IMAGE: Shown is a rusty component "cleaned" with laser technology. (Image credit: TLM Laser)

TLM Laser (Worcestershire, England) continues to expand its portfolio of laser-based technologies and systems, by announcing a new partnership agreement with laser surface processing specialist 4Jet (Alsdorf, Germany). The addition of laser cleaning technology to the company's product offering complements its current range of laser processes including: welding, cutting, marking, engraving, hardening, and 3D additive manufacturing.

Lasers continue to find their way into a growing number of industrial applications, offering a highly efficient and more cost-effective alternative to traditional technologies and processes, and this is certainly the case for laser cleaning. 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 by using dry ice or chemical substances. 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 adding to environmental pollution.

As a result of the issues surrounding the more traditional approaches to component cleaning, laser cleaning is increasingly becoming the preferred method for rust or paint removal and descaling operations.

The new handheld JETLASER platform from 4JET is the latest addition to their range of laser surface processing systems. Potential applications are wide and varied and include cleaning of molds, tools, fixtures, paint and coating removal operations and pre-treatment of surfaces prior to welding, gluing or coating applications. The JETLASER is currently available in two power levels, 200 W & 500 W average laser power, and is optimized for manual use in the JETLASER M configuration or available for integration to a robot in the JETLASER R variant.

The handheld unit has been designed to offer improved ergonomics and safety. Rather than conventional single hand devices that operate in a similar manner to a gun, the symmetrical 4JET system is based on a two-hand operation that provides for more comfortable use during processing. The 3D printed enclosures on the handheld device mean that it is extremely light to handle and use. The unit is powered by fiber-coupled, maintenance-free solid-state lasers that are integrated into a rugged mobile supply unit.

SOURCE: LaserFocusWorld