Steel Fabrication
POST WELD CLEANING
Weld cleaning using lasers is a highly efficient and precise method for removing contaminants, oxides, and discoloration from welded surfaces in the steel fabrication and processing industries. It’s particularly effective for stainless steel, Al and other alloy metals. By focusing a laser beam on the affected area, the unwanted material is vaporized, leaving behind a clean, smooth surface. This process improves the weld quality, appearance, and can also enhance the corrosion resistance on some alloys.
Overall, a laser system can effortlessly be built into an existing process or production line, speeding up the complete process. Laser cleaning offers several advantages over traditional methods such as mechanical, abrasion or chemical cleaning, including precision, non-contact operation, minimal heat-affected zone, and environmental friendliness (no use of chemicals or abrasives).
Best Solutions
- Low Power for thin welds
- Medium Power for thicker welds and deeper oxides that need to be removed.
RUST REMOVAL / DEOXIDIZING
Laser cleaning is highly effective for rust removal and deoxidizing in steel fabrication. It offers a non-contact, precise method to eliminate rust and oxides without altering the substrate’s integrity. LaserAge, as a partner for P-Laser, provides cutting-edge industrial laser cleaning equipment specifically designed for this purpose. These systems efficiently remove rust and contaminants, preparing the steel surface for further processing or coating applications.
Some of the main advantages of using laser cleaning as a rust removal method are the lack of chemicals that have to be used, the substrate is not damaged and very little pollution.
Best Solutions
- Low to Medum Power for surface rust and anodized surfaces
- Medium to High Power for larger surfaces
DEGREASING
Laser cleaning in steel fabrication extends to degreasing as well. It’s effective for removing oil, grease, and other contaminants from steel surfaces. Laser technology, such as the solutions provided by P-Laser through LaserAge, offers a precise and eco-friendly method for degreasing without chemicals or residue. This process ensures a clean surface, ideal for subsequent fabrication processes, for example; welding, glueing or coating applications.
Best Solutions
- Low to Medium Power for hydrocarbonated coated surfaces
- High Power products if you want to manually remove coating on a larger surface and at higher speeds.
COATING REMOVAL
Laser cleaning offers a controlled, precise method to eliminate various coatings like paint, powder coatings, or other surface treatments without damaging the base material prior to any welding, brazing, bonding or new coating processes. In the heavy industry for example, laser cleaning is used to prepare train bodywork for a new coating. Our systems are also capable of removing the paint layer by layer, if you only want the top layer skimmed, to expose fresh paint underneath, ready for repainting. LaserAge provides advanced industrial laser systems specifically designed for coating removal on steel surfaces. These systems efficiently remove coatings, preparing the steel for subsequent treatments or refinishing.
The laser technique is a non-contact/non-abrasive process, no use of chemicals or blasting media are necessary. We see a reduction in waste, automation is easy and it’s very safe.
Best Solutions
- Low Power systems are excellent for in-line coating removal
- If you want to manually remove coating on a larger surface and at higher speeds, a High Power system is the way to go!
SPOT REPAIR
Laser cleaning serves excellently for spot repair in steel fabrication. Its precision allows targeted removal of rust, contaminants, or unwanted materials in localized areas without affecting the surrounding surface. No masking of the steel is required. LaserAge, offers cutting-edge industrial laser equipment ideal for discreet spot repair applications in steel fabrication. These systems provide controlled and accurate cleaning, enabling spot-specific treatment for repairs, ensuring the integrity of the overall structure. If you require specific advice or further details regarding laser cleaning for spot repair rust removal, degreasing, etc. in steel fabrication, we are here to help.
Best Solutions
- Low Power systems are excellent for spot repair
NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING
While laser cleaning in steel fabrication primarily focuses on surface preparation and treatment, laser technology also contributes to non-destructive testing (NDT). Laser-based techniques, such as laser ultrasonics or laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, facilitate non-destructive evaluation of steel components. Although not directly a cleaning process, these methods enable the assessment of material integrity, flaw detection, and characterization without causing damage. LaserAge, with its expertise in laser cleaning applications, can provide useful insights into utilizing laser technology in a similar non-destructive manner in testing steel fabrication if that’s an area you’re interested in exploring further.