Laser Cleaning
Overview
Laser cleaning is one of the most widely used Class IV laser applications and covers a broad range of industrial use cases. Compared with conventional methods such as chemical cleaning, sand blasting or dry ice cleaning, it offers a more versatile approach to surface treatment.
It can be used both for the removal of tenacious dirt layers and for the selective elimination of thin coatings where precision is required.
In addition to its cleaning efficiency, laser cleaning is a consumable-free process that does not rely on harmful substances. It also offers a less noisy alternative to processes such as sand blasting or dry ice cleaning.
Why pulse characteristics matter ?
Most laser cleaning systems are based on continuous-wave or pulsed fiber lasers. In practice, two parameters are particularly important: peak power and average power.
Peak power corresponds to the maximum optical power reached during a pulse and relates to the mechanical effect generated by the laser pulse. Average power corresponds to the emitted power over time and is more closely associated with the amount of heat delivered to the part.
This distinction is critical for cleaning applications. Conventional fiber-laser-based systems generally provide lower peak powers while bringing more heat, which can be detrimental when surface marking must be avoided. This is particularly important for applications such as precision manufacturing molds, where any trace left on the surface may be reproduced on subsequent parts.
Why Shocklite ?
Shocklite approaches laser cleaning through high-energy pulsed laser delivery, rather than relying solely on conventional fiber-laser cleaning architectures.
This enables high peak power delivery at the output of the fiber while preserving the flexibility of a fiber-based system. The optical architecture is designed for high-energy transmission through standard silica optical fibers.
As a result, the usable process window for laser cleaning is extended, from selective coating removal to more demanding surface conditions such as thick oxides, rust, or strongly adherent contamination layers.
Laser cleaning solutions we offer
The LightPanther system supports a wide range of laser cleaning applications, from thin paint removal to heavy corrosion and rust, while remaining compatible with fiber-based system integration.
It can be integrated into industrial cleaning machines and production equipment.
In addition, Shocklite supports process development by helping define key operating parameters such as pulse energy and overlap, based on tests performed on representative parts using its internal laser cleaning platform.
Application value
This approach is particularly relevant for applications requiring a combination of:
- High peak power at the processing point
- Controlled and selective removal of surface layers
- Minimization of unwanted marking on sensitive materials
- Integration into industrial cleaning systems or maintenance environments
By combining pulsed nanosecond laser delivery through optical fibers with process development support, Shocklite enables a flexible approach to industrial laser cleaning.
