Laser cleaning machines are categorized into continuous wave (CW) laser cleaning and pulsed laser cleaning based on their laser emission modes. Their working principles differ in terms of energy delivery, material interaction, and application suitability.
1. Continuous Wave (CW) Laser Cleaning Machine
Working Principle:
The laser emits a steady, uninterrupted beam of light with constant power.
The energy is delivered continuously to the surface, causing rapid heating of contaminants (rust, paint, oxides, etc.).
The contaminants absorb the laser energy, leading to thermal decomposition, vaporization, or combustion.
The base material (if properly selected) reflects or minimally absorbs the laser, preventing damage.
Key Characteristics:
Constant power output (e.g., 100W, 500W, 1000W fiber lasers).
Faster cleaning speed for large areas due to continuous energy delivery.
More heat accumulation, which may affect heat-sensitive materials.
Best for thick coatings, rust, and large-scale industrial cleaning.
Applications:
Removing paint from aircraft or ships.
De-rusting large metal structures.
Cleaning molds and industrial equipment.
2. Pulsed Laser Cleaning Machine
Working Principle:
The laser emits short, high-energy pulses (nanosecond, picosecond, or femtosecond durations).
Each pulse delivers peak power much higher than CW lasers, causing instantaneous ablation of contaminants.
The mechanism involves photomechanical breakdown (shockwave effect) and thermal ablation.
The short pulse duration minimizes heat transfer to the substrate, reducing thermal damage.
Key Characteristics:
High peak power (kW, MW, or even GW in ultrashort pulses).
Precise material removal with minimal thermal impact.
Lower average power compared to CW lasers but more effective for delicate cleaning.
Better for thin layers, oxides, and sensitive materials.
Applications:
Precision cleaning of electronics and semiconductors.
Removing oxide layers from delicate metal parts.
Restoration of cultural artifacts (paintings, historical monuments).
Comparison Table
| Feature | CW Laser Cleaning | Pulsed Laser Cleaning |
|---|---|---|
| Laser Emission | Continuous beam | Short, high-energy pulses |
| Energy Delivery | Constant power | High peak power, low average power |
| Cleaning Mechanism | Thermal decomposition/vaporization | Ablation + shockwave effect |
| Heat Input | Higher (risk of thermal damage) | Lower (minimal heat-affected zone) |
| Speed | Faster for large areas | Slower but more precise |
| Best For | Thick coatings, rust, industrial use | Thin layers, precision cleaning |
Conclusion
CW lasers are better for high-speed, large-scale industrial cleaning where heat accumulation is not critical.
Pulsed lasers are ideal for high-precision, delicate cleaning where thermal damage must be avoided.
Would you like recommendations for a specific application?
