Laser Cleaning Technology Research Articles

Rapid and environmentally friendly reconstruction of airport runways under combined laser and liquid energy fields: Ushering a new era of low-carbon and efficient rubber removal in the aviation industry

When the aircraft takes off or lands, the tread rubber melts and adheres to the airport runway and its embedded ground lights, forming black pavement rubber marks, affecting the smoothness of the pavement, reducing the lighting degree and friction coefficient of the pavement, and directly affecting the safety of the aircraft take-off and landing. There are many shortcomings in the standard rubber removal methods. The multi-energy field composite laser cleaning technology comprehensively utilizes the laser field and auxiliary hydrodynamic field. It leverages the high-efficiency advantages of laser processing and avoids the shortcomings of its thermal energy surplus, achieving efficient, accurate, and green material removal. Based on this, this article presents for the first time the composite energy-field laser cleaning process mechanism and related performance of rubber mud layer from the surface of cement/asphalt runway and embedded grounding light cover (aluminum alloy)/light window (tempered glass). Pulse laser single energy-field cleaning is suitable for removing rubber marks from cement runways, grounding lamp covers, and light window surfaces. The cleaning mechanism is divided into two types based on the substrate: ablation and thermal stress peeling. Composite energy-field laser cleaning is suitable for removing rubber marks from asphalt runway surfaces, and the phase explosion of the liquid film is the cleaning mechanism. Under appropriate process parameters, laser cleaning can improve the runway's skid resistance, enhance the grounding light cover's corrosion resistance, and increase the grounding light window's transparency. This study can provide a reference for the laser cleaning behavior of different materials and solve the problem of rubber removal on international civil aviation airport pavement, promoting the construction of "safe, green, and smart" airports.

Nanosecond laser cleaning method for high-capacity fast storage and data multiplexing in ARM architecture

As the application of laser cleaning technology continues to expand, various fields have put forward higher requirements for the performance and quality of the operation, and at present, laser cleaning has problems such as low efficiency in handling repetitive tasks, and the system deployment and maintenance costs are high. This paper proposes a nanosecond laser cleaning method based on ARM architecture with high-capacity fast storage and data reuse, integrating high-capacity fast storage technique and data reuse strategy to optimize the laser cleaning process. In this paper, SDRAM is used to store and record the laser scanning path, Cache is integrated to weaken the data calling delay and improve the system response speed, and the scanning cycle is finely adjusted by combining positional modulation laser frequency technology to avoid the edge erosion caused by the motor deceleration and to ensure the homogeneity and accuracy of laser cleaning. The results indicate that, under the same output point conditions, the dynamic phase difference spiral algorithm in this paper outperforms the linear filling algorithm in terms of speed and data filling efficiency, reducing the burden of repetitive task calculations. While maintaining surface erosion uniformity during cleaning, excessive erosion is prevented, leading to a comprehensive enhancement in the overall efficiency and performance of laser cleaning operations.

Research on Laser Cleaning Technology for Aircraft Skin Surface Paint Layer.

In this study, a pulsed laser operating at a wavelength of 1064 nm and with a pulse width of 100 ns was utilized for the removal of paint from the surface of a 2024 aluminum alloy. The experimental investigation was conducted to analyze the influence of laser parameters on the efficacy of paint layer removal from the aircraft skin's surface and the subsequent evolution in the microstructure of the laser-treated aluminum alloy substrate. The mechanism underlying laser cleaning was explored through simulation. The findings revealed that power density and scanning speed significantly affected the quality of cleaning. Notably, there were discernible damage thresholds and optimal cleaning parameters in repetitive frequency, with a power density of 178.25 MW/cm2, scanning speed of 500 mm/s, and repetitive frequency of 40 kHz identified as the primary optimal settings for achieving the desired cleaning effect. Thermal ablation and thermal vibration were identified as the principal mechanisms of cleaning. Moreover, laser processing induced surface dislocations and concentrated stress, accompanied by grain refinement, on the aluminum substrate.

Comparative study of infrared nanosecond laser surface paint removal for carbon fiber reinforced polymer and glass fiber reinforced polymer

Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) and glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) are widely used in aerospace applications due to their excellent properties. Green and efficient laser cleaning technology has a broad development prospect in the paint removal treatment of aerospace composites. However, the lack of theoretical analysis and guidance has prevented the industrial application of laser paint removal technology. An infrared nanosecond laser is used to clean the paint layer on the surface of CFRP and GFRP, and the best paint removal process parameters are explored. Surface micromorphology and 3D morphology of CFRP and GFRP after cleaning are observed to reveal the cleaning quality. The FTIR spectrum is used to verify the cleanliness of the paint layer. In addition, the contact angle and bonding force are tested, and the experimental results show that the surface wettability of both surfaces is enhanced after cleaning, and the paint adhesion of both surfaces is improved after repainting. Temperature monitoring, acoustic signal monitoring and high-speed photography monitoring are used to monitor the two cleaning processes respectively. The temperature, amplitude intensity, and plasma size of the two in the cleaning process are compared and analyzed. Based on the monitoring results, it is found that the cleaning mechanism of fiber-reinforced composites includes thermal ablation, vibration effect and plasma impact effect.

Laser cleaning for inorganic thermal control coatings on aluminum alloys: Microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of substrate

Thermal control coatings are crucial materials in spacecraft thermal protection systems. Investigating efficient, convenient, and environmentally friendly removal techniques for thermal control coatings is essential for their application and development. This study developed a new removal technology for thermal control coatings using nanosecond pulse laser cleaning technology. The removal effect of the thermal control coating was studied, and the microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of the substrate were analyzed. The results showed that the coating was completely removed at 5.73 and 7.00 J/cm2, while at 8.28 J/cm2, in addition to the coating, approximately 5±1.1 μm of the substrate was also removed. In the completely cleaned state, micro-melting occurred on the substrate surface, and nanostructures appeared. At 5.73 and 7.00 J/cm2, the thickness of the remelted layer is 4±0.9 μm and 5.5±0.6 μm, respectively. The grains in the remelted layer exhibit significant refinement, accompanied by the observation of numerous subgrain boundaries. Additionally, the substrate surface exhibits tensile residual stress after laser cleaning. Attributed to the influence of the remelted layer, the surface hardness and tensile properties of the substrate are slightly improved after laser cleaning compared to manual grinding.

Laser cleaning of RTV coating on the insulator surface by using millisecond pulse lasers.

High-efficiency and high-quality removal of sulfurized silicone rubber from insulator surfaces is paramount for high-voltage power systems. To address this issue, and aiming to achieve precise and nondestructive cleaning of room temperature vulcanized (RTV) coatings, we selected millisecond laser cleaning technology in this study. Successful and efficient cleaning of the RTV coating was performed by adjusting laser parameters. Characterization techniques, including scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, and confocal microscopy, were employed to comprehensively assess the cleaning effects and ensure the integrity of the substrate surface. The results indicate that by adjusting the scanning power combination of the high power of the millisecond pulse laser to 200W and the low power of 150W, the glass substrate surface maintains excellent roughness and micro-morphological features after laser cleaning, providing optimal conditions for subsequent processing and utilization. This research contributes an efficient and cost-effective solution to the insulation treatment process in high-voltage power systems.

Energy Consumption and Unit Process Emissions in Laser Removal of Diamond-like Coatings from Tooling

Laser cleaning technology is a promising technology for selective removal of coatings from substrates to facilitate re-use and recoating. A leading coating of interest for reduced friction and operating forces is Diamond like Carbon (DLC) coating. This paper reports on the energy requirements and associated unit process scope 2 emissions for the DLC laser removal process to facilitate re-use of tooling in a circular economy. This work can assist in providing a greater understanding of the energy requirements and of energy consumption and emissions reduction strategies for the DLC removal process. This is important for the transition to net-zero emissions in manufacturing.

Application of dual-wavelength nanosecond laser cleaning technology on stone artifacts

Application of dual-wavelength nanosecond laser cleaning technology on stone artifacts

Research Progress and Challenges of Laser Cleaning Technology

Research Progress and Challenges of Laser Cleaning Technology

Research on pulse laser cleaning and rust removal technology in power systems

In this paper, pulse laser cleaning and angle grinder polishing were used to clean the surface rust of carbon steel, and the cleaning effects of different cleaning methods for carbon steel surface rust were studied. The change of the micro-region morphology and element composition of the cleaned surface was analyzed. Comparative experiments were conducted on the corrosion resistance and paint anticorrosion ability of cleaned metal surfaces. Through comparison and analysis, the use of laser cleaning technology can improve the surface cleanliness and corrosion resistance of metals, reduce maintenance times, and extend service life. Laser cleaning machines with a power of 100 W or above can effectively perform precision cleaning and can be widely promoted in the field of power systems.

The Fundamental Mechanisms of Laser Cleaning Technology and Its Typical Applications in Industry

Laser cleaning is an advanced surface-cleaning technology that can lead to the instant evaporation and stripping of the attachments found on a substrate’s surface, such as contaminants, rust, and coatings; it uses a high-energy laser beam to irradiate the components’ surface. Compared with common surface-cleaning technologies, laser cleaning has the advantages of precision, efficiency, and controllability. In this paper, the fundamental mechanisms of laser cleaning technology are summarized in detail; these include the laser thermal ablation mechanism, the laser thermal stress mechanism, and the plasma shock wave mechanism. The operational principles, characteristics, and application range of each mechanism are discussed. Their typical applications in industry are outlined according to the differences in the substrate materials used, including metallic materials, nonmetallic materials, and semiconductor elements. This study provides a significant reference and guiding basis for researchers to further explore the fundamental mechanisms of laser cleaning, as well as various aspects of the typical industrial applications of laser cleaning.

Analysis of Laser Cleaning and Rust Removal Technology for Substation Isolator Switches

After running for a long time, isolator switches are prone to be covered with dirt and corrosion. Switch cleaning is necessary for good operation and safety. Laser cleaning technology for rust removal is emerging in recent years. This paper introduces the technical principles of laser cleaning for rust removal in detail, designs a specific process scheme and takes a steel plate sample cleaning and rust removal as a case. The application effect of laser cleaning and rust removal technology is tested and shows that the technology analyzed in this paper can play a great cleaning effect without damaging the equipment base.

Study on the Technology and Mechanism of Cleaning Architectural Aluminum Formwork for Concrete Pouring by High Energy and High Repetition Frequency Pulsed Laser

In the field of construction, the surface of architectural aluminum formwork for concrete pouring will remain the concrete adhesion layer of heterogeneous composite structures. In view of the difficulty of removing the concrete adhesion layer, we studied the technology and mechanism of removing the concrete adhesion layer by laser cleaning technology in this paper. We analyzed the composition and distribution characteristics of residual concrete on the surface of architectural aluminum formwork, set up a laser cleaning test system, carried out laser cleaning experiments on the concrete layer on the surface of architectural aluminum formwork under different storage times, and analyzed the mechanism of removing the concrete adhesion layer by laser cleaning. The experimental results showed that the residual time of concrete will affect the quality and efficiency of laser cleaning concrete residue on the surface of architectural aluminum formwork for concrete pouring. For concrete residues with short residual time, lasering can achieve efficient and high-quality cleaning. A nanosecond pulsed laser could strengthen the surface hardness of the aluminum alloy template during cleaning, which is helpful in improving the durability of the aluminum alloy template. The main mechanisms of laser cleaning to remove the concrete adhesion layer on the surface of architectural aluminum formwork is that the bubbles and water bubbles in the loose structure of concrete instantly absorb high-energy laser and make the concrete aggregate continuously air-burst. This paper provides technological and theoretical support for the application of laser cleaning technology to remove residual concrete on the surface of architectural aluminum formwork for concrete pouring in the field of construction.

Study on synchronous laser cleaning technology of aluminum alloy carbody welding (invited)

Study on synchronous laser cleaning technology of aluminum alloy carbody welding (invited)

Laser Cleaning Technology of Anodized Film of 5083 Aluminum Alloy

Laser Cleaning Technology of Anodized Film of 5083 Aluminum Alloy

Review of laser cleaning technology (invited)

Review of laser cleaning technology (invited)

Development status of large-scale application of laser cleaning technology (invited)

Development status of large-scale application of laser cleaning technology (invited)

Effect of picosecond laser cleaning on surface morphology and properties of stainless steel

In order to explore the influence of picosecond laser on the cleaning quality of 316L stainless steel, and verify the feasibility of laser cleaning technology on stainless steel. In this paper, we used a picosecond laser for cleaning experiments on contaminated 316L stainless steel to study the effect of different laser process parameters on its surface cleaning quality and used a scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer, digital microhardness tester and laser confocal microscope and other testing techniques to test the samples before and after cleaning. The results show that picosecond laser removal of stainless steel surface contaminants was the most effective when the laser power density was 19.1 × 105 W/cm2, the repetition rate was 80 kHz, the scanning speed was 1900 mm/s and the scanning spacing was 0.03 mm. Compared with the traditional cleaning process, the surface quality of the laser-cleaned samples was higher and more effective, which provided a reference from the application of laser cleaning technology on stainless steel surfaces.

Principle, application and development trend of laser cleaning

Many areas of industrial production are inseparable from cleaning technology, and traditional cleaning technology is increasingly unable to meet the requirements of modern industry. Laser cleaning technology is a new cleaning technology with high efficiency and no chemical pollution. It has the characteristics of non-contact, environmental protection, high efficiency, flexibility, energy saving and wide application range. Compared with mechanical friction cleaning, chemical corrosion cleaning, ultrasonic cleaning, dry ice cleaning and other technologies, it has obvious advantages. At present, laser cleaning technology has been widely used in the fields of aerospace body paint removal, cultural relics sample cleaning, mold and mechanical parts product cleaning, mainly used for paint treatment, rust removal, oil removal and particles. This paper discusses the development trend of laser cleaning technology compared with the traditional laser cleaning technology.

Аналіз технологічних особливостей початкового і ремонтного фарбування виробів авіаційної техніки

The subject matter of this article is the technological features analysis of the initial and repair of aircraft products painting. The goal is to analyze and systematize the trends in the global aircraft industry in the pneumatic painting technology field and the removal of old paintworks from the outer aircraft product surfaces. The tasks include analysis of directions for improving the pneumatic painting technology; analysis of laser removal technological features of old paintwork. The following results were obtained. The analysis of publications showed significant advantages of the electrostatic pneumatic painting system with limitations for composite materials. Relevant is the development of new paintwork materials with a reduced content of volatile organic compounds and an increased hiding power, as well as fundamentally new water-based paintwork systems. One of the modern means of technological equipment for pneumatic painting is an overhead crane-telescopic platform. The global trend is the creation of painting and service centres and robotization of paintwork. The laser removal technology of old paintwork is an effective innovative alternative to the methods of abrasive or chemical-mechanical cleaning from the outer aircraft product surfaces, which are currently used. The laser cleaning technology should provide the possibility of manual or automatic old paintwork removal from the double curvature surfaces, fastening elements, as well as the joints of the sheathing sheets without thermal damage to the anode film on the aluminium alloys’ sheathing. Laser stands and mobile laser platforms have high productivity and low labor intensity, multiple reductions in the disposing cost of the decomposition of old paintwork products, compliance with labor protection and environmental requirements compared to existing technologies. Conclusions. The scientific novelty of the materials presented in the article is shown by the analysis and systematization of the technological features of the aircraft products initial and repair painting; rationality substantiation for creating the painting and service centre for the Ukraine aviation industry; determination the directions of scientific and applied research on the laser removal technology of old multilayer paintwork.