02/28/2025
Q: Why use lasers in oxidation/rust/corrosion removal?
A: The methods used to remove oxidation in the past varies greatly in application limitations, cost, and effectiveness.
The most common methods are steel brushing, phosphoric acid dipping, sand/bead blasting, electrolysis, soda blasting, and cryogenic blasting (dry ice blasting) - I might be forgetting a few others.
Although all of them are effective and probably more suitable in some circumstances, they all have their drawbacks - lasers too.
Acid dipping, electrolysis, and cryogenic blasting have moisture as a secondary effect - which is undesirable if the surface is intended to be paint-coated or oiled to protect it from corrosion. A new thin oxidation layer is already on the surface which limits the lifespan of the coating. Acid dipping is environmentally regulated which adds to the cost and limits its geographical use. Furthermore, Cryogenic blasting is exceptionally expensive and pose large logistical constraints.
Steel brushing is the most labourious, least effective, and the least consistent. Sand/bead blasting is relatively inexpensive, but it is very abrasive and places a heavy burden on logistics.
Electrolysis and soda blasting are limited to small-scale objects with electrolysis posing some logistical constraints, and soda blasting posing environmental and logistical constraints.
Lasers on the other hand use focused ultraviolet light to incinerate the surface contaminant with heat being a secondary effect. It is as green as it gets. It leaves a dry surface ready to receive a coating - making it the most effective corrosion remediation method available today. There is practically no secondary waste, and the entire system is highly mobile. The drawbacks are beam-path control, personal protection, and cost. Extreme caution is to be taken when using a laser - unauthorized personnel are strictly prohibited from the enclosure where the laser is being operated. Although not specifically expensive, the skilled labour requirement, and machine costs do increase the cost above some of the other methods listed above.
If you'd like to know more, send us a message and we'll see if we can help with your specific project.
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