When rust develops and spreads, it significantly impacts metal surfaces’ strength and durability. Lasers are excellent for preventing this deterioration by removing rust and other particles.
High-speed lasers eliminate particles like rust and dust from metal surfaces without causing damage. While other options exist, methods like applying harsh chemicals can further damage the materials, so lasers are often safer and more practical. It requires no cleanup and is an automated process, making surface preparation less labor-intensive.
Each metal surface has a unique ablation threshold, which defines the lowest energy density necessary to remove unwanted material. Using a laser that reaches rust’s ablation point breaks its molecular bonds with the surface. A laser can minimize surface damage with a beam that meets rust’s ablation threshold but does not exceed it, thus not affecting the metal beneath.
Beyond rust, laser cleaners can address paint, residues and other contaminants.
You can only use a laser to remove rust when the component’s substrate is metal. The laser’s high speeds simplify reaching the ablation point, breaking the molecular bond and facilitating material removal.
Laser rust removal has no clean-up requirements and can be automated, saving time and money. Other benefits make this approach increasingly popular for original equipment manufacturers, including:
Production stages and applications benefitting from a laser to remove rust include:
Most rust removal lasers are continuous-wave or pulsed fiber lasers.
Continuous-wave lasers emit a constant, uninterrupted laser beam suited for the steady application of heat and energy. While they work fast when cleaning larger services and completing bulk work, they are not as effective for surfaces with intricate details and cause higher overall temperatures, which may risk damaging the material.
These machines deliver concentrated energy over a short duration through high-intensity bursts or pulses, which causes rapid heating and cooling to prevent heat buildup and thermal damage. While pulsed fiber lasers work slower, they offer greater control and precision, making them highly suitable for applications where detail is important.
Laser Marking Technologies relies on master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) technology to produce efficient rust removal systems with increased adjustability. The master oscillator produces the beam, while the optical amplifier boosts the output power.
Using a laser to clean rust provides your facility with a capable tool for various processes during manufacturing and metal fabrication:
Achieve higher-quality production by thoroughly cleaning metal components and preparing them for adhesive bonding. Effective surface preparation entails removing any contaminants from the parts that could otherwise cause issues for quality control or long-term use, including:
Effective, lasting welds rely on clean surfaces. Remove rust and other contaminants before welding, then clean away welding residues after the job, such as:
At Laser Marking Technologies, we specialize in providing companies with the equipment and automation capabilities necessary to make their workflows more efficient while delivering higher-quality results. With over a century of combined experience in working with this technology, we leverage the expertise to equip your facility with purpose-built technology that prepares metal components for other processes.
Enhance your surface cleaning and preparation capabilities with a high-quality laser system. Our professionals can help you select a configuration that fits your needs, whether you perform intricate detail work or require an efficient beam that cleans large and bulk surfaces fast.
Contact us today to learn more about our rust removal systems.
