Laser cleaning.

[ajlelectronics]

I used to deal with a chap doing blast cleaning and powder coating until he closed. I have just had this email from him (doesn't mean I endorse it, just for info)...


Hi Andy, it's Peter from the old powder coating days.

Well, retirement was short lived after looking after Powder & Shot Blasting for a number of years but
too much Loose Women & Bargain Hunt to watch on TV.

So another venture is looming early in November. Awaiting delivery of the latest machine technology
in Laser Cleaning which will give a cleaner & environmentally friendly option to blasting. Feel free to
check on the web link below.

Were hoping to do On-Site & In-House cleaning but will know more when it arrives.

I can also help with all types of On-Site Blasting especially with historic buildings & conversions etc.

Please keep my details on file for future reference or let me know if this is something of interest?

Meantime if you require any of the other services listed below with regards to on-site blasting etc especially
on restoration work you may get going forward.

Regards



Peter Ansell:
COMING SOON: LASER METAL CLEANING
On Site Blasting - Woodwork Treatment - Spray Foam Insulation
www.lasercleanglos.co.uk
Mob No: 07778-753513
Email: pba888@btinternet.com <mailtoba888@btinternet.com>

 

[fizzy]

Machines have plummeted in price - still not cheap for a good one.
Just watched this video from 7 years ago - machines were $500.000 - now around £3 to £6k

 

[rtcosic]

It would be reassuring to see real world results from a reliable source.

Watching and waiting with interest.

 

[RWD3M]

It would be reassuring to see real world results from a reliable source.

Watching and waiting with interest.

Edd China had a play with one a while back:

 

[rtcosic]

Edd China had a play with one a while back:

I have seen that.

I wasn't impressed by the speed/surface finish balance compared to traditional methods.
I can see the benefit for small and delicate parts and appreciate the lack of debris and dust of more medieval methods.

 

[iNf]

Thread already on here
https://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/threads/laser-rust-removal-machines.139843/

 

[Keith 66]

I have seen that.

I wasn't impressed by the speed/surface finish balance compared to traditional methods.
I can see the benefit for small and delicate parts and appreciate the lack of debris and dust of more medieval methods.

Lack of dust & debris applies to the fact you are not using blasting media. The fact remains that you are vaporising part of the surface of the metal itself plus metal oxides (rust & corrosion) & paint containing likely lead & lord knows what else besides. You will be vaporising it on a nano scale & it becomes airborne. Laser fume is really nasty & anyone who uses one of these needs serious extraction & ppe. Otherwise some poor sod will be breathing it all in.

 

[Ali]

Lack of dust & debris applies to the fact you are not using blasting media. The fact remains that you are vaporising part of the surface of the metal itself plus metal oxides (rust & corrosion) & paint containing likely lead & lord knows what else besides. You will be vaporising it on a nano scale & it becomes airborne. Laser fume is really nasty & anyone who uses one of these needs serious extraction & ppe. Otherwise some poor sod will be breathing it all in.

I guess it depends what you’re cleaning / vaporising, lasers don’t generate any fumes themselves in operation - it’s just light. I agree about the particulate thought, but probably a similar risk to media blasting, depending whether it’s contained or not?

 

[Keith 66]

True its light, But the emissions from what is vaporised are on a different smaller scale so are far more easily absorbed into the lungs. I worked in a school & used a 30w laser cutter on a daily basis, it used a stand alone extractor with two huge filters that cost £265 each, it got through two sets a year & still stank the preproom out with the extractor running full bore. A 1 kilowatt laser cleaner in the open is going to generate metal fume in abundance.
We have seen the HSE crack down on welding as a serious risk for health from metal fumes, i suspect they havent caught up with laser cleaners yet.