Laser Cleaning

Industrial laser cleaning is a laser light process that uses ablation to remove coatings or contaminates from a surface. The laser ablation process is a no-contact cleaning laser method that works by focusing a pulsating laser beam on a surface. As the laser pulsates, it eventually releases the top layer from the surface area and leaves behind a clean finish. This process may be focused on a design or over an entire surface area. It is an extremely versatile process that is used across a wide range of industries such as Automotive, Medical, Semiconductor, Electric Vehicle, and Battery Manufacturing. It is a safe way to ensure high quality and consistency across parts. Since laser cleaning can be set to remove foreign material without damaging the integrity of the part itself, foreign material that could damage or affect the efficiency of a part like dirt, oil, paint, rust, oxide, enamel, over molded plastic, electrolyte solution, burrs, etc. can all be safely removed through laser cleaning. This makes it a great way to keep costs low and efficiency throughout the manufacturing process very high.

There are a lot of benefits that can be capitalized on from laser cleaning, outside of removing material. Laser cleaning can be used at different steps in the manufacturing process to increase the effectiveness of those processes. For example, laser cleaning a material before welding or applying an adhesive will create a stronger weld / bond. This effect is often called "Anchoring". Also, laser cleaning before applying an adhesive can help to control the pattern, location(s), and uniformity of that adhesive over that area. This is also referred to as "Wettability".

Laser cleaning before other steps in the manufacturing process can lead more efficient and effective final products. Laser cleaning before applying an adhesive or welding can lead to a significantly stronger bond/weld between parts. This is due to the laser cleaning process creating more surface area and texture for the adhesive or weld to hold onto. If a stronger bond is not necessary, laser cleaning the surface will allow the same bond or weld strength to be achievable in less time, thus speeding up the manufacturing process. This effect is often called "anchoring".

When applying adhesive, or a different liquid, to a surface it is often difficult to control the distribution of that liquid, due to the bonding in the liquid itself. When a surface is laser cleaned before the application, it allows the adhesive to have a more even distribution across the laser cleaned surface. This helps avoid any pooling or inconsistencies. Another advantage of laser cleaning beforehand, is that the laser can easily clean the surface with any shape or desired pattern which can lead to a stronger bond and the potential for less adhesive on each work piece. This effect is often called "wettability".

A burr is a small unwanted piece of material or raised edge that is still attached to the part after some portion of the fabrication process. Burrs can be stress concentrators that shorten the expected life or a part, or increase the risk of corrosion. In situations where they are found on current collectors or other electrical pieces they can create concentrated points for electrical charge leading to a risk for static discharge. Laser cleaning gives the ability to very quickly and consistently remove these burrs. Therefore, adding laser cleaning into this manufacturing process removed the risk provided by the burrs and reduces potential scrap or defective products.

The 3-Axis Hybrid Laser Marker MD-X Series is a combination of a fiber laser and a YVO₄ laser. It combines the two strengths of each laser. Fiber lasers are designed for long service life and high output. YVO₄ lasers are designed for high quality and depth of focus. Together, these lasers create the MD-X with high peak power and a short pulse laser.

The high peak power and short pulse laser result in minimal heat damage while still having a powerful laser. Since laser cleaning often requires very quick cycle times while keeping damage to the surface at a minimum, the MD-X's Hybrid technology provides a serious advantage. With autofocus and built-in cameras, the MD-X can clean surfaces while assuring it is in focus and hitting the correct surface even in the case of shifted or unfixed parts.

The aerospace industry frequently uses cleaning processes—such as removing coating every five years from airplanes for inspection and upgrading purposes. Industrial laser cleaning benefits the aerospace industry because of how non-damaging the process is. The coating is only removed for maintenance reasons, so utilizing a non-invasive technique like laser cleaning keeps the airplane components intact.

The automobile industry commonly uses cleaning techniques like paint removal to create contrast on vehicle switches. The contrast is for identifying designs on the vehicle switch, so laser cleaning is optimal for this process. Industrial laser cleaning uses a thin and focused beam that can create precise designs without ruining the whole surface area.

The main benefit of laser cleaning is that it does not damage the substrate of a part or component. Instead, it only removes the top layer.
Alternative cleaning options like chemical etching or shot blasting can damage the substrate because of their forceful and un-precise processes. When cleaning, there is just enough force to remove the top layer without threatening the integrity of the substrate.

Laser cleaning is a generally safe process, especially compared to its competitors. Industrial laser cleaning requires no dangerous toxins or materials that could cause sickness or bodily injury.

Cleaning options like chemical etching use toxins that can burn skin or cause sickness, and shot blasting can also be dangerous to the skin and body. These cleaning processes both require PPE equipment and strict safety protocols.

As climate change becomes a more pressing issue, the environmental impact of manufacturing emissions and toxins is a growing concern. Industrial laser cleaning is a green option for cleaning parts and components. Using an environmentally clean laser machine does not produce any toxic waste that seeps into the air or needs to be disposed of into the environment.

The environmental impact that industrial laser cleaning achieves is the opposite of sandblasting and chemical etching. These processes litter the air with toxins and produce excessive amounts of waste that cycle back into the environment.

Since industrial laser cleaning does not require extra materials like accessories or chemicals,
industrial laser cleaning decreases maintenance costs for manufacturing. In fact, using KEYENCE's best laser cleaning machine, the Hybrid Laser Marker MD-X or the UV Laser Marker MD-U, includes the opportunity for you to get quick on-site and over-the-phone maintenance support.

As you can see, laser cleaning has become an essential step for a multitude of industries in the manufacturing realm. With the implementation of laser cleaning in the rapidly expanding electric vehicles and the semiconductor industries, more and more industries, are finding uses for laser cleaning in their process to more efficiently and effectively manufacture their parts.