ExpertTalk - Cleaning with Laser for Radiant Results

1. What specific cleaning technology does your institute offer?

We focus quite literally on “cleaning with light”, developing technologies that utilize high-intensity laser beams as precise cleaning tools. These lasers can vaporize and remove various type of contaminants from surfaces with pinpoint accuracy. The interaction intensity can be finely adjusted – from a gentle touch akin to a paintbrush to a robust cleaning akin to a wire brush. We refer to this as the »LIGHTblast« technology, essentially „sandblasting with light”, which serves as an alternative to dusty mechanical blasting processes. Laser cleaning is highly automatable and can be seamlessly integrated into various manufacturing workflows.

 

2. What expertise does your institute bring to this technology?

We have been developing laser based cleaning processes for more than 20 years. This extensive process expertise is implemented in our laboratories using robust laser systems from established providers, which we augment where necessary with self-developed system technologies, such as process monitoring and automation. These enhancements make the cleaning process even more efficient and manageable. A deep understanding of processes, combined with advanced capabilities for material characterization and component testing, allows us to identify precisely which contaminants interfere with processes like welding, hardening, or coating – and how they can be removed effectively.

 

3. Why should clients choose your solutions over existing market options? What advantages do you offer?

Clients come to us when they are dissatisfied with off-the-shelf solutions. Laser processes involve numerous parameters and influencing factors that must be finely tuned to achieve optimal results – both qualitatively and quantitatively – without unintended effects on the component. Selecting the ideal system technology and designing the laser process can be challenging, especially for potential users with limited experience in this field. As an independent, nonprofit service provider, we support our clients as a neutral partner, guiding them toward the most suitable solution.

 

4. In which industries and for what cleaning tasks is this technology typically used?

Laser cleaning offers significant advantages when localized cleaning is required, as the laser beam can be freely programmed to target specific areas. Being a noncontact cleaning tool, the laser completely eliminates the need for cleaning agents. This makes it ideal for applications where components must not come into contact with such media, or where costs associated with consumables and disposal must be minimized. Today, laser cleaning systems – sometimes even handheld – are used for a wide range of tasks, for example for paint and rust removal from metal components, degreasing and simultaneous roughening of surfaces before adhesive joining, cleaning molds by removing release agents or residual material, or for the localized removal of flux residues and pastes on printed circuit boards.

 

5. Have there been any amusing or interesting incidents during the development or application of this technology?

Perhaps an aromatic incident: during the cleaning process, the laser vaporizes or atomizes contaminants. These by-products are immediately extracted and collected in filters. Depending on the application this can occasionally produce distinct odors – or even pleasant scents. For instance, when we removed chocolate residues from stainless steel surfaces, our lab briefly smelled like a chocolate factory!

 

6. What does the future hold for this technology?

When laser cleaning research began over 20 years ago, systems were costly and fragile, and the focus was primarily on art and cultural heritage restoration. Since then, systems have become significantly more affordable, compact, and reliable, enabling broader adoption in industrial applications. We anticipate this trend will continue, driven by sustainability goals and stricter environmental regulations, such as bans on traditional cleaning agents. We also see significant potential in automating, monitoring, and controlling laser cleaning processes. To address these opportunities, we are developing technical solutions to make the process intelligent and manageable, even for demanding applications.

 

7. What services do you offer specifically in the field f cleaning technology?

Building on our extensive experience in laser processing, we provide our partners with a comprehensive range of services, including technological consulting, tailored development of processes and system solutions, as well as integration of these solutions into the client’s production environment.

 

8. What was the most interesting project you have worked on in this field?

Over the years, we’ve had quite a few remarkable projects, but two stand out. One involved participating in the cleaning of the Egyptian tomb of Neferhotep, where laser technology was approved for the first time by Egyptian Antiquities Authority. Another recent project was a collaboration with the Dresden State Art Collections to examine fire-damaged historical clocks. Specifically, we worked on restoring enamel clock faces that were nearly illegible. Using novel ultrashort-pulse lasers, we delicately removed damage layers less than 1µm thick. The result was a restored, legible dial with the enamel’s shine intact – an excellent demonstration of the laser’s precision and sensitivity.