ABSTRACT
As laser cleaning continues to gain popularity as a source for surface prep and coating removal, this study will explore the use of laser ablation to remove contaminant oxidation and other contamination from metallic substrates. Laser cleaning systems can target coatings while having a minimal impact to the metallic substrates. This study will demonstrate how using laser cleaning technology can improve the surface free energy of a substrate and promote successful welding and adhesive bonding. The process of ablation is created when the laser wavelength is absorbed into the contaminant or oxidation coating. Material properties drive the absorption abilities for substrates and coatings to absorb different wavelengths of laser energy. This high energy exchange causes the contaminants to rapidly change from a solid to a gas, which is eventually vacuumed away. Readily available laser cleaning systems are currently found in industrial, automotive, and aerospace fields and are being utilized for everyday operations. This study explores and explains the feasibility of using laser cleaning as an adequate preparation technique for cleaning before welding and adhesive bonding.
