Effect of Laser Pulse Overlap using Nanosecond Pulsed Lasers for Paint Removal on AA6061

Abstract

In this research, we present the use of a solid-state laser for the paint removal on an aluminum AA6061 sheet. The laser utilized, was operating at a wavelength of 1064 nm and used to remove paint applied from a hand-held spray paint can. The pulse duration of the laser was 100 ns at 50 kHz of repetition rate, maximum pulse energy being 1 mJ. The laser pulse frequencies were varied from 50 kHz to 200 kHz and in combination with varying the features of pulse overlapping, an infinite array of paint removal parameters can be achieved. The cleaning results are shown in the images by the SEM and the spectrums from the EDX operating mode, used to determine the cleaning result of painted layer. This study shows that this laser technology is a contactless cleaning method to remove paint on an Aluminum AA6061 sheet. This is an alternative cleaning method, environmentally friendly and contributes to reduce pollution on the atmosphere.