Removing rust with a laser.
Precise, right down to the metal.
Remove rust with a laser in a precise, dry process without conventional blasting media. Laser cleaning enables controlled processing of metal surfaces and is suitable for components, machinery, tools, vehicle bodywork and industrial applications. Laser power and process parameters are matched to the material, degree of corrosion and required result.
Laser rust removal instead of grinding, blasting or pickling.
Depending on the application, conventional rust-removal methods can affect the base material or create additional material, handling and disposal requirements.
With laser rust removal, laser energy is directed precisely at the corroded surface. Depending on the material, rust layer, laser system and parameter settings, corrosion products can be removed in a controlled process. The parameters are matched to the specific surface and required result.
Where laser rust removal proves its value
Weld preparation, restoration, tool and mould maintenance, classic-car bodywork and plant maintenance — particularly where dimensional accuracy and controlled treatment of the base material matter.
In metalworking, rust, oxide layers and scale can be removed selectively to prepare metal surfaces for subsequent work. In automotive and classic-car restoration, rust and old paint can be removed from suitable body, frame, chassis and detachable components, with parameters matched to sheet thickness, coating and target finish. In plant engineering, mobile laser cleaning machines can process suitable machine components, fixtures and tools directly on site. In mould and tool making, residues can be removed from moulds, dies and tools, including optically accessible cavities.
Which materials are suitable?
Laser rust removal is primarily used on metallic surfaces. For rust and paint removal, the product catalogue lists aluminium, alloys, copper, iron, steel and stainless steel, among others. For the laser welding machine, steel, stainless steel, galvanised sheet and aluminium are listed. The suitability of your specific surface and the required parameters should be confirmed on the actual component or a representative sample.
Removing rust with a laser: before and after.
The result depends on the material, corrosion layer, surface condition and laser parameters. The examples show real components before and after laser cleaning.
From sample to
clean component.
Test a rusted component
Send us a representative rusted component, or arrange for us to demonstrate the machine at your site.
Match the laser parameters
We match laser power, processing speed and other parameters to the material, corrosion layer and required finish, then test the application directly on the component.
Assess the result
You see the result before you decide. Depending on frequency of use and project volume, it may make sense to buy your own machine or hire one for a limited period.
Select the right machine
Based on the test result, we compare the available power classes and recommend the appropriate system for purchase or hire. Machine instruction is included; additional individual and group training is available on request.
Extraction and protective measures
Rust and coating removal can generate process-related dust, particles and emissions. Suitable process extraction must therefore be provided and selected according to the material and application. Depending on the version, Beamlux systems can generate Class 4 laser radiation. Before commissioning, an application-specific risk assessment must be carried out and an appropriate laser-controlled area established. Wear parts such as protective windows, lenses and laser safety eyewear are available through our service. See the Laser safety page for detailed information.
Pulsed laser or continuous wave: the right machine for the application.
Two laser technologies are available for rust removal. The BL Portable Pulse uses pulsed laser technology at 200 or 300 W and 1064 nm and is designed for precise, localised cleaning. The BL Compact Pulse uses the same technology in a wheeled format for workshops, industrial use and longer cleaning runs; a 1,000 W version is available on request.
The BL CW 2000 uses 2,000 W continuous-wave laser power at 1064 nm. It is built as a mobile wheeled unit for industrial applications, larger areas, production and maintenance.
If welding is required as well as rust removal, the BL Welding Machine combines four functions: welding, cutting, weld-seam cleaning and rust removal. It is available from 1,500 to 6,000 W and is water-cooled.
Material, contamination, area and frequency of use determine the power class that makes sense for your application. We clarify this in the needs analysis and material test.
Not just rust.
Send us your most stubborn case of rust.
We test your real component, identify suitable laser power and process parameters, and return the sample with the result.