How Does Laser Cleaning Work?

Laser cleaning is the process of cleaning a surface by transforming its coating into gas. It begins with a high peak power laser with short pulse frequencies shooting into the surface of a film and heating it. Then, the coating is removed by vaporization. Laser cleaning removes coatings such as enamel, wire sheath, or resin for various reasons. Resin coatings may be removed to review a defective mold. Wire sheath may need to be removed for a productive electrical connection.

Other notable aspects of the laser cleaning process include impressive precision and control over the intensity of the laser. Moreover, it surpasses traditional methods in essentially all regards.

This is especially true when it comes to its non-contact approach, which heavily mitigates the chances of damaging materials. Manufacturers who choose to clean with a laser also enjoy a dry cleaning process that doesn’t require water or chemicals.

Laser cleaning with KEYENCE's UV Laser Marker MD-U Series and Hybrid Laser Marker MD-X Series is a more efficient, environmentally friendly, healthy, and cost-effective alternative than chemicals or any other conventional laser cleaner.

How does laser cleaning work exactly? In addition to the different types of laser cleaning machines, several universal critical components are involved. Laser cleaning technology would be nothing without the engineering behind each component.

The best laser cleaning systems are KEYENCE’s UV Laser Marker MD-U Series and the Hybrid Laser Marker MD-X Series.

The Hybrid Laser Marker MD-X Series is perfect for cleaning out epoxy resin, abs resin, PBT, stainless steel, iron, aluminum, and rubber. It utilizes a high peak power and a wavelength of 1064 nm to absorb any material needing to be removed. The high heat and precise beam-spot control eliminate the risk of damaging the internal circuit.

The UV Laser Marker MD-U Series is great for cleaning resin, nickel, copper, gold, ceramic, silicon, and rubber. The MD-U also starts by using a 1064 nm laser and then converts it to a 355 nm laser. The 1064 nm laser passes through two crystals and minimizes the wavelength into a 355 nm laser for minimal heat stress and high absorption. The 355 nm then starts the photolytic degradation process to break the bonds directly instead of ruining the base material.

Both laser cleaners ensure consistency across parts. They feature 3-Axis lens technology, an IP64 environmental rating, and a built-in camera that guarantees uniformity. Also, the power monitor function ensures that the power marking is equal among all parts.

Both laser markers do not damage surfaces and may only take a few minutes to complete the entire laser cleaning process. The MD-U and the MD-X also allow for a clean process without consumables, which lowers the overall cost and increases ROI.

There are some apparent upsides to cleaning lasers compared to traditional methods. Of course, traditional takes on industrial cleaning will be around for a long time, but manufacturers are looking for ways to improve. The breakdown below offers a comparison between using a laser for cleaning and sticking to traditional practices.

KEYENCE’s laser markers combat long work time and extra costs with their built-in camera, 3-Axis technology, and IP64 rating. The camera, alongside its displacement sensor, provides a full-field auto-focus function. The auto-focus positions and aligns the laser precisely onto the spot that is to be marked or cleaned. The 3-Axis system makes it possible to program complex shapes into the laser cleaner without any runoff or distortion. Then, the IP64 rating allows for markings or a cleaning process to occur in production processes that are heavily contaminated with dirt and debris. Because of this, laser cleaning can happen efficiently and precisely without error or damage to the product.

On the other hand, conventional laser cleaners have blurred focus, position accuracy is poor, and set-up can take more time as alignment is repeatedly dialed in. Without a variable focal point, surfaces with height differences or curves cannot be effectively cleaned. As a result, uneven cleaning or damage to the surface occurs.

KEYENCE’s laser cleaning systems require a one-time payment– buying the laser marker.

KEYENCE’s laser systems last four times longer than standard laser systems, so replacement fees are decreased when buying the MD-U or MD-X. Moreover, labor costs decrease because of the AI engineering of KEYENCE’s systems. The MD-U and MD-X can utilize the built-in internal camera for XY tracking of parts to eliminate the need for fixtures or precise part placement, so no time is wasted with manual setups. Lastly, since the MD-X and MD-U do not use chemicals, this eliminates the cost of biohazard cleanup, regulatory fees, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

The reduction in environmental damage from using laser cleaning instead of chemicals is drastic.

Using chemicals is extremely harmful to the environment. Laser cleaning does not require any gathering of chemicals. Nor does laser cleaning emit gas into the air contributing to climate change or health issues. Further, laser cleaning does not require any disposal of chemicals. Laser cleaning does not produce any toxic waste or biohazards that may seep into water or air.

Chemicals are not used in laser cleaning with the MD-U or MD-X, making it much more environmentally friendly.

Laser cleaning will not result in disease, burns, or irritation because it simply uses natural heat absorption. The MD-U and the MD-X are very easy to use, so there is a limited risk of injury. Furthermore, there is no risk of cross-contamination explosions because the MD-X and MD-U do not use any toxic chemicals.

Alternatively, cleaning resin or metals with chemicals is inherently dangerous. Chemicals commonly used for cleaning procedures are nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, and phosphoric acid. These chemicals are extremely toxic to humans by contact and inhalation. The University of Massachusetts, Amherst, reports these chemicals can eat away at skin, eyes, respiratory systems, and gastrointestinal systems by contact. One of the chemicals used, phosphoric acid, can cause kidney failure, central nervous system effects, or even death. Additionally, inhaling these chemicals can irritate the lungs and lead to bronchitis. Because of the danger, hands, body, and mouth must be covered while working with these chemicals.

You should not have to worry about environmental, health, or cost concerns when completing cleaning projects. Using KEYENCE’s laser markers can be your next step to feeling confident about your cleaning procedures. Learn more about our laser marking systems to find the best system for your project!

If you have any questions, ask KEYENCE—our knowledgeable team will get back to you quickly. We pride ourselves in our support for our customers throughout the selection process to operations with on-site operating instructions, along with industry-leading after-sales support.