laser cleaning technology refers to a process where a high-energy laser beam is directed at a workpiece surface, causing contaminants, rust spots, or coatings to undergo instantaneous vaporization or peeling, thereby achieving surface purification. The mechanism of laser cleaning primarily relies on contaminants on the object's surface absorbing laser energy. This causes the contaminants to either vaporize and evaporate or undergo instantaneous thermal expansion, overcoming the surface's adhesive force on particles. Consequently, laser cleaning can adapt to removing various types of surface contaminants, causes minimal environmental pollution, and can be performed without damaging the substrate. Currently, this method has become a supplement and extension to traditional cleaning methods. Due to its inherent advantages, it demonstrates broad application prospects. It possesses the following characteristics:

(1) Non-contact operation with zero damage to substrates. The absence of direct physical contact during cleaning prevents any physical damage to workpieces.

(2) Broad applicability and excellent cleaning efficacy. The laser's high directionality enables precise targeting of specific workpiece areas, allowing selective processing unaffected by surface topography. It adapts to diverse cleaning objects and enables accurate control of the cleaning process to achieve desired results.

(3) Convenient and flexible operation with simple handling. Handheld laser cleaning equipment is portable and easy to carry, featuring lightweight working heads for extended operation. Automated cleaning systems can be mounted on moving platforms or robotic mechanisms to achieve stable, automated cleaning with straightforward operation.

(4) Environmentally friendly and cost-effective. The process consumes only electrical energy, resulting in low long-term cleaning costs.