Laser cleaning glossary.

Ablation

Ablation refers to the targeted removal of material by applied energy. In laser cleaning, laser energy is used to remove unwanted surface layers such as rust, oxides, paint or other residues in a controlled manner.

Absorption rate

The absorption rate indicates what proportion of the incident laser energy is taken up by a surface. Material, colour, coating, surface condition and laser wavelength all influence absorption.

Adhesion preparation

Before painting, bonding, coating or welding, surfaces often have to be cleaned and prepared. Laser cleaning can remove oxides and residues locally and thus form part of adhesion preparation.

Area coverage rate

The area coverage rate describes how much surface can be cleaned within a given time. It depends on power, coating, scan width, speed and the cleaning intensity required.

Automated laser cleaning

Laser cleaning can be automated and integrated into production processes. Robots or axis systems guide the laser reproducibly over previously defined processing areas.

Automotive laser cleaning

In the automotive industry, laser cleaning is used for metal parts, body components, weld preparation, tool cleaning, rust removal and restoration work, among other things. Industrial laser cleaning →

Bare metal

Bare metal describes a metallic surface after rust, paint or other existing layers have been removed. The surface condition that can be achieved depends on the material and the processing objective. Laser rust removal →

Base material

The base material, or substrate, is the material beneath the unwanted coating. The aim of controlled laser cleaning is to process the layer to be removed as selectively as possible.

Blasting media

Blasting media such as sand or glass beads are used in conventional blasting processes. Laser cleaning does not need conventional blasting media for the actual material removal.

Bonding preparation

High-quality adhesive bonds require defined and clean surfaces. Laser cleaning can remove contamination or interfering layers specifically from the area to be bonded.

Buying a laser cleaning machine

Anyone looking to buy a laser cleaning machine should consider the material, the contamination, the size of the area, how often it will be used and the processing quality required. View laser cleaning machines →

Cavity cleaning

Cavities are recesses and hollow forms in tools or moulds. Provided they can be reached optically, certain areas can be cleaned with the laser in a targeted manner.

CE marking

The CE marking documents the declaration by the manufacturer or by the party placing the product on the market that the relevant European requirements for the product are met.

Cleaning head

The cleaning head is the unit through which the laser beam is guided and scanned across the workpiece.

Cleaning laser

Laser cleaning machine is a common term for laser systems used to clean or strip surfaces. View laser cleaning machines →

Cleaning mode

Laser cleaning machines can use different scanning and processing patterns, which are selected according to the area and the application.

Cleaning speed

The cleaning speed indicates how quickly a defined surface can be processed.

CO₂ laser

A CO₂ laser typically works with a considerably longer wavelength than a fibre laser. Which laser source is suitable for a surface processing task depends largely on the material and on the desired interaction.

Coating removal

Suitable paints, oxide layers, corrosion products and other coatings can be processed and removed in a controlled manner using a laser. Laser cleaning applications →

Coating removal with a laser

Laser coating removal refers to the controlled removal of an unwanted surface layer by laser radiation. This can include paint, oxides and various functional layers. Laser cleaning applications →

Coating thickness

The thickness of a coating influences the processing time and the laser parameters required. Thick or multi-layer coatings can require several processing passes.

Component cleaning

Component cleaning removes contamination, corrosion or unwanted layers from individual workpieces. Laser cleaning allows locally limited processing of defined areas.

Continuous wave laser

A continuous wave laser (CW laser) emits its laser power continuously, unlike a pulsed laser. View laser cleaning machines →

Cooling

Laser cleaning systems can be air-cooled or water-cooled. The cooling system dissipates heat from the technical components and supports stable operation.

Corrosion

Corrosion refers to the reaction of a material with its environment. In iron and steel, rust is the best-known form of corrosion. Laser rust removal →

Corrosion removal

Corrosion removal takes corrosion products off a surface. Laser cleaning offers a dry process for this, without conventional blasting media. Laser rust removal →

CW laser

CW stands for “continuous wave”, in German “Dauerstrich”. A CW laser emits laser energy continuously and is used in laser cleaning above all for power-oriented tasks and for larger or robust surfaces. View laser cleaning machines →

Dust extraction

Dust extraction captures the particles produced during laser cleaning as close as possible to the point of processing.

Energy density

Energy density describes how much energy acts on a given area. It is particularly important for the interaction between laser beam, coating and base material.

Extraction in laser cleaning

Laser cleaning can produce dust, particles, fumes and further process emissions. Suitable extraction captures these as close to the processing point as possible.

Fibre laser

Fibre lasers are compact and powerful industrial laser sources. They are used for a range of applications such as cleaning, marking, cutting and welding. View laser cleaning machines →

Filter system

A filter system cleans the air captured by the process extraction. Which filter stages are needed depends on the substances produced by the particular cleaning process.

Fire risk in laser cleaning

Depending on the material and the surroundings, high-power lasers can cause fire hazards. Flammable substances and process residues must therefore be taken into account in the risk assessment. Laser safety →

Flash rust

Flash rust is a superficial form of corrosion. On suitable metal surfaces it can be treated with an appropriately parameterised laser cleaning machine. Laser rust removal →

Focal distance

The focal distance is the distance at which the intended focusing of the laser beam is achieved. Changes to it can affect the energy density and the processing result.

Focal position

The focal position describes the position of the focused laser beam relative to the workpiece surface. It is one of the important influencing variables in a laser process.

Frequency

With pulsed lasers, the frequency describes the number of pulses emitted per second. Together with pulse energy and pulse duration, it influences the processing result.

Galvo scanner

A galvo scanner directs a laser beam over a defined area using rapidly moving mirrors. This produces different scan widths and scan patterns.

Grinding vs laser cleaning

Grinding works mechanically and abrasively. Laser cleaning works without contact and can be applied to specific local areas.

Hand-held laser cleaning machine

With a hand-held laser cleaning machine, the operator guides the processing head over the surface. Such systems allow flexible work on different components and at different locations. View laser cleaning machines →

Heat tint

Heat tint consists of visible oxide layers that can form, for example, when welding stainless steel. Laser cleaning can be used to treat such discolouration and oxide layers in a targeted manner.

HEPA filter

HEPA filters are used to separate fine particles from air flows. Whether a filter class is required for laser extraction, and which one, depends on the particular process.

Hire a laser cleaning machine

Hiring a laser cleaning machine is particularly suitable for individual projects, trial phases or a temporary requirement without an immediate investment in a system of your own. Hire or buy →

Hire purchase of a laser cleaning machine

With hire purchase, the acquisition of a laser cleaning machine is financed through contractually agreed instalments and can be an alternative to buying outright straight away. Hire or buy →

Industrial laser cleaning

Industrial laser cleaning refers to the cleaning and surface preparation of workpieces, machines, tools and systems using laser radiation. Industrial laser cleaning →

Inline laser cleaning

In inline laser cleaning, the laser processing is integrated directly into a production line. Components are cleaned automatically before the subsequent manufacturing steps take place.

Laser

LASER stands for “Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation”. Laser light can be focused tightly and used specifically for industrial processing operations.

Laser ablation

Laser ablation refers to the targeted removal of material by laser radiation. It is a fundamental physical mechanism in many laser cleaning processes.

Laser area

The laser area is the area in which a hazard from laser radiation can occur. With high-power lasers, this area has to be secured accordingly. Laser safety →

Laser beam

The laser beam is highly concentrated electromagnetic radiation. Its properties allow energy to be transferred precisely to defined areas.

Laser class 4

Class 4 covers high-power lasers with considerable hazards to the eyes and skin as well as possible fire and process hazards. Appropriate technical and organisational protective measures are required. Laser safety →

Laser cleaner

“Laser cleaner” is an alternative designation for a laser cleaning machine used for non-contact surface processing. View laser cleaning machines →

Laser cleaning

Laser cleaning is a non-contact process for treating surfaces. Typical applications are rust removal, paint removal, oxide removal, mould cleaning and surface preparation. Laser cleaning at a glance →

Laser cleaning advantages

Possible advantages include non-contact processing, precise controllability, doing without conventional blasting media and the option of automation.

Laser cleaning aluminium

With suitable parameter settings, aluminium can be cleaned and stripped using a laser. The specific alloy and surface have to be taken into account.

Laser cleaning classic cars

On classic cars, laser cleaning can be used on suitable components for rust or paint removal. Metal parts that are hard to reach and rich in detail are particularly interesting. Industrial laser cleaning →

Laser cleaning concrete

Concrete surfaces can be laser processed depending on the contamination and the condition of the surface. A test area is advisable.

Laser cleaning copper

Copper surfaces can also be laser processed for suitable applications. Because of the material properties, testing beforehand is particularly advisable.

Laser cleaning costs

The cost of laser cleaning depends on the area, the material, the contamination, the desired result, the processing time and the machine used. Hire or buy →

Laser cleaning demo

In a laser cleaning demo, the process is demonstrated wherever possible on a real component or on a comparable surface. This makes the result and the suitable power class easier to assess. Request a demo and material test →

Laser cleaning disadvantages

Not every surface and not every large-area cleaning task is automatically cost-effective for a laser. Investment costs and laser safety also have to be taken into account.

Laser cleaning extraction

Extraction matched to the process captures the particles and emissions produced during laser cleaning as close to the processing point as possible.

Laser cleaning machine

A laser cleaning machine generates laser radiation and guides it across a surface in a controlled manner in order to process unwanted layers or contamination. View laser cleaning machines →

Laser cleaning occupational safety

Depending on the system, occupational safety in laser cleaning includes risk assessment, laser area, laser protection, instruction, extraction and organisational measures, among other things. Laser safety →

Laser cleaning of aluminium

Aluminium surfaces can be cleaned or stripped with a laser in suitable applications. The alloy, the surface condition, the coating and a matched parameter set are decisive.

Laser cleaning of concrete

Laser technology can be used for selected cleaning and coating removal tasks on concrete. Before larger jobs, a test on a test area is advisable.

Laser cleaning of wood

In selected applications, wood can be cleaned or surface-treated with a laser. Because of its sensitivity to heat, power and processing speed have to be matched particularly carefully. Laser cleaning applications →

Laser cleaning operating costs

Operating costs can include electricity, extraction, filters, maintenance, protective windows, optics and staff costs. Conventional blasting media are not required for the laser cleaning process itself. Hire or buy →

Laser cleaning price

There is no universal price per square metre or per hour for laser cleaning work. A reliable quotation normally requires information about the surface and the cleaning task. Hire or buy →

Laser cleaning service

With a laser cleaning service, a specialist contractor carries out the cleaning of suitable components or surfaces for the customer. Laser cleaning service →

Laser cleaning stainless steel

On stainless steel, laser cleaning can process oxide layers, heat tint and certain process residues, among other things.

Laser cleaning steel

Steel is one of the most frequently processed materials. Typical tasks are rust removal, paint removal, scale removal and weld preparation. Removing rust with a laser →

Laser cleaning stone

Laser cleaning is also used on certain natural and cast stone surfaces, for example in restoration work or graffiti removal.

Laser cleaning system

A laser cleaning system consists of a laser source, a control unit, optics or a cleaning head and further system components. View laser cleaning machines →

Laser cleaning unit

Laser cleaning unit is often used synonymously with laser cleaning machine or laser cleaning system. View laser cleaning machines →

Laser cleaning wood

On suitable wooden surfaces, laser cleaning can be used to process soiling, coatings or charring.

Laser coating removal

Laser coating removal refers to the removal of coatings by laser radiation. The aim can be complete or selective removal of defined layers. Laser cleaning applications →

Laser controlled area

The laser controlled area is a defined zone in which the corresponding safety measures apply to laser operation. Laser safety →

Laser degreasing

Certain oil, grease and process residues can be treated with suitable laser processes. The type of residue and the process emissions produced have to be taken into account.

Laser façade cleaning

On suitable façade surfaces, laser cleaning can be used for graffiti or stubborn deposits, for example. The substrate and the coating should be tested beforehand.

Laser fume

Laser processing can produce aerosols, dust, particles and gaseous substances. In everyday language, this mixture is sometimes referred to as laser fume.

Laser graffiti removal

On suitable substrates, graffiti can be treated and removed with a laser. Material, paint and substrate should be tested before a larger cleaning job. Laser cleaning applications →

Laser in heritage conservation

In restoration and heritage conservation, laser cleaning can be used on selected surfaces of stone, metal or other materials. Historic surfaces call for particularly careful material tests and parameters. Industrial laser cleaning →

Laser operating instructions

Operating instructions describe hazards, protective measures and rules of conduct for the use of a laser system on company premises. They form part of the safe handling of high-power laser technology in the workplace. Laser safety →

Laser paint removal

In laser paint removal, layers of paint and coating are removed in a targeted manner by laser energy. The process is used on metal parts, machine components and restoration objects, among others. Laser cleaning applications →

Laser parameters

Depending on the system, laser parameters include power, frequency, pulse duration, pulse energy, scan width and processing speed, for example.

Laser power

Laser power is stated in watts. The wattage is important when selecting a laser cleaning machine, but it is not the only deciding factor. View laser cleaning machines →

Laser removal of adhesive residues

Certain adhesive and polymer residues can be treated with a laser. Whether the process is suitable depends on the adhesive, the substrate and the process parameters.

Laser risk assessment

Before a high-power laser system is put into operation on company premises, possible hazards are analysed and appropriate technical, organisational and personal protective measures are defined. Laser safety →

Laser rust removal

In laser rust removal, corrosion products are removed from metal surfaces in a targeted manner. Laser parameters and processing speed are matched to the material, the rust layer and the desired result. Laser rust removal →

Laser safety

Laser safety covers all technical, organisational and personal measures for protection against hazardous laser radiation and other process hazards. Laser safety →

Laser safety goggles

Laser safety goggles must match the wavelength used and the specific hazard involved. Ordinary safety glasses are no substitute for suitable laser protection. Laser safety →

Laser safety officer

A laser safety officer supports the employer in operating certain laser systems safely, in particular with risk assessment and protective measures. Laser safety →

Laser source

The laser source generates the laser radiation used for the processing operation. Different sources differ in terms of power and operating mode, among other things.

Laser wavelength

The wavelength influences the interaction between laser radiation and material. It is also decisive for selecting suitable laser protection components.

Laser welding machine

A laser welding machine joins workpieces using concentrated laser energy. Certain multifunction systems additionally allow cutting, cleaning or weld seam cleaning. View laser cleaning machines →

Laser workstation

A laser workstation is a working area in which a laser system is operated. Equipment and protective measures depend on the laser class and the specific application. Laser safety →

Layer-by-layer removal

In layer-by-layer removal, a coating is reduced or removed in a controlled manner over several passes.

Leasing a laser cleaning machine

Leasing can be an alternative to an outright purchase. The acquisition costs are spread over a contractually agreed period. Hire or buy →

Lens

Lenses and other optical components guide and shape the laser beam. Their condition has a direct influence on reliable operation.

Maintenance

In maintenance, laser cleaning can be used to remove corrosion, paint and process residues. Mobile machines allow processing directly on machines and systems.

Material removal rate

The removal rate describes how much material or coating can be removed within a given time. Among other things, it depends on laser power, laser type, material, layer thickness, scan width and process parameters.

Material removal threshold

The material removal threshold is the amount of energy above which a material or a coating is removed by laser radiation. In controlled laser cleaning, the parameters are matched as precisely as possible to the coating and the base material.

Material sample

A material sample makes it possible to test the process directly on the actual material before a larger project. Request a demo and material test →

Material test

A material test serves to determine suitable parameters and to assess the result, the speed and any change to the surface. Request a demo and material test →

Material-friendly cleaning

Laser cleaning can be set to work very selectively. However, how much the base material is affected always depends on the material, the layer and the parameters.

Metal cleaning with a laser

Metal cleaning with a laser covers rust removal, paint removal, oxide removal and surface preparation on steel, stainless steel, aluminium and other suitable metals, among other things. Laser cleaning applications →

Microstructure

The microstructure describes very small structures within a material or a surface. In demanding applications, preserving it can be an important quality criterion.

Mobile laser cleaning

Mobile laser cleaning makes it possible to work directly at the customer’s site or on machines, systems and components that cannot be transported.

MOPA laser

MOPA stands for “Master Oscillator Power Amplifier”. On pulsed fibre lasers of this type, various pulse parameters can be set flexibly. View laser cleaning machines →

Mould cleaning

Mould cleaning removes residues and deposits from production moulds. Laser cleaning is of particular interest for precise contours and recurring cleaning tasks. Industrial laser cleaning →

Occupational safety in laser cleaning

When high-power laser cleaning machines are used commercially, hazards from laser radiation, reflections, process emissions and, where applicable, fire risks have to be taken into account. The protective measures required follow from the system and the risk assessment. Laser safety →

Oxide layer

Oxide layers form through chemical reactions between a material and its surroundings. Depending on the production process, they can be desirable or have to be removed.

Oxide removal

Oxide removal takes interfering oxide layers off a surface in a targeted manner. This is a common application of industrial laser cleaning. Laser cleaning applications →

Paint removal

Paint removal refers to the complete or partial removal of a layer of paint. Laser power, speed and scan parameters are matched to the particular paint structure. Laser cleaning applications →

Passive layer

A passive layer influences the chemical properties of a metal surface and can protect it against further reaction. Whether it is to be preserved or removed depends on the aim of the process.

Patina

Patina is a surface layer on metals or other materials that has formed naturally or been created artificially. In restoration work, it must be clarified before cleaning whether it is to be preserved.

Peak power

Peak power is the maximum power during a single laser pulse. This allows pulsed lasers to reach very high power densities for short periods.

Post-processing of weld seams

Oxide layers, heat tint and residues can form after welding. For suitable applications, laser cleaning can be used to post-process such areas.

Power density

Power density describes the power concentrated on a given area and is more important for many laser processes than total power alone.

Process emissions

Process emissions are substances that can be released during laser processing. Depending on the material, these include particles, aerosols and gaseous substances, for example.

Process extraction

Process extraction captures particles and emissions as close as possible to where they are produced during laser processing.

Process parameters

Process parameters are all the settings and conditions that influence the laser cleaning process.

Process window

The process window is the range of parameters within which a desired cleaning result can be achieved reliably.

Processing speed

The processing speed describes how quickly the laser is guided over the surface. It influences energy input, cleaning result and the achievable area coverage rate.

Protective window

The protective window shields the sensitive optical components of the processing head from dust and process residues.

Pulse duration

The pulse duration indicates how long a single laser pulse lasts. It influences the interaction with the surface and the coating.

Pulse energy

Pulse energy describes the amount of energy in a single laser pulse and is an important variable in pulsed laser processes.

Pulsed laser

A pulsed laser delivers laser energy in individual pulses. It allows controlled energy input and is particularly suitable for precise cleaning tasks. View laser cleaning machines →

Pulsed laser vs CW laser

Pulsed lasers work with individual energy pulses, CW lasers with continuous power. Which system is better suited depends on the surface, the layer, the size of the area and the quality required. View laser cleaning machines →

Quality control

Quality control assesses whether the desired cleaning result or surface condition has been achieved reproducibly.

Reflection

Surfaces can reflect laser radiation. With high-power systems in particular, both direct and reflected radiation must be taken into account when planning safety measures.

Removing oil with a laser

Certain oil and process residues can be processed with suitable laser processes. Extraction and process emissions must be taken into account.

Removing scale with a laser

Scale is an oxide layer that can form on metal at high temperatures. Laser cleaning can be used for the targeted removal of scale and oxides. Removing rust with a laser →

Removing silicone residues

Silicone and similar residues can cause problems for subsequent bonding, painting or welding processes. Suitable laser processes can process such contamination.

Repetition rate

The repetition rate indicates how many pulses a pulsed laser emits within one second.

Restoration with a laser

In restoration work, laser cleaning can allow precise processing of historic metal, stone and other suitable surfaces. Industrial laser cleaning →

Robotic laser cleaning

In robotic laser cleaning, an industrial robot guides the laser across defined areas of a component. This makes reproducible, automated processes possible.

Roughness

Roughness describes fine irregularities in a surface. It can be relevant for subsequent bonding, painting or coating processes.

Rust grade

The rust grade describes the extent and condition of the corrosion and influences the processing time and the process parameters required. Removing rust with a laser →

Rust laser

Rust laser is a colloquial, SEO-relevant term for laser cleaning machines used in particular for rust removal. Removing rust with a laser →

Rust layer

The rust layer consists of corrosion products on ferrous materials. Its thickness and adhesion influence the cleaning process. Removing rust with a laser →

Rust removal with a laser

Rust removal is one of the best-known applications of laser cleaning. Corrosion products are removed from a metal surface in a targeted manner. Removing rust with a laser →

Sandblasting vs laser cleaning

In sandblasting, blasting media act mechanically on the surface. Laser cleaning works without contact and without conventional blasting media. Which method is more cost-effective depends on the application and the size of the area.

Scan field

The scan field is the processing area that can be reached with scanner optics.

Scan pattern

The scan pattern determines the geometric path along which the laser beam moves across a surface.

Scan width

The scan width describes the width of the area across which the laser beam is guided.

Selective removal

Selective removal means that a particular surface layer is processed in a targeted manner while the effect on other areas is kept as low as possible.

Soot removal with a laser

Soot and combustion residues can be laser processed on suitable surfaces. The specific suitability should be tested on the material itself.

Spot size

The spot size describes the diameter or the area of the laser beam on the workpiece and influences the energy density.

Subcontract cleaning with a laser

With subcontract cleaning, components are laser processed by a service provider. This allows companies to use laser cleaning without buying a system of their own. Laser cleaning service →

Surface activation

Surface activation prepares a surface for subsequent processes such as bonding or coating. Laser processes can combine cleaning and texturing here.

Surface cleaning

Surface cleaning removes unwanted substances and layers from components.

Surface preparation

Laser cleaning can free surfaces of interfering oxides and residues before welding, bonding, painting or coating.

Surface processing

Surface processing covers methods for modifying or cleaning a surface. Laser cleaning is a non-contact method within this group.

System cleaning

System cleaning removes rust, coatings or residues from machines and production systems. Depending on the application, mobile laser cleaning machines allow cleaning directly on site. Industrial laser cleaning →

Throughput

Throughput describes the quantity or the area that can be processed within a defined period. It is an important figure when assessing the cost-effectiveness of industrial laser cleaning.

Weld seam cleaning

Weld seam cleaning processes oxides, heat tint and other residues in the area of a weld seam.

Weld seam preparation

Before welding, interfering oxides, coatings and contamination can be removed from the joint faces.

Working distance

The working distance is the distance between the cleaning head or optics and the workpiece. A correct distance supports a defined focal position and reproducible process parameters.