In the industrial cleaning field, laser cleaning technology is emerging as an efficient and eco-friendly solution. Pulsed lasers and continuous wave lasers are two common laser cleaning methods, each offering unique advantages in terms of principles and applications.
Difference between Pulsed Vs CW Laser Cleaning
Continuous wave Laser Cleaning:
Continuous wave (CW) lasers emit a steady, high-intensity laser beam. CW laser cleaning systems are ideal for heavy-duty cleaning tasks, such as removing rust from car bodies. These systems typically feature higher output power, often ranging from 2000W to 3000W or more.
Pulsed Laser Cleaning:
In pulsed laser mode, the equipment emits concentrated laser pulses at predetermined intervals. Each pulse delivers a burst of high-intensity light energy, followed by a return to a low-energy state before the next pulse. This mode is particularly effective for cleaning sensitive materials, as it minimizes thermal effects and reduces the risk of heat damage or structural changes to the substrate, thereby preserving material integrity and performance. This is especially important for precision parts, thin-walled structures, and heat-sensitive electronic components. In industrial applications, handheld pulsed lasers with power ratings of 100W to 300W are commonly used to efficiently and accurately remove contaminants such as paint and grease from mold surfaces.
Cleaning Principle
The cleaning principle of the two types of machines is also different. Continuous laser cleaning machines use high-temperature burning to clean dirt, while pulsed laser cleaning machines use oscillation to break down dirt. Therefore, pulse laser cleaning machines cause relatively less damage to the substrate.
Cleaning Results
The continuous laser cleaning machine and the pulsed laser cleaning machine differ significantly in cleaning speed and effectiveness. The continuous laser cleaning machine is suitable for cleaning large-area, thin-thick stains, with fast cleaning speed and excellent results. In contrast, the cleaning speed of the pulse laser cleaning machine is relatively slow, and it is suitable for cleaning small areas and thick stains.
Which one is more suitable for clean paint?
For cleaning paint, pulse laser cleaning machines are more effective. Paint has a strong adhesion, making it more challenging to remove than rust or oil. Using a continuous laser cleaning machine on paint can result in prolonged laser exposure, potentially damaging the substrate beneath. If a customer seeks excellent cleaning results and has a sufficient budget, we recommend opting for a pulse laser cleaning machine. This choice enhances cleaning efficiency while ensuring optimal results.
Additionally, it's important to consider that when the dirt and substrate are different materials, pulse laser cleaning machines are preferable. Their oscillation-based cleaning process effectively separates dirt from the substrate, making them ideal for handling distinct substances.
Conclusion
In application scenarios where precise temperature control and non-destructive cleaning of the substrate are essential—such as with molds, brake pads, and precision components—customers should opt for pulse laser cleaning machines. Conversely, for large-scale steel structures, pipelines, and similar applications, where the volume is substantial, heat dissipation is rapid, and there are lower concerns about substrate damage, continuous laser cleaning machines are a suitable choice.
