Laser Rust Removal in Canada & USA: Complete Guide
- Craig Fuson
- Aug 26
- 24 min read
Author: ALFA LASER
Audience: Plant managers, fabrication leads, maintenance & reliability teams, restoration specialists, Industrial Engineering, Industrial Cleaning, Fabrication Technicians, Welders, R&D, Quality Control, Startup of Industrial Laser Cleaning Business.
Last updated: August 18, 2025
Executive Summary
Industrial Laser cleaning removes rust and oxides using tightly controlled laser energy, leaving the base metal intact and ready for welding, coating, or service. Compared with abrasive blasting or chemicals, it eliminates consumables, reduces waste, and improves repeatability. This guide explains how laser rust removal works, which systems fit Canadian industrial environments, and how to deploy for fast ROI.
Key takeaways
Precision, no substrate damage: Ablates rust/oxides while preserving base metal geometry.
Lower operating cost: No media, less masking, reduced cleanup and disposal.
Safer, cleaner work: Minimal secondary waste, improved air quality vs. sand/shot blasting when paired with proper fume extraction.
Canadian-made reliability: ALFA LASER machines are engineered for harsh environments and supported locally.
Table of Contents
What Is Laser Rust Removal?
Pulsed vs. Continuous Lasers
Where It Works Best (Use Cases)
How to Choose the Right Machine
Estimated Throughput — ALFA-300-PL-A / ALFA-300-PL-W
Estimated Throughput — ALFA-500-PL-CH
Estimated Throughput — ALFA-1000-PL-CH
Estimated Throughput — ALFA-2000-PL-CH
Estimated Throughput — ALFA-2000-CL-CH
Estimated Throughput — ALFA-3000-CL-CH
ALFA LASER Cleaning Machines - Comparison Matrix
ALFA LASER -Power vs Estimated Maximum Throughput
Safety & Compliance Basics
ROI: Cost & Throughput Modeling
Implementation Plan
FAQs
Next Steps & Contacts
What Is Laser Rust Removal?
Laser rust removal concentrates energy to vaporize rust/oxides (and other surface contaminants) layer by layer. Because absorption differs between rust and clean metal, properly tuned lasers lift corrosion without gouging or changing base dimensions.
Inputs: electricity and compressed air (for many handheld systems), plus fume extraction.Outputs: a clean, oxide-free surface suitable for welding, NDT, coating, or assembly.
Pulsed vs. Continuous Lasers
Different jobs benefit from different beam profiles and powers. ALFA LASER provides both to cover Canadian industrial needs:
Pulsed Laser Cleaning (100–2000 W)
Best for: mold cleaning, heritage restoration, precision surface prep, pre/post‑weld cleaning, spot coating removal, delicate substrates.
Cooling: Air‑cooled (100–300 W) for portability; water‑cooled (≥300 W) for sustained duty.
Why choose: Highest control with minimal heat input; excellent on detailed or mixed‑material parts.
Continuous Laser Cleaning (1000–3000 W+)
Best for: heavy rust, mill scale, large steel structures, production finishing/conditioning/roughening lines replacement of cleaning methods like grinding, sandblast, mechanical or chemical.
Cooling: Typically water‑cooled for high duty cycle.
Why choose: Maximum throughput and consistent surface conditioning across large areas.
Quick rule of thumb
Detail & precision → Pulsed.
Speed & area → Continuous.
Where It Works Best (Use Cases)
Metal fabrication & welding: oxide removal before/after welds; prep for paint/powder; edge cleaning.
Mold cleaning: rubber, tire, plastic, composite molds without grit embedment.
Heritage restoration: stone/metal artifacts with low heat input and high selectivity.
Mining & heavy equipment: rust/scale removal on frames, buckets, rails, and components.
Shipbuilding & marine: corrosion remediation on hull structures, decks, and piping.
Infrastructure & structural steel: bridge members, beams, and handrails.
How to Choose the Right Machine
Use this matrix to align your job with the right platform.
Estimated Throughput — ALFA-300-PL-A / ALFA-300-PL-W (300 W Pulsed)
For a 300 W pulsed laser cleaner, expect ~6–100 sq ft/hour depending on surface type, corrosion severity, and substrate. Compact and precise for restoration, mold cleaning, and light-to-moderate rust.
Expanded Surface Conditions
Surface condition | Typical passes | Estimated rate (sq ft/hr) | Estimated rate (m²/hr) | Notes / Standards |
Flash rust / light oxide (A36, WT50) | 1 | 40–80 | 3.7–7.4 | Aligns with NACE/SSPC WJ-4/N4 cleanliness |
Moderate red rust (carbon steel) | 1–2 | 15–40 | 1.4–3.7 | Plates, angles, channels |
Heavy rust / pitting (AR400/AR500) | 2–4 | 6–15 | 0.6–1.4 | Consider higher power for productivity |
Mill scale / oxide layers (A572, W-shapes) | 2–4 | 6–12 | 0.6–1.1 | Roughness target ~30–50 µm |
Copper, Brass, & Bronze: Ideal for removing oxidation, tarnish, and carbon deposits. | 1–2 | 15–40 | 1.4–3.7 | Historical parts |
Weld discoloration (304/316L SS heat tint) | 1–2 | 30–60 | 2.8–5.6 | Meets ASTM A380/A967 cleaning |
Stainless oxidation (heavy) | 2–5 | 10–25 | 0.9–2.3 | May require slower scan / more overlap |
Titanium oxide (Ti-6Al-4V) | 2–4 | 8–20 | 0.7–1.9 | Aerospace/defense components |
Tungsten carbide oxidation | 2–4 | 6–15 | 0.6–1.4 | Hard substrate; multiple passes |
Laser cutting residue | 2–3 | 15–30 | 1.4–2.8 | Pre-weld cleanup / pre-coating cleanup |
ECOCOOL SYN 6028 fluid residue | 1–2 | 50–100 | 4.6–9.3 | Fast decontamination before coating |
Black marking (carbonized oxide layer) | 1–2 | 20–50 | 1.9–4.6 | Common on anodized Al |
White marking (oxide whitening 5052/6061) | 1–2 | 18–40 | 1.7–3.7 | Tune parameters for reflectivity |
Chromating residue (mixed chemicals) | 1–2 | 15–30 | 1.4–2.8 | Aerospace conversion coatings |
Corrosion (marine exposure A36/WT50) | 2–3 | 15–35 | 1.4–3.3 | Supports IMO PSPC prep |
Defense-grade surface profile (equivalency) | — | Profile ~30–60 µm | — | NAVSEA/MIL-STD adhesion readiness |
Weld prep / edge cleaning* | 1 | 200–500 lf/hr (1–2 in band) | — | Linear rate more useful here |
Carbon steel coating removal (epoxy/PU) | 2–4 | 12–25 | 1.1–2.3 | Bridges, structural |
High-strength steels (100XF) | 2–4 | 10–22 | 0.9–2.0 | Slower due to hardness |
*lf/hr = linear feet per hour.
Applicable Metal Forms for Fabricators
Flat products: Sheet, Plate, Foil, Shim Stock, Expanded, Perforated Bars: Flat, Round, Square, Hex, Threaded Rod Tubes & Pipes: Round, Square, Rectangular, Pipe (CS & SS) Structural: I-Beam, C-Channel, Angle, T-Bar Other: Wire, Castings, Forgings, Custom Extrusions
Surface Roughness & Standards Alignment
NACE/SSPC: Achievable cleanliness comparable to SP WJ-3/WJ-4; roughness ~30–50 µm on steel with conditioning.
Marine (IMO PSPC): For ~50 µm profile requirements, consider higher power or continuous lasers for throughput.
Defense (NAVSEA/MIL-STD): Laser conditioning can meet adhesion prep where blast-equivalency profiles are specified.
Achievable Standard: NACE No. 1 / SSPC-SP 5 (White Metal)
Assumptions & Factors
Proper parameter tuning (pulse freq/width, scan speed, overlap) and correct standoff.
Minimum Thickness of materials: Can be safely used on materials as thin as metal foils (<0.1 mm or ~4 mils), assuming the part is mechanically stable. The low thermal load makes the risk of warping or distortion extremely minimal, even with slow, careful movement.
Maximum Heat Creation: During normal operation, the temperature of the metal part itself will typically rise by only 10 to 20 degrees Celsius (18 to 36 Fahrenheit) above its starting temperature. This is why the process is often called "cold ablation." ( average 1-2 passes ) Lowest thermal impact. These systems deliver the least amount of total energy per second. The temperature rise on the substrate is often negligible and very difficult to even measure. They are the absolute safest choice for the most heat-sensitive materials, such as thin foils, delicate electronics, or cleaning metal bonded to plastic.
Air-cooled (ALFA-300-PL-A) or Water-cooled (ALFA-300-PL-W); duty cycle considerations apply.
Effective fume extraction to protect optics and maintain ablation efficiency.
Material effects: A36/WT50 baseline; AR400/AR500 and 100XF slower; 304/316L need extra passes; 5052/6061 require reflectivity tuning.
Biggest factors that change the rate
Rust thickness & uniformity (more passes = slower).
Surface finish/colour (darker = faster absorption).
Operator technique (overlap, standoff distance).
Fume & Dust extraction at source in place for efficiency and optics protection.
Lens/scan width, fixture stability, part geometry.
👉 ALFA-300-PL-A/W Best for restoration, molds, delicate surfaces & ALSP
Estimated Throughput — ALFA-500-PL-CH (500 W Pulsed, Water-Cooled)
Surface condition | Typical passes | Estimated rate (sq ft/hr) | Estimated rate (m²/hr) | Notes |
Flash rust / light oxide (A36, WT50) Grade A | 1 | 60–120 | 5.6–11.1 | Quick single pass, minimal substrate impact,Aligns with NACE/SSPC WJ-4/N4 Cleanliness |
Moderate red rust (carbon steel) Grade B | 1–2 | 25–60 | 2.3–5.6 | Good for structural steel & shop floor prep, Plates, angles, channels |
Heavy rust / pitting (AR400/AR500) Grade C | 2–4 | 10–25 | 0.9–2.3 | Consider higher power for productivity, Deeper corrosion, slower removal. |
Mill scale & oxide layers (hot-rolled plate) ( A572, W- Shapes) Grade D | 2–4 | 10–20 | 0.9–1.9 | For plates, I-beams, C-channels, Roughness target ~30-50 µm |
Copper, Brass, & Bronze | 1–2 | 30–80 | 2.8–7.40 | Historical parts / Ideal for removing oxidation, tarnish and carbon deposits |
Laser-cutting residue | 2–3 | 30–60 | 2.8–5.3 | Pre-weld cleanup / pre-coating cleanup |
ECOCOOL SYN 6028 fluid residue | 1–2 | 30–50 | 2.8–4.6 | Removes coolant film before coating, Fast decontamination before coating |
Black marking | 1 | 35–60 | 3.2–5.6 | Suitable for stainless surface conditioning. |
Black marking (carbonized oxide layer) | 1–2 | 40–100 | 3.8–9.2 | Common on anodized Aluminum |
White marking (oxide whitening 5052/6061) Aluminum | 1–2 | 36–80 | 3.4–7.2 | Tune parameters for reflectivity |
Weld discoloration (304/316L SS heat tint) & Carbon steel | 1 | 80–150 | 7.4–13.9 | Meets ASTM A380/A967 cleaning, Pre/post weld finishing on stainless and carbon steel. |
Stainless steel oxidation (light) | 1–2 | 30–60 | 2.8–5.6 | Meets NACE SP0178 “clean metal” profile. |
Stainless steel oxidation (heavy) | 2–3 | 15–35 | 1.4–3.3 | Use slower scan for uniform removal. |
Titanium oxide (Ti-6Al-4V) | 1–3 | 15–30 | 1.4–2.8 | Aerospace/defense components, Delicate balance—avoid overheating. |
Tungsten & carbides oxidation | 2–4 | 8–20 | 0.7–1.9 | Hard substrate; multiple passes, Slower due to reflectivity. |
Chromating residue (mixed chemicals) | 1–2 | 20–40 | 1.9–3.7 | Aerospace conversion coatings, Effective on mixed-chem surface prep. |
Corrosion (marine exposure A36/WT50) | 2–3 | 30–70 | 2.8–6.6 | Supports IMO PSPC prep |
Defense-grade surface profile (equivalency) | — | Profile ~30–60 µm | — | NAVSEA/MIL-STD adhesion readiness |
Weld prep / edge cleaning* | 1 | 300–800 lf/hr (1–2 in band) | — | Linear rate more useful here |
High-strength steels (100XF) | 2–4 | 20–44 | 1.8–4.0 | Slower due to hardness |
Carbon steel coating removal (epoxy/PU) | 4–6 | 2–4 | 0.6–1.2 | Spot cleaning Bridges, structural |
Carbon steel pipe OD/ID | 1–3 | 20–50 | 1.9–4.6 | Aligns with NACE SP0169 standards for pipe. |
*lf/hr = linear feet per hour.
Weld prep / edge cleaning
Linear rate: 300–800 linear ft/hr (1–2 in band).
Meets CSA W59 (Canada) and AWS D1.1 (USA) weld prep standards.
Surface roughness benchmarks
NACE/SSPC SP-10 or SP-11 profiles achievable.
Advanced Laser Texturing: Reachable Roughness Fine Profiles: Ra 5 µm - 20 µm (microns)
Advanced Laser Texturing: Reachable Roughness Medium Profiles: Ra 50 µm - 100+ µm, which is comparable to the 2 to 4 mils often required by abrasive blasting standards for coating adhesion.
Marine: IMO PSPC ballast/coating standards.
Defense: NAVSEA MIL-STD-1689 weld prep surfaces.
Achievable Standard: NACE No. 1 / SSPC-SP 5 (White Metal)
Common alloys & codes
Carbon steel (WT50, 50WT, 100XF, AR400).
Stainless 304/316/321 series.
Aluminum 5xxx/6xxx.
Titanium Grade 2/5.
Metal forms / fabricator shapes Sheet, plate, foil, shim stock, expanded/perforated metal, flat bar, round/square/hex bar, threaded rod, tubes (round/square/rectangular), pipe, I-beam, C-channel, angle, T-bar, wire, castings, forgings, custom extrusions.
Assumptions for repeatability
Properly tuned 500 W pulsed parameters (scan speed, frequency, overlap).
Clean beam delivery, water-cooled for sustained duty cycle.
Effective fume extraction (keeps optics clean).
Minimum Thickness of materials: Can be safely used on materials as thin as metal foils (<0.1 mm or ~4 mils), assuming the part is mechanically stable. The low thermal load makes the risk of warping or distortion extremely minimal, even with slow, careful movement.
Maximum Heat Creation: During normal operation, the temperature of the metal part itself will typically rise by only 10 to 20 degrees Celsius (18 to 36 Fahrenheit) above its starting temperature. This is why the process is often called "cold ablation." ( average 1-2 passes ) Lowest thermal impact. These systems deliver the least amount of total energy per second. The temperature rise on the substrate is often negligible and very difficult to even measure. They are the absolute safest choice for the most heat-sensitive materials, such as thin foils, delicate electronics, or cleaning metal bonded to plastic.
Biggest factors that change the rate
Rust thickness & uniformity (more passes = slower).
Surface finish/colour (darker = faster absorption).
Operator technique (overlap, standoff distance).
Fume & Dust extraction at source in place for efficiency and optics protection.
Lens/scan width, fixture stability, part geometry.
👉 ALFA-500-PL-CH best choice for Fabricators, shops, structural steel prep, Infrastructure spot cleaning and repairs
Estimated Throughput — ALFA-1000-PL-CH (1000 W Pulsed, Water-Cooled)
Surface condition | Typical passes | Estimated rate (sq ft/hr) | Estimated rate (m²/hr) | Notes |
Flash rust / light oxide (A36, WT50) Grade A | 1 | 100–200 | 9.3–18.6 | Faster coverage good for shipyards, bridges & large metal fabricator,Quick single pass, minimal substrate impact,Aligns with NACE/SSPC WJ-4/N4 Cleanliness |
Moderate red rust (carbon steel) Grade B | 1–2 | 50–120 | 4.6–11.1 | Good for structural steel & shop floor prep, Plates, angles, channels, Balanced speed for structural steel prep. |
Heavy rust / pitting (AR400/AR500) Grade C | 2–3 | 25–60 | 2.3–5.6 | Consider higher power for productivity, Deeper corrosion, slower removal. |
Mill scale & oxide layers (hot-rolled plate) ( A572, W- Shapes) Grade D | 2–3 | 20–50 | 1.9–4.6 | Ideal fro hot-rolled plate, all kind of plates and beams, I-beams, C-channels, Roughness target ~30-50 µm |
Coated machinery with rust and pits by ablating the rust and contaminants ( machinery such MRO, mining, agriculture, construction, train, rail, Aerospace , Automotive Manufacturing & Tooling, Energy & Power Generation, Oil & Gas, Heavy Machinery & Equipment Manufacturing, Marine & Shipbuilding | 3-5 | 25–60 | 2.3–5.6 | Consider higher power for productivity, Deeper corrosion, slower removal.colors listed from most difficult to simplest:Chrome, Bright Silver, White, Yellow, Light Blue, Light Green, Red, Orange, Dark Blue, Dark Green, Black |
Laser-cutting residue | 1–2 | 40–80 | 3.7–7.4 | Faster cleaning of thick plate edges, Pre-weld cleanup / pre-coating cleanup |
ECOCOOL SYN 6028 fluid residue | 1–2 | 50–90 | 4.6–8.4 | Removes coolant film pre-coating or pre-welding, Fast decontamination before coating |
Black marking | 1 | 60–100 | 5.6–9.3 | Suitable for stainless surface conditioning and stainless steel part reconditioning |
Black marking (carbonized oxide layer) | 1 | 80–200 | 7.6–18.4 | Common on anodized Aluminum |
White marking (oxide whitening 5052/6061) Aluminum | 1–2 | 72–160 | 6.8–14.4 | Tune parameters for reflectivity |
Weld discoloration (304/316L SS heat tint) | 1 | 80–150 | 7.4–13.9 | Meets ASTM A380/A967 cleaning, Pre/post weld finishing on stainless steel. |
Stainless steel oxidation (light) | 1–2 | 60–120 | 5.6–11.2 | Meets NACE SP0178 “clean metal” profile. |
Stainless steel oxidation (heavy) | 2–3 | 30–60 | 2.8–6.6 | Use slower scan for uniform removal, controlled beam prevents warping |
Titanium oxide (Ti-6Al-4V) | 1–3 | 20–40 | 1.9–3.7 | Aerospace/defense components, Delicate balance—avoid overheating. |
Tungsten & carbides oxidation | 2–4 | 12–25 | 1.1–2.3 | Higher energy required, Hard substrate; multiple passes, Slower due to reflectivity. |
Chromating residue (mixed chemicals) | 1–2 | 20–40 | 1.9–3.7 | Aerospace conversion coatings, Effective on mixed-chem surface prep. |
Corrosion (marine exposure A36/WT50) | 2–3 | 60–140 | 5.6–13.2 | Supports IMO PSPC prep |
Defense-grade surface profile (equivalency) | — | Profile ~30–60 µm | — | NAVSEA/MIL-STD adhesion readiness |
Weld prep / edge cleaning* | 1 | 600–1200 lf/hr (1–2 in band) | — | Linear rate more useful here |
Black tint on welded steel called heat tint or weld oxide or weld discoloration | 1 | 240–480 | 22.2–44.4 | Meets ASTM A380/A967 cleaning, Pre/post weld finishing on carbon steel. |
High-strength steels (100XF) | 2–4 | 40–88 | 3.6–8.0 | Slower due to hardness |
Carbon steel coating removal (epoxy/PU) | 4–6 | 4–8 | 1.2–2.4 | Spot cleaning Bridges, structural |
Carbon steel pipe OD/ID | 1–3 | 40–100 | 3.8–9.2 | Aligns with NACE SP0169 standards for pipe. |
Weld prep / edge cleaning
Linear rate: 600–1200 linear ft/hr (1–2 in band).
Meets CSA W59 (Canada) and AWS D1.1 (USA) weld prep standards.
Surface roughness benchmarks
NACE/SSPC SP-10 or SP-11 profiles achievable.
Advanced Laser Texturing: Reachable Roughness Fine Profiles: Ra 5 µm - 20 µm (microns)
Advanced Laser Texturing: Reachable Roughness Medium to Aggressive Profiles: Ra 50 µm - 100+ µm, which is comparable to the 2 to 4 mils often required by abrasive blasting standards for coating adhesion.
Marine: IMO PSPC ballast/coating standards.
Defense: NAVSEA MIL-STD-1689 weld prep surfaces.
Achievable Standard: NACE No. 1 / SSPC-SP 5 (White Metal)
Minimum Thickness of materials: Very safe on common thin-gauge sheet metal. For an unsupported sheet, it's easily used on materials down to 0.5 mm (~24 gauge) without issue. The key is to maintain a consistent, steady scan speed and not dwell on one spot.
Maximum Heat Creation: During normal operation, the temperature of the metal part itself will typically rise by only 10 to 20 degrees Celsius (18 to 36 Fahrenheit) above its starting temperature. This is why the process is often called "cold ablation." ( average 1-2 passes ) Very low thermal impact. This is the industrial workhorse. While delivering more energy than lower-power models, it is still fundamentally a low-heat process. When cleaning a steel component, the temperature rise will comfortably remain within that 10-20°C range, with no risk of thermal distortion or metallurgical changes.
Common alloys & codes
Carbon steels: WT50, 50WT, 100XF, AR400, ASTM A36.
Stainless: 304, 316, 321.
Aluminum: 5xxx, 6xxx series.
Titanium Grade 2 & 5.
Metal forms / fabricator shapes Sheet, plate, foil, shim stock, expanded/perforated metal, flat/round/square/hex bar, threaded rod, tube (round/square/rectangular), pipe, I-beam, C-channel, angle, T-bar, wire, casting, forging, custom extrusion.
Assumptions for repeatability
Properly tuned 1000 W pulsed parameters.
Water-cooled for continuous duty.
Fume & Dust extraction at source in place for efficiency and optics protection.
Biggest factors that change the rate
Corrosion severity, pass count, operator technique.
Beam delivery optics and lens field size.
Reflectivity of substrate (stainless vs. carbon vs. titanium).
⚡ This machine is often the sweet spot for Canadian fabricators — powerful enough for serious throughput, but still precise for weld prep and selective coating removal.
Estimated Throughput — ALFA-2000-PL-CH (2000 W Pulsed, Water-Cooled)
Surface condition | Typical passes | Estimated rate (sq ft/hr) | Estimated rate (m²/hr) | Notes |
Flash rust / light oxide (A36, WT50) Grade A | 1 | 180–300 | 16.7–27.8 | Excellent and Faster coverage good for shipyards, bridges & large metal fabricator,Quick single pass, minimal substrate impact,Aligns with NACE/SSPC WJ-4/N4 Cleanliness |
Moderate red rust (carbon steel) Grade B | 1-2 | 100–200 | 9.3–18.6 | Ideal for structural steel & shop floor prep, Plates, angles, channels, ship decks, Balanced speed for structural steel prep. |
Heavy rust / pitting (AR400/AR500) Grade C | 2-3 | 50–120 | 4.6–11.1 | Multi-pass required for deep scaling, still faster than sandblast.Consider higher power for productivity, Deeper corrosion, slower removal. |
Mill scale & oxide layers (hot-rolled plate) ( A572, W- Shapes) Grade D | 2–3 | 40–100 | 3.7–9.3 | Matched hot-rolled production prep lines, Ideal fro hot-rolled plate, all kind of plates and beams, I-beams, C-channels, Roughness target ~30-50 µm |
Coated machinery with rust and pits by ablating the rust and contaminants ( machinery such bridges, MRO, mining, agriculture, construction, train, rail, Aerospace , Automotive Manufacturing & Tooling, Energy & Power Generation, Oil & Gas, Heavy Machinery & Equipment Manufacturing, Marine & Shipbuilding | 3-5 | 50–120 | 4.6–11.2 | Consider higher power for productivity, Deeper corrosion, slower removal.colors listed from most difficult to simplest:Chrome, Bright Silver, White, Yellow, Light Blue, Light Green, Red, Orange, Dark Blue, Dark Green, Black |
Laser-cutting residue | 1–2 | 80–150 | 7.4–13.9 | Faster cleaning of thick plate edges, Pre-weld cleanup / pre-coating cleanup |
ECOCOOL SYN 6028 fluid residue | 1–2 | 90–160 | 8.4–14.9 | Production cleaning, Removes coolant film pre-coating or pre-welding, Fast decontamination before coating |
Black marking ( Thick plate SS ) | 1 | 120–200 | 11.1–18.6 | Suitable for heavy stainless components and repair, surface conditioning and stainless steel part reconditioning |
Black marking (carbonized oxide layer) Thick Aluminum | 1 | 120–200 | 11.2–18.6 | Common on anodized Heavy Aluminum |
White marking (oxide whitening 5052/6061) Thick Aluminum | 1–2 | 80–150 | 7.4–13.9 | Tune parameters for reflectivity ( Heavy Aluminum ) |
Weld discoloration (304/316L SS heat tint) | 1 | 160–300 | 15–28 | High speed post weld cleaning, QA standard finish. Meets ASTM A380/A967 cleaning, Pre/post weld finishing on stainless steel. |
Stainless steel oxidation (light) ( Thick plates SS) | 1–2 | 90–160 | 8.4–14.9 | Passivates surface for coating and welding. Meets NACE SP0178 “clean metal” profile. |
Stainless steel oxidation (heavy) ( Thick plates SS ) | 2–3 | 50–100 | 4.6–9.3 | Effective on marine and chemical plant equipment. Use slower scan for uniform removal, controlled beam prevents warping |
Titanium oxide (Ti-6Al-4V) | 1–3 | 40–80 | 3.7–74 | Aerospace/defense components, precise beam tuning and Delicate balance avoid overheating. |
Tungsten & carbides oxidation | 2–4 | 20–40 | 1.9–3.7 | Higher energy required, Hard substrate; multiple passes, Slower due to reflectivity. |
Chromating residue (mixed chemicals) | 1–2 | 50–90 | 4.6–8.4 | Cleans mixed chemical/chromated coatings pre-paint. Aerospace conversion coatings, Effective on mixed-chem surface prep. |
Corrosion (marine exposure A36/WT50) | 2–3 | 120–280 | 11.2–26.4 | Supports IMO PSPC prep |
Defense-grade surface profile (equivalency) | — | Profile ~30–60 µm | — | NAVSEA/MIL-STD adhesion readiness |
Weld prep / edge cleaning* | 1 | 900–1600 lf/hr (1–2 in band) | — | Linear rate more useful here |
Black tint on welded steel called heat tint or weld oxide or weld discoloration | 1 | 480–960 | 44.4–88.8 | Meets ASTM A380/A967 cleaning, Pre/post weld finishing on carbon steel. |
High-strength steels (100XF) | 2–4 | 80–176 | 7.2–16 | Slower due to hardness |
Carbon steel coating removal (epoxy/PU) | 4–6 | 8–16 | 2.4–4.8 | Bridges, Spot cleaning, structural |
Carbon steel pipe OD/ID | 1–3 | 80–200 | 7.6–18.40 | Aligns with NACE SP0169 standards for pipe. |
Weld prep / edge cleaning
Linear rate: 900–1,600 linear ft/hr (1–2 in band).
Exceeds CSA W59 / AWS D1.1 weld prep cleanliness requirements.
Surface roughness benchmarks
NACE/SSPC SP-10 (Near White Metal) to SP-11 (Power Tool Clean Metal).
Advanced Laser Texturing: Reachable Roughness Fine Profiles: Ra 5 µm - 20 µm (microns)
Advanced Laser Texturing: Reachable Roughness Medium to Aggressive Profiles: Ra 50 µm - 100+ µm, which is comparable to the 2 to 4 mils often required by abrasive blasting standards for coating adhesion.
Marine: IMO PSPC standard for ballast/coating adhesion.
Defense: NAVSEA / MIL-STD-1689 compliant finishes.
Achievable Standard: NACE No. 1 / SSPC-SP 5 (White Metal)
Minimum Thickness of materials: While still very safe compared to other processes, caution should be used on very thin, large, unsupported sheets. It is recommended for materials thicker than 1.0 mm (~18 gauge) in these worst-case scenarios. On thinner materials that are part of an assembly, ribbed, or structurally supported, a 2000W pulsed laser is perfectly safe as the heat has a path to dissipate.
Maximum Heat Creation: During normal operation, the temperature of the metal part itself will typically rise by only 10 to 20 degrees Celsius (18 to 36 Fahrenheit) above its starting temperature. This is why the process is often called "cold ablation." ( average 1-2 passes ) Low thermal impact with proper technique. This system delivers the highest amount of energy, intended for maximum cleaning speed. If an operator were to let the beam dwell on a single spot on a very thin, isolated piece of metal, heat could build up. However, when used as intended—moving quickly across a larger surface or in an automated setup—the temperature increase remains minimal because the energy is distributed over a larger area per unit of time. The risk of warping or heat damage is still exceptionally low compared to any other thermal or mechanical cleaning process.
Common alloys & codes
Carbon steels: WT50, 50WT, 100XF, AR400, ASTM A36, CSA G40.21 grades.
Stainless: 304, 316, duplex grades.
Titanium: Grades 2 & 5 (Ti-6Al-4V).
Nickel alloys & superalloys (Inconel, Monel, Hastelloy).
Metal forms / fabricator shapesSheet, plate, foil, shim stock, expanded/perforated metal, flat/round/square/hex bar, threaded rod, pipe, round/square/rectangular tube, I-beam, C-channel, angle, T-bar, wire, castings, forgings, custom extrusions.
Assumptions for repeatability
Properly tuned 2000 W pulsed parameters (frequency, pulse overlap, beam scan).
Stable water-cooling for continuous industrial duty.
High-flow fume extraction to protect optics and maintain ablation efficiency.
Biggest factors that change the rate
Thickness & severity of corrosion/coating.
Substrate reflectivity (stainless/titanium vs carbon).
Operator pacing, overlap, and optics setup.
Surface geometry (flat plate vs pipe vs beam flanges).
⚡ The ALFA-2000-PL-CH is the flagship pulsed system — combining high power with precision. It’s the top choice for shipyards, infrastructure, defense, heavy fabrication, and high-value restoration where both speed and control are critical.
Estimated Throughput — ALFA-2000-CL-CH (2000 W Continuous, Water Cooled)
Surface condition | Typical passes | Estimated rate (sq ft/hr) | Estimated rate (m²/hr) | Notes |
Flash rust / light oxide (A36, WT50) Grade A | 1 | 300–650 | 27.8–60.4 | Excellent and Faster coverage good for large metal fabricator,Quick single pass, minimal substrate impact, Aligns with SSPC-SP 6/NACE No. 3 commercial blast cleaning and SSPC-SP 10 Near-white metal blast cleaning (NACE NO. 2) is to be used to clean unpainted steel surfaces |
Moderate red rust (carbon steel) Grade B | 1-2 | 100–200 | 9.3–18.6 | Ideal for structural steel & shop floor prep, Plates, angles, channels, ship decks, Balanced speed for structural steel prep.Aligns with SSPC-SP 6/NACE No. 3 commercial blast cleaning and SSPC-SP 10 Near-white metal blast cleaning (NACE NO. 2) is to be used to clean unpainted steel surfaces |
Heavy rust / pitting (AR400/AR500) Grade C | 2-3 | 80–160 | 7.4–14.9 | Consistent production-line results. Multi-pass required for deep scaling, still faster than sandblast.Consider higher power for productivity, Deeper corrosion, slower removal.Aligns with SSPC-SP 6/NACE No. 3 commercial blast cleaning to be used to clean unpainted steel surfaces |
Mill scale & oxide layers Grade D | 2–3 | 100–180 | 7.4–14.9 | Reliable replacement for pickling or grinding. All kind of plates and beams, I-beams, C-channels, Aligns with SSPC-SP 6/NACE No. 3 commercial blast cleaning to be used to clean unpainted steel surfaces |
Coated machinery with rust and pits by ablating the rust and contaminants ( Tooling, small spots of machineries and equipments but not any delicate materials or equipments) | 3-5 | 4–8 | 0.37–0.74 | Consider higher power for productivity, Deeper corrosion, slower removal.colors listed from most difficult to simplest:Chrome, Bright Silver, White, Yellow, Light Blue, Light Green, Red, Orange, Dark Blue, Dark Green, Black |
Laser-cutting residue | 1–2 | 150–250 | 13.9–23.2 | Faster cleaning of thick plate edges, Pre-weld cleanup / pre-coating cleanup |
ECOCOOL SYN 6028 fluid residue | 1 | 200–300 | 18.6–27.9 | Production cleaning, Removes coolant film pre-coating or pre-welding, Fast decontamination before coating |
Stainless steel oxidation (light) ( Thick plates SS) | 1–2 | 200–350 | 18.6–32.5 | Passivates surface for welding. |
Stainless steel oxidation (heavy) ( Thick plates SS ) | 2–3 | 120–200 | 11.1–18.6 | Ideal for pulp/paper chemical and mining chemical plant equipment including mining processing plants. Use slower scan for uniform removal, controlled beam prevents warping |
Chromating residue (mixed chemicals) | 1–2 | 120–200 | 11.1–18.6 | Safer alternative for stripping chemicals. Cleans mixed chemical/chromated coatings pre-paint. Effective on mixed-chem surface prep. |
Corrosion (marine exposure A36/WT50) | 2–3 | 150–250 | 13.9–23.2 | Supports IMO PSPC prep |
Defense-grade surface profile (equivalency) | — | Profile ~30–60 µm | — | NAVSEA/MIL-STD adhesion readiness |
High-strength steels (100XF) | 2–4 | 80–176 | 7.2–16 | Slower due to hardness |
Carbon steel pipe OD/ID | 1–3 | 80–200 | 7.6–18.40 | Aligns with NACE SP0169 standards for pipe. |
Surface roughness benchmarks
NACE/SSPC SP-10 to SP-11 for grade A and B rust, ideal anchor profile ~40–75 μm (1.5–3.0 mil).
Marine: IMO PSPC / ISO 8503-1 roughness ranges for coating adhesion.
Defense: NAVSEA / MIL-STD-1689 surface prep compliance.
Recommended Minimum Thickness: 6 mm (~1/4 inch or 3 gauge) and thicker, A 2000W CW laser is a powerful tool designed for thick rust and coating removal on robust parts. While it can be used carefully on materials down to 3 mm (~1/8 inch or 11 gauge) with very high scan speeds and proper support, the risk of heat distortion is high. It is not recommended for thin sheet metal work.
Maximum Heat Creation: Average Temperature Rise: 150°C to 300°C (300°F to 575°F) (Average Heat Creation Per Pass) This level of thermal energy is highly effective for burning off thick rust and multi-layered coatings. This is also why we recommend a minimum thickness of 6 mm, as this heat would instantly warp thinner, unsupported materials.
Common alloys & codes
Carbon steels: WT50, 50WT, 100XF, AR400, ASTM A36, CSA G40.21.
Stainless: 304, 316, 409, duplex alloys.
High-strength low alloy (HSLA): ASTM A572, A588 (weathering steels).
Metal forms / fabricator shapes Sheet, plate, bar, tube, pipe, beams, channels, angles, T-bar, wire, forgings, castings, and extrusions.
Assumptions for repeatability
Proper tuning of 2000 W continuous laser scan patterns (line overlap, feed speed).
Water-cooled stability to sustain multi-shift production.
Integrated dust/fume extraction to maintain beam efficiency.
Biggest factors that change the rate
Surface geometry: flat vs. tubular vs. structural shapes.
Coating thickness and uniformity.
Fixture and optics stability.
Operator programming and automation (robotic vs. manual).
⚡ The ALFA-2000-CL-CH is a production-class continuous laser — designed for fabricators, shipyards, and structural steel plants that need consistent, large-area rust/scale removal with throughput high enough to replace blasting or grinding in daily operations. Ranked as best selling and No.1 Laser Cleaning Machine Across the Canadian Top Industrial Hubs: British Columbia: Metro Vancouver, Prince George, Kamloops, Kelowna, Kitimat, Alberta: Calgary, Edmonton Metropolitan Region, Fort McMurray, Red Deer, Lethbridge, Saskatchewan: Saskatoon, Regina, Moose Jaw, Lloydminster, Estevan, Manitoba: Winnipeg, Brandon, Winkler-Morden Region, Thompson, Portage la Prairie, Ontario: Greater Toronto Area, Southwestern Ontario (Windsor-Sarnia), Hamilton, Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge, Ottawa, Quebec: Greater Montreal, Quebec City, Eastern Townships (Sherbrooke-Granby), Saguenay, Trois-Rivières, New Brunswick: Saint John, Moncton, Fredericton, Nova Scotia: Halifax, Strait of Canso (Port Hawkesbury), Sydney, Prince Edward Island: Charlottetown, Summerside, Newfoundland and Labrador: St. John's, Long Harbour, Come By Chance
Estimated Throughput — ALFA-3000-CL-CH (3000 W Continuous, Water-Cooled)
Surface condition | Typical passes | Estimated rate (sq ft/hr) | Estimated rate (m²/hr) | Notes |
Flash rust / light oxide (A36, WT50) Grade A | 1 | 400–700 | 37.2–65 | Extremely high throughput, best suited for plate shops and yard prep.Excellent and Faster coverage good for large metal fabricator,Quick single pass, minimal substrate impact, Aligns with SSPC-SP 6/NACE No. 3 commercial blast cleaning and SSPC-SP 10 Near-white metal blast cleaning (NACE NO. 2) is to be used to clean unpainted steel surfaces |
Moderate red rust (carbon steel) Grade B | 1-2 | 250–400 | 23.2–37.2 | Removes moderate corrosion in single pass at production scale.Ideal for structural steel & shop floor prep, Plates, angles, channels, ship decks, Balanced speed for structural steel prep.Aligns with SSPC-SP 6/NACE No. 3 commercial blast cleaning and SSPC-SP 10 Near-white metal blast cleaning (NACE NO. 2) is to be used to clean unpainted steel surfaces |
Heavy rust / pitting (AR400/AR500) Grade C | 2-3 | 120–200 | 11.1–18.6 | Penetrates layers faster then ALFA-2000-CL-CH, fewer passes needed.Consistent production-line results. Multi-pass required for deep scaling, still faster than sandblast.Consider higher power for productivity, Deeper corrosion, slower removal.Aligns with SSPC-SP 6/NACE No. 3 commercial blast cleaning to be used to clean unpainted steel surfaces |
Mill scale & oxide layers Grade D | 2–3 | 150–250 | 13.9–23.2 | Common for hot-rolled plate prep in shipbuilding & steel structure in construction.Reliable replacement for pickling or grinding. All kind of plates and beams, I-beams, C-channels, Aligns with SSPC-SP 6/NACE No. 3 commercial blast cleaning to be used to clean unpainted steel surfaces |
Coated machinery with rust and pits by ablating the rust and contaminants ( Tooling, small spots of machineries and equipments but not any delicate materials or equipments) | 3-5 | 8–16 | 0.74–1.48 | Consider higher power for productivity, Deeper corrosion, slower removal.colors listed from most difficult to simplest:Chrome, Bright Silver, White, Yellow, Light Blue, Light Green, Red, Orange, Dark Blue, Dark Green, Black |
Laser-cutting residue | 1–2 | 200–350 | 18.6–32.5 | Efficient cleanup post-cutting for fabrication lines.Faster cleaning of thick plate edges, Pre-weld cleanup / pre-coating cleanup |
ECOCOOL SYN 6028 fluid residue | 1 | 250–400 | 23.2–37.2 | Keeps throughput high in automated forming/welding cells. Production cleaning, Removes coolant film pre-coating or pre-welding, Fast decontamination before coating |
Stainless steel oxidation (light) ( Thick plates SS) | 1–2 | 250–450 | 23.2–41.8 | Smooth and fast ablation with minimal heat input. Passivates surface for welding. |
Stainless steel oxidation (heavy) ( Thick plates SS ) | 2–3 | 150–250 | 13.9–23.2 | Ideal for marine,pulp/paper chemical and mining chemical plant equipment including mining processing plants. Use slower scan for uniform removal, controlled beam prevents warping |
Chromating residue (mixed chemicals) | 1–2 | 150–250 | 13.9–23.2 | Safer alternative for stripping chemicals. Cleans mixed chemical/chromated coatings pre-paint. Effective on mixed-chem surface prep. |
Corrosion (marine exposure A36/WT50) | 2–3 | 250–450 | 23.2–41.8 | Supports IMO PSPC prep |
Defense-grade surface profile (equivalency) | — | Profile ~30–60 µm | — | NAVSEA/MIL-STD adhesion readiness |
High-strength steels (100XF) | 2–4 | 150–250 | 13.9–23.2 | Slower due to hardness |
Carbon steel pipe OD/ID | 1–3 | 120–200 | 11.1–18.6 | Aligns with NACE SP0169 standards for pipe. |
Surface Roughness & Standards Alignment
NACE/SSPC SP-10 to SP-11 profiles; roughness ~50–90 μm (2–3.5 mil) achievable.
Marine: IMO PSPC, ISO 8503-1 coating adhesion benchmarks.
Defense: MIL-STD-1689 & NAVSEA prep standards for naval/defense applications.
Recommended Minimum Thickness: 12 mm (~1/2 inch) and thicker, This is a very high-power system for heavy-duty industrial applications. It is intended for thick plate steel, structural beams, ship hulls, and large-scale paint/rust stripping where thermal mass is not a concern. Using a 3000W CW laser on materials thinner than 12 mm is not recommended as it can easily cause melting or significant warping.
Maximum Heat Creation: Average Temperature Rise: 200°C to 400°C (390°F to 750°F) (Average Heat Creation Per Pass) This significant heat input is what allows for maximum removal speed on very heavy-duty applications (e.g., thick paint on ship hulls, heavy scale on structural steel). The process assumes the workpiece is thick enough (like the recommended 12 mm+) to absorb and dissipate this heat without structural impact.
Supported Alloys & Industry Codes
Carbon steels: WT50, 50WT, 100XF, AR400, ASTM A36, CSA G40.21.
Stainless steels: 304, 316, duplex grades.
HSLA steels: ASTM A572, A588.
Titanium, nickel, copper alloys for aerospace/energy.
Casting & forgings across multiple grades.
Common Fabricator Metal Forms
Sheet, plate, foil, bar stock, tubing, pipe, structural profiles (I-beam, channel, angle, T-bar), wire, castings, forgings, custom extrusions.
Assumptions for Repeatability
Properly tuned scan strategy (wide-field optics for continuous beams).
Water-cooled stability for multi-shift, heavy-duty cycles.
Industrial fume extraction to maintain beam consistency.
Key Rate Drivers
Geometry complexity: flat plate vs. tube vs. I-beam.
Rust/coating thickness: more passes = lower rate.
Operator setup: optimized overlap, feed, standoff.
Automation: robotics or CNC gantries maximize throughput vs. handheld.
⚡ ALFA-3000-CL-CH is designed for shipyards, bridge fabricators, and steel mills needing maximum throughput, NACE/IMO compliance, and a Canadian-made continuous laser solution capable of replacing abrasive blasting on an industrial scale.
ALFA LASER Cleaning Machines — Comparison Matrix
Model | Type | Cooling | Typical Use Cases | Surface Conditions | Estimated Throughput | Industry Fit |
ALFA-100-PL-A | Pulsed 100 W | Air | Heritage restoration, delicate cleaning, light oxidation, mold cleaning | Flash rust, light oxides, thin coatings, Copper, Brass, & Bronze | 5–30 sq ft/hr | Museums, restoration, labs. |
ALFA-200-PL-A | Pulsed 200 W | Air | All of ALFA-100-PL-A + Light rust, weld prep, spot cleaning | Light rust, weld tint, markings | 15–50 sq ft/hr | Small fab shops, R&D, light industry. |
ALFA-300-PL-A/W | Pulsed 300 W | Air/Water | All of ALFA-200-PL-A + Heavy Mold cleaning, precision work, stainless oxidation, Roughness | Mold release, chromate residue, oxidation | 20–60 sq ft/hr | Mold shops, aerospace, automotive, Alfa Laser Service Provider |
ALFA-500-PL-CH | Pulsed 500 W | Water | All of ALFA-300-PL-A/W + General rust removal, weld prep, coatings | Rust, mill scale, coatings, discoloration | 10–120 sq ft/hr | Fabricators, maintenance shops |
ALFA-1000-PL-CH | Pulsed 1000 W | Water | All of ALFA-500-PL-CH +Heavy rust, mill scale, pre/post welding | Rust layers, oxide, coatings | 25–200 sq ft/hr | Shipyards, mining, structural steel |
ALFA-2000-PL-CH | Pulsed 2000 W | Water | Large surface prep, pipelines, industrial coatings | Heavy rust, chromate, mill scale, thick coatings, corrosion | 50–300 sq ft/hr | Shipbuilding, construction, OEM, Bridges,Shipyards, mining, Oil & gas, structural steel, metal fabricators,infrastructure, defense |
ALFA-1000-CL-CH | Continuous 1000 W | Water | Medium rust, prep before coatings | Light–moderate rust, mill scale | 150–250 sq ft/hr | Steel service centers, mid-size fabs |
ALFA-2000-CL-CH | Continuous 2000 W | Water | Heavy rust, scale removal on large areas | Mill scale, corrosion, cutting residues | 200–400 sq ft/hr | Shipbuilding, construction, OEM |
ALFA-3000-CL-CH | Continuous 3000 W | Water | Maximum throughput, blasting replacement | Heavy rust, mill scale, thick coatings | 400–700 sq ft/hr | Shipyards, bridges, steel mills |
Key Takeaways:
Pulsed (100–2000 W) → precision, control, heritage, mold cleaning, weld prep.
Continuous (1000–3000 W) → maximum throughput, large-scale structures, blasting replacement.
Cooling: Air = portable, light duty. Water = heavy-duty, continuous operation.
Canadian Advantage: All models built and supported locally with CSA & IEC alignment, NACE/SSPC, IMO, and MIL-STD compliance in mind.
Values are based on typical shop/field scenarios. Actual throughput varies by corrosion thickness, alloy, and operator technique.
ALFA LASER -Power vs Estimated Maximum Throughput
Popular ALFA LASER options
Pulsed: ALFA‑100/200/300‑PL‑A (air), ALFA‑300‑PL‑W, ALFA‑500/1000/2000‑PL‑CH
Continuous: ALFA‑1000/2000/3000‑CL‑CH
• Pulsed Laser Cleaning Machines
Safety & Compliance Basics
Class 4 laser safety: Alfa Laser offers with every laser cleaning machine rated PPE (laser eyewear matched to wavelength), Laser Safety Curtains, customized controlled areas, beam stops through interlock systems built-in.
Fume extraction: Capture at source and filter ablated particulates/fumes.
Training: Operator certification and safe‑work procedures.
Workpiece considerations: Test coupons on rust/coated/galvanized parts to fine‑tune parameters.
Risk Assessment 360: upon client request
Handover, Acknowledgment & Final Acceptance Protocol: Every machine and system will be delivered through an organized handover that covers every aspects to make sure operators run and operate the laser cleaner safely & efficiently.
ROI: Cost & Throughput Modeling
Sample framework (customize with your plant’s numbers):
Current sandblasting cost: media + disposal + masking + cleanup + respirators = $X/hour.
Laser cleaning cost: electricity + filters + operator + consumables = $Y/hour.
Savings/hour = X − Y. Add savings from reduced rework and faster changeovers.
Example If sandblasting costs $180/h and laser cleaning costs $70/h, baseline savings = $110/h. At 600 productive hours/year, annual savings ≈ $66,000 per workstation, excluding quality gains.
Implementation Plan
On‑site demo & sample run: Validate finish and cycle time on your parts.
Process recipe: Document parameters (power, frequency, speed, stand‑off).
Workcell layout: Integrate fume extraction, fixtures, safety curtains, and QC.
Operator training: ALFA LASER provides training & documentation.
Scale up: Add shifts/cells; consider ALSP partner support for overflow or field jobs.
Ongoing optimization: Log parameters and results; adjust for coatings, seasons, or new alloys.
FAQs
Q1. Will laser cleaning damage base metal? Properly tuned parameters ablate oxides while preserving base metal, avoiding dimensional change.
Q2. Alfa Laser After-Sales support: Our after-sales support is engineered to ensure maximum uptime for your operations. We provide comprehensive technical assistance and warranty coverage, backed by a fully-stocked inventory of spare parts.
Every component of our Canadian-built machines has a corresponding spare part available in our stock, enabling immediate repairs and guaranteeing minimal downtime.
Q3. How fast industrial laser cleaning machine versus sandblasting? Throughput depends on corrosion thickness and area. Continuous systems lead on large areas; pulsed excels on detail work.
Q4. What surfaces can I clean? Steel: Carbon, low-alloy, and high-strength steels. Removes rust, mill scale, and weld heat tint.
Stainless Steel: Removes rust, oxides, and weld discoloration without compromising corrosion resistance.
Aluminum: Cleans rust, oxides, and anodized coatings, preparing the surface for welding or coating.
Copper, Brass, & Bronze: Ideal for removing oxidation, tarnish, and carbon deposits.
Cast Iron: Effectively cleans rust and residues from rough surfaces.
Titanium & Nickel Super-Alloys: Used in high-precision industries like aerospace to remove oxides and coatings.
Carbon/stainless steel, aluminum (careful with reflectivity), nonferrous alloys, and many coated substrates (after testing).
Q5. Do I need ventilation? Yes. Use fume extraction at source to capture particulates and maintain air quality.
Q6. Can I use it before welding and coating? Yes—laser cleaning improves weld quality and coating adhesion by removing oxides and contaminants.
Q7. How Laser Cleaning Works:
What is laser cleaning?
Laser cleaning is a modern, non-contact method of preparing surfaces. It uses a focused laser beam to remove rust, paint, and other unwanted materials from a surface without causing any damage to the base material underneath.
Q8. does the laser remove contaminants without damaging the surface?
The process works by exploiting a principle called ablation threshold. Different materials absorb and react to light energy at different levels. The laser is tuned to a frequency where the contaminants (like rust or paint) absorb the intense energy, causing them to heat up and vaporize instantly. The underlying surface has a higher ablation threshold and either reflects the laser light or is not affected, leaving it perfectly clean and intact.
Q9. What are the key benefits of using laser cleaning?
Laser cleaning is a popular choice across many industries because it is:
Precise: It can target and clean specific, small areas without affecting the surrounding material.
Eco-Friendly: It doesn't use chemicals, abrasives, or water, so there's no waste to dispose of.
Non-Damaging: It preserves the integrity of the original surface, unlike methods like sandblasting or grinding.
Efficient: The process is fast, and the low operating costs make it a cost-effective solution for many applications.
Next Steps & Contacts
Talk to an expert: Request a demo
See product lines: Pulsed systems | Continuous systems
Partner with us: Ask about ALSP (Alfa Laser Service Provider) and Distribution Opportunities across Canada, the USA, and worldwide.
ALFA LASER — Canadian‑made laser cleaning machines. Local support. Industrial‑grade results.
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