Everything you would like to know about laser cleaning of metal from rust
Removing rust from metal without damaging it is not an easy task, but it can be done. You can safely and efficiently remove oxides using a laser system.
This method has been used in Russia since 1980. If in past decades it was practiced only in large enterprises, now it is available to ordinary people.
Read the article about how laser cleaning of metal from rust occurs, where and how much you can buy the installation or order a similar service.
Content
The essence of the procedure, pros and cons
To remove rust from metal, a special apparatus is required. It is this that is the source of laser radiation. The principle of its operation is quite simple.
The laser metal cleaning method has its advantages and disadvantages. The main advantages of the procedure:
Wide scope of application. Lasers are used both in large enterprises and in small private firms. If desired and financially possible, a battery laser can be purchased for personal use.- Safety for health and the environment. There is no release of toxic substances during the rust removal process.
- High accuracy.Only the surface at which the beam is directed is processed.
- Quick results.
- No noise.
- Ease of use of the unit.
- Possibility of processing different types of metals.
- One-time costs. Once you invest in the installation, you will not have to spend additional money on consumables. One, even the most low-power unit, is designed for 50,000 hours of operation.
- Uniform removal of rust without the risk of damaging the metal.
There are practically no disadvantages 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 issued to order.
Surface treatment technology
There are 2 technologies for removing corrosion using laser. The first and most common method is laser ablation, and the second is desorption.
Ablation
Ablation involves the impact of pulsed radiation on the surface being 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 for carrying out the work consists of 2 successive steps:
- scanning the metal surface using the installation;
- choosing the appropriate power and removing rust.
After processing is completed, all that remains is to turn off the device.
Desorption
Desorption involves a gentler treatment, 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 trim.
To remove rust 50-75 microns thick, 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 systems for rust removal have a wide range of applications. They can be divided into 3 large industries:
- Microexploitation. This area involves working with small parts, electronic circuits, connectors, and terminals. Using a laser, wires are stripped, various connections are soldered, and notches and thin cuts are made on boards. The work is so precise that it allows you to remove an insulating layer up to 1 micron thick without damaging the base.
- Macroexploitation. Laser systems are used to clean valuable objects, archaeological finds, coins, jewelry, automotive and industrial parts.
- 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, and aerospace.
Laser cleaning equipment
You can find many modern laser cleaning devices on the market. You need to purchase a device depending on the tasks it will solve. The most popular are compact devices in the form of backpacks or small stationary installations.
Features of choice:
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Satchel is a mobile device that consists of 3 components: a battery, a scanner and a laser head. It is convenient to use in service workshops and small enterprises.It allows the master to move freely, even if he is working with large objects, both indoors and outdoors.
- Stationary laser stand. Such a device will be the optimal solution when powerful laser radiation is required. In addition to the basic components, the rack is complemented by built-in air filtration systems.
- Dimensional installations. Their work is controlled by a computer. Such devices are used in large industrial enterprises.
Top 3 popular devices, their prices
The cost of laser equipment varies depending on the manufacturer and design features of the device.
Top 3 lasers for combating rusty plaque:
- Clean Laser backpack stand. Price – from 320,000 rubles for a device with a power of 100 W and a head size of 42x34x55 cm.
- Chinese laser backpack JNL.INK. The cost of the device starts from $8,000.
- CL backpack 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 rates.
Where to order the service?
You can order a laser rust removal service from specialized services. They look for them on the Internet by entering the corresponding query into the search bar. The price depends on the area of the surface being treated.
Helpful information
Tips for purchasing and operating lasers to remove rust:
it is impossible to work with a laser system without the appropriate knowledge;- Before using the device, you need not only to carefully read the instructions for use, but also to communicate with people who have relevant experience;
- There are used lasers on sale, their price can 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, it must be repaired by a specialist;
- When working with devices, you must strictly observe safety precautions - the laser beam can only be directed at the surface being treated.
Want to learn more about rust removal methods and products? Check it out here.
Video on the topic of the article
The video shows the use of a compact (backpack) model of a 100 W laser system for surface cleaning:
Conclusion
Laser is a modern device for combating rust. It has practically no disadvantages, except for its high cost. However, having spent money on the device once. You can use it for a very long time.
