Everything you would like to know about laser cleaning of metal from rust

Removing rust from metal and not damaging it is not an easy task, but solvable. It is possible to safely and efficiently remove oxides using a laser system.

This method has been used in Russia since 1980. If in the past decades it was practiced only in large enterprises, now it is available to ordinary people.

Read about how laser cleaning of metal from rust occurs, where and for how much you can buy an installation or order a similar service, read the article.

The essence of the procedure, pros and cons

To remove rust from metal, a special apparatus is required. It is he who is the source of laser radiation. The way it works is pretty simple.

The method of metal cleaning with laser devices has its advantages and disadvantages. The main advantages of the procedure:

1. Wide range of applications. Lasers are used both in large enterprises and in small private firms. If desired and financially possible, a rechargeable laser can be purchased for personal use.
2. Safety for health and the environment. No toxic substances are released during the rust removal process.
3. High accuracy. Only the surface on which the beam is directed is processed.
4. Fast results.
5. Lack of noise.
6. Ease of use of the unit.
7. Possibility of processing different types of metals.
8. One-time costs. Having invested in the installation once, you will not have to spend additional funds on consumables. One, even the smallest unit, is designed for 50,000 hours of operation.
9. Uniform removal of rust without the risk of damaging the metal.

There are practically no drawbacks to laser cleaning of metal from rust. The main disadvantage is the high cost of the equipment. Since the demand for installations is not too high, they are not found in retail stores, they are written to order.

Surface treatment technology

There are 2 technologies for laser removal of corrosion... The first and most common method is laser ablation, and the second is desorption.

Ablation

Ablation involves the action of pulsed radiation on the surface to be treated, which leads to the evaporation of rust. It rises above the level of undamaged metal in the form of a plasma cloud, after which it simply dissolves.

The technology of the work consists in 2 consecutive steps:

• scanning the metal surface using the installation;
• selection of suitable power and removal of rust.

After finishing the processing, all that remains is to turn off the device.

Desorption

Desorption involves softer handling, in which rust is exposed to a photon beam.

It allows you to lift corrosion, but not with a solid film, but with flakes. Heating is carried out in one cycle, without phase transformations.

Since desorption is a gentle cleaning method, it is used when working with complex corrugated surfaces equipped with grooves and holes, for cleaning products with decorative finishes.

To remove rust with a thickness of 50-75 microns, a laser with a power of 106 W / sq. With a photon beam diameter of no more than 100 microns is sufficient.

Scope of application

Laser rust removal machines have a wide range of applications. They can be divided into 3 major industries:

1. Micro-exploitation. This area involves working with small parts, with electronic circuits, connectors, terminals. With the help of a laser, they strip wires, solder various connections, make notches and the finest cuts on boards. The work is so high-precision that it allows you to remove the insulating layer up to 1 micron thick without damaging the base.
2. Macro-exploitation. With the help of laser systems, valuable objects, archaeological finds, coins, jewelry, car parts and industrial applications are cleaned.
3. Large-scale operation... In Russia, the laser cleaning method has been practiced at large industrial enterprises for more than 40 years. These installations have found application in such industries as: automotive, oil refining, military, aerospace.

Laser cleaning equipment

There are many modern laser cleaning machines on the market. It is necessary to purchase a device depending on the tasks that it will solve. The most popular are compact devices in the form of backpacks or small stationary installations.

Selection features:

1. Knapsack Is a mobile device that consists of 3 components: a battery, a scanner and a laser head. It is convenient to use in service shops and small businesses.

   It allows the master to move freely, even if he works with large objects, both indoors and outdoors.

2. Stationary laser stand... Such a device will be the optimal solution when a powerful laser radiation is required. In addition to the basic components, the rack is supplemented with built-in air filtration systems.
3. Dimensional installations... Their work is controlled by a computer. Such devices are used in large industrial enterprises.

Top 3 popular devices, their price

The cost of laser equipment varies depending on the manufacturer and the design features of the device.

Top 3 lasers to fight rusty plaque:

1. Clean Laser backpack. Price - from 320,000 rubles for a 100 W device with a head size of 42x34x55 cm.
2. Chinese laser backpack JNL.INK. The cost of the device starts at $ 8,000.
3. CL backpack with a power of 20 W and a weight of 12 kg. The price starts from 200,000 rubles.

Prices may vary depending on:

• seller,
• delivery region,
• promotions held in the store,
• exchange rate.

Where to order the service?

You can order a laser rust removal service in specialized services.They are looking for them on the Internet, entering the corresponding query into the search line. The price depends on the area to be treated.

Helpful information

Tips for buying and operating lasers to remove rust:

• it is impossible to work with a laser installation without appropriate knowledge;
• before using the device, you need not only carefully read the instructions for use, but also communicate with people who have relevant experience;
• there are used lasers on sale, their price may be 2-3 times lower than for a new device, but there is no guarantee that it will work properly even for several hours;
• if the laser is broken, a specialist should be engaged in its repair;
• when working with devices, you must strictly observe safety precautions - the laser beam can be directed only to the surface to be treated.

Want to know more about rust removal methods and tools? Take a look here.

Related videos

The video shows the use of a compact (backpack) model of a 100 W laser system for surface cleaning:

Conclusion

The laser is a state-of-the-art anti-rust device. It has practically no drawbacks other than its high cost. However, having spent on the device once. You can use it for a very long time.