How Does Laser Cleaning Work?

The best laser cleaning systems are KEYENCE’s 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, aluminium, and rubber. It uses a high peak power 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.

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 provide 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-X. Moreover, labour costs decrease because of the AI engineering of KEYENCE’s systems. The MD-X can utilise 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 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-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-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 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.