The pollution layer usually has a different evaporation temperature than the underlying layer. By carefully choosing our settings, we can evaporate the top layer without damaging the underlying one. This is the fundamental principle of laser cleaning, but we take it a step further.

In laser cleaning, we use a pulsating laser beam instead of a continuous one, as used in laser cutting. This pulsing concentrates the power even more, resulting in quicker heating of the contaminated layer. Consequently, we can clean large surfaces in a short time.

A third advantage is that the laser beam can penetrate the contaminated layer but reflects off the underlying layer. This reflection prevents significant heating of the underlying layer while illuminating the pollution from below, resulting in double heating.

The beauty of this cleaning method is its precision. We can distinguish between the pollution and the underlying layer at a molecular level, achieving nearly perfect cleaning. There's also a fourth effect: the connection between the contaminated and underlying layers breaks due to rapid heating. While most particles evaporate, larger flakes and chunks easily separate and can be vacuumed up effortlessly. This makes laser cleaning effective not only for thin layers of contamination or oxidation but also for thicker layers.

By experimenting with power, pulse length, beam path, and other parameters, we can optimize the removal of rust, oxidation, paint, coating, and more from most metals, stone, and even wood surfaces. Seeing is believing, Contact Us Today to get a look at how its done!