Clean surface …. have you considered Lasers
Many manufacturing processes require surfaces to be thoroughly clean for optimal results and in some industries clean surfaces are also critical to achieve regulatory compliance. This technology also presents manufacturers with a opportunity to eliminate process steps, automate the cleaning process and consider in-line cleaning options. Inherent nature of this technology also makes it Industry 4.0 compatible. Some suggest that laser cleaning may also be environmentally better option than traditional surface cleaning options. Blog is maintained by Ketan Deshpande, Minnesota, MN
Traditional cleaning methods include:
- Aqueous or solvent cleaning with agitation (mechanical, ultrasonic, high pressure, etc.)
- Vacuum bake out cleaning
- Dry ice cleaning
- Plasma cleaning, etc..
Traditional cleaning limitations:
- Multi-step cleaning process may be needed depending on the types of surface contamination
- Cost and processing time
Cleaning surfaces with lasers:
Laser cleaning operates by ablating a specific layer of material or substrate is uncovered through the removal of undesired layers or incoherent particle distributions. Laser cleaning process now has found a wide variety of uses ranging from Aerospace, Automotive, thermoplastic/elastomer and composite manufacturing, Medical and Pharmaceutical, etc. industries
Advantages of laser cleaning:
- Manufacturing flexibility (manual or automated)
- Compatibility with a wide variety of surfaces and contaminants
- High precision and consistency
- Faster cleaning times
- Eliminates needs for masking
- Process is free of media, chemicals, dust or debris
- Low Total Cost of Ownership
Laser cleaning limitations:
- Higher capital investment however costs are coming down
- Internal part geometries are difficult to clean
- Precision cleaning may require a post-laser cleaning step
Application Examples:
- Automotive industry- Weld Preparation, Oxide layer removal, Creating a rough surface, Mold cleaning, Surface contaminant removal, Electrical component cleaning, etc..
- Aerospace– Paint removal
- Injection molding and composite manufacturing- Removing vulcanized layer from the mold
- Food industry- Cleaning food related build up from manufacturing equipment, etc..
Related Links:
- Adapt Laser
- 4 JET
- Laselec, etc..
The author, KetanDeshpande, lives in Minnesota and writes about a variety of topics in his blog such as global economy, market and industry trends, successful strategies for businesses, and others. Leveraging his global strategic leadership experience from the manufacturing industry to offer insights in to how businesses can meet the sustainable growth and profitability goals.
Ketan Deshpande is also passionate about sustainability and renewable energy; he curates and shares latest updates in his blog posts. Recently the Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency(SMMPA) of Litchfield, Minnesota, endorsed Ketan Deshpande for an energy conservation project.
This blog also features memorable events, travel experiences and his favorite places to visit in the great state of Minnesota.
