LASER CLEANING - MOULD CLEANING

GLASS MOULD CLEANING

Glass moulds have very specific needs when it comes to cleaning. Some of the most important difficulties when it comes to glass cleaning are:

  • The mould will never go out of tolarance because this is a non-contact cleaning tool. The laser beam has no effect on the substrate material.
  • No burrs are introduced at the edges
  • Venting holes can be found in glass moulds to make sure air can get out. Laser cleaning ensures good cleaning of these holes and of course no residues are left behind.

    Best solution
    500-2000 W machines are often needed in the glass industry,  because speed is the determing factor.

    PLASTIC

    Just like with glass moulds, speed is a crucial factor when it comes to cleaning. Laser cleaning speeds can be increased with higher power and still without damaging the substrate material.

    A lot of plastic moulds are texturised and have a specific structure that may not be damaged when cleaning. Traditional cleaning methods like sand-blasting cannot guarantee this preservation, but the laser has no effect on the structure.

    Many moulds are highly polished with a high gloss finish to transfer to the final product. Laser cleaning makes sure this high gloss is not affected by the cleaning.

    Best solutions

    RUBBER

    Speed is the decisive factor when it comes to rubber mould cleaning. For example, cleaning a tire mould (for a passenger car) takes eight hours of machine down-time and the same amount of manual labour time if done in the traditional way (blasting or chemical cleaning). Laser cleaning systems can clean 2m² per hour, a factor of 2 or 3 in terms of incrased cleaning times.

    A lot of aluminium moulds are used in the rubber industry. Laser cleaning passivates the Al Surface and also the substrate material is not affected by the technology.  Sandblasting cannot offer these benefits.

    On top of that, laser cleaning technology is able to clean thicker and sturdier contaminants, which is difficult using the traditional methods.

    Best solution
    High Power systems

    COMPOSITES

    In composite materials, laser abrasion is used for various purposes such as surface preparation, removal of coatings or contaminants, and precision machining. The process can selectively remove layers or regions without damaging the underlying material, allowing for intricate patterns or controlled depth removal. It is employed in industries like aerospace, automotive, and electronics for surface modification, cleaning, or texturing to enhance adhesion, bonding, or aesthetic appeal.

    Because of the large surfaces that are involved, high speed lasers are demanded.

    Best solutions

    FOOD

    For the food industry hygiene is very important. Food has to be processed in a very clean environment and follow very strict guidelines.

    To meet these regulations, it is necessary to clean the moulds in an environmentally friendly way. Sand-blasting or the use of chemical solvents is a no-go and the abrasive consumable contaminates everything. Laser cleaning is an excellent solution because it is clean, involves no contaminants and easy to motorise or  integrate in-line.

    Best solutions
    Both Low Power and High Power systems can be used as a mould cleaning solution in the food industry.