Laser Cleaning for Laser Welding and Bonding Processes

The increased metal bonding technology has increased the demand for efficient cleaning solutions. From preparing parts and equipment for bonding to removing contaminants afterward, laser cleaning offers an environmentally friendly and economical solution for any bonding application.

How laser cleaning can be used for welding and bonding processes

Laser cleaning sends a pulsed beam of light to the material’s surface. The laser turns susceptible contaminants into a gas or removes them from the surface by pressure. For metal joining applications, residues and other contaminant layers are removed from the metal surface, resulting in a stronger and more effective bond. Laser cleaning can be used after welding to prepare the surface for coating and other additional treatments without compromising the integrity of the weld.

Laser bonding and weld preparation

Laser cleaning removes residues such as oil, rust, oxides, and other contaminants, allowing the integrity of the substrate layer to be maintained. This creates a more efficient joining process – ensuring longer lasting joints.

Chutian Laser also offers ultra-passivation, a custom process that creates greater corrosion resistance and the most stable joint surface. Superpassivation works best on lightweight materials and is perfect for bond preparation and ensuring that cells or other components are sealed against creep corrosion when bonded.

Benefits of laser cleaning for pre-weld treatment.

• More efficient welding process by ensuring better joining of metal parts
• Cleans without compromising the integrity of the substrate
• Enables higher quality and strength of the welding process
• Faster cleaning compared to other cleaning methods
• Generates virtually no waste
• Friendly to the environment
• Cheaper than traditional industrial cleaning methods

Laser bonding and post-welding treatment

Laser cleaning is an excellent solution to remove unwanted residues and contaminants after joining, in preparation for coating and other post-joining treatments. This can be used for various materials – including stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and galvanized steel. Laser cleaning of metals after bonding allows for more effective coatings application and, in the long run, improved corrosion resistance.

Benefits of laser cleaning for bonding and post-weld treatment.

• makes up for the shortcomings of conventional cleaning techniques
• Does not compromise the integrity of the bonding
• Surface coating lasts longer
• More resistant to corrosion
• Gentle on metals and the environment
• Generates virtually no waste
• Lowest operating costs of any industrial cleaning method

Bonding and welding treatments for aerospace applications

All aircraft manufacturing, maintenance, and repair require precise welding and bonding. While welding and bonding require great skill and attention to detail, so does preparation and post-welding/bonding handling. The choices made before and after welding/bonding can significantly affect the fatigue life of an aircraft and its structures. Conventional cleaning methods using dielectric injection techniques cause additional wear on the cleaned surfaces, inevitably reducing fatigue life. On the other hand, laser ablation offers a non-abrasive alternative cleaning solution that is extremely effective on aircraft structures. Because laser cleaning does not harm the substrate during the cleaning process, parts last longer, and bonds are stronger, improving the performance and life cycle of the aircraft.

Bonding and Welding Treatments for Automotive Applications

In automotive manufacturing, effective welding and bonding processes are not negotiable. That’s why clean and stable weld/bond surfaces are of the utmost importance. In contrast, traditional methods (such as sandblasting or chemicals) may be effective. However, they can also damage the substrate layer and often require treating the entire part rather than the target area. Laser ablation allows cleaning without damaging the substrate and enables stronger, more effective bonding. Laser cleaning before welding also means using a higher power laser for the welding/bonding. The result is a faster process and higher quality welds. For post-weld processing, laser cleaning eliminates any unwanted residue – resulting in better coating application on the welded part.

Common uses for laser ablation welding treatments include

• Gear welding
• Welding of structural frames
• Welding of electronic control units
• Welding of door frames
• Conduction of fuel cells for electric vehicles

Bonding and weld preparation for other applications

Imagine you are seeking an alternative to sandblasting and other conventional cleaning techniques for prepping welds and bonds or treating them after they have been welded. In that case, we can find a laser solution for you. The safety and effectiveness of your operation can be increased along with stronger welds and binds, thanks to laser ablation. Our lasers can be equipped as handheld or automated solutions – depending on what best suits the task. No matter what industry you’re in, our laser experts can provide customized laser cleaning solutions for the most complex projects.