Lasers for cleaning metal

Useful information on experiences with Lasers
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JustinO
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Posts: 137
Joined: Mon Jul 30, 2012 2:13 pm

Lasers for cleaning metal

Post by JustinO »

Hey guys,

I've seen the half million dollar industrial rust ablating lasers on youtube:
https://youtu.be/Q8q3DZB_l6M

I was wondering if one could use this on a smaller scale for cleaning very small stuff. I often have to clean small brass parts that are corroded. They have very important textures and shapes, such as fine threads and engravings. The problems is the oxides are tuffer than the metal, and anything that will remove the corrosion will obliterate the brass. These lasers would be perfect, were it not for the $$$$$

I only need to clean a pinhead area at a time -- very small stuff.

So I ask you all:
What kind of laser are they using? Wavelength etc.

Are there standard Chinese engravers that could remove corrosion on a very small scale?

I've heard of shiny metals ruining lasers, is that an issue for corroded, amorphous lasers?

I'm on a low budget, so combining a CNC laser engraver/cutter with some cleaning would be awesome.

Any help/advice is appreciated.
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Mooselake
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Posts: 522
Joined: Sun Dec 26, 2010 12:21 pm
Location: Mooselake Manor

Re: Lasers for cleaning metal

Post by Mooselake »

They were all over the news a couple years ago, then pretty much disappeared.  I found a 100W version on Amazon for only $48K; drop 2 or 3 zeros off the end and it might be affordable.

I wonder if they ever sold any of them?

Kirk
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