Laser Cut Oxide Removal

Oxide removal laser oxide scale removal as laser and plasma cutting are much more cost effective than die cutting it is quickly becoming the norm for part.

Laser cut oxide removal.

â the oxide layer formed during the laser cutting process manifests itself as a loosely adhering scale that easily chips and cracks from the metal surface upon impact. A fabricator s dilemma july 25 2018 anyone who cuts steel parts with a co2 laser and uses oxygen as an assist gas is familiar with the strip also known as laser oxide that forms as a result of the process around the contour of the cut. Even at the speed at which laser cutting machines operate harrison said the oxide removal equipment can keep up. Laser oxide removal can be used to remove those contaminants without introducing impurities in the base metal.

This oxidation or scale left over from thermal cutting can cause problems for metal finishers and end customers alike. Removal of oxide layers oxide layers as well as anodized layers absorb the laser light particularly well and can be evaporated very effectively. Harrison added that typically one of the laser operators in the cell has time to send parts through the machine avoiding potential bottlenecks. Manually finishing these parts he adds is quite difficult because of high labor costs inconsistent practices and odd shapes that are not easily manipulated.

The second method which is preferred is acid pickling. Acid pickling is the use of an acid to dissolve either the oxide scale or a thin layer of steel under the scale allowing the scale to fall off. Therefore its removal is necessary before painting. The oxides adhere poorly to the metal when painted which then causes paint to chip and flake.

Using the laser s micron precision oxide can be removed in controlled layers and from predefined areas. Metal oxide removal can be automated through cleverly built laser cleaning machines. Otherwise adhesion failure customer complaints and warranty claims will result â said tom fabek vp sales marketing. Visit laserax s laser cleaning application page for efficiency https bit ly 2cvblxj the process requires no.

Fiber laser cleaning systemscan remove oxides from ferrous and non ferrous metals alike. Rodger talbert writes in his book paint technology handbook that sanding grinding chipping and blasting are effective means of removing the oxide layer from laser cut parts.