The traditional methods used to remove rust, debris or other surface contamination from components typically involve either physical contact with the part through brushing, scraping, polishing and shot blasting or alternatively through the use of dry ice or chemical substances.
Each of these approaches have their own drawbacks as they are either abrasive, which can potentially damage the base material, or in the case of chemicals, somewhat aggressive and through their use potentially add to environmental pollution.
Laser-cleaning, however, offers a highly efficient, contact and consumable free alternative which is gaining popularity across a wide range of applications and market sectors. TLM Laser offers a range of laser cleaning systems as UK and Ireland distributors for 4Jet Technologies.
Recently launched, and now complementing the current 200W and 500W variants is the new M100 hand-held unit. Based upon a fibre-coupled, maintenance, free solid-state near infrared laser at 1064nm wavelength, this compact system delivers 100W of laser power. Weighing in at less than 5kg, the hand-held unit is ergonomic in design and optimised for manual use.
(The new 4Jet M100 brings a 100W variant to the range, complementing the current 200W and 500W units)
Potential applications for this efficient technology are wide and varied and include cleaning of moulds, tools, fixtures, paint and coating removal operations and pre-treatment of surfaces prior to welding, glueing or other coating applications.
Connected to the portable supply unit by a 5 metre cable, the manual unit can easily be manipulated using the two handle configuration. Focal length’s range between 160mm and 420mm, depending upon lenses, and the 2D integral laser scanning head delivers a 100mm x 100mm scan-field.
TLM Laser’s Tony Dain commented: “ This new and enhanced range of hand-held JETLASER variants offer a powerful solution for customers that may have a diverse range of cleaning tasks or low production volumes. We are delighted to have been able to add another exciting product to our broad laser processing portfolio”.
This efficient and cost effective laser cleaning technology is available from Bromsgrove based TLM Laser, 4Jet Technologies UK and Ireland distributors, and just part of a comprehensive and growing range of laser based technologies and systems offered by the company.
