Pulse laser cleaning machines and continuous laser cleaning machines are two different types of laser cleaning technologies. They have significant differences in working principles, application scenarios and effects. This article details the differences between the two so that users can choose the corresponding product according to their needs.
1. Basic principles of laser cleaning
Laser cleaning uses high-energy laser beams to irradiate the surface of objects to quickly evaporate or peel off impurities or contaminants through optical and thermal effects. The core lies in the use of pulsed lasers with high pulse energy, high average power and high peak power. Compared with continuous laser, high-power pulse laser can generate high temperature in a very short time, but due to the extremely short action time, it will not cause significant thermal impact on the base material. This laser can precisely control pulse energy and frequency to adapt to different materials and application scenarios.
2. Working principle
Continuous laser cleaning machine
A continuous laser machine is a device that continuously outputs laser light in a continuous manner over a long period of time. They achieve continuous laser output by continuously exciting the workpiece. This type of laser includes solid-state lasers excited by continuous light sources, gas lasers and semiconductor lasers that work in a continuous electrical excitation mode. Continuous lasers are widely used in laser marking, laser cutting, laser welding and other fields due to their stable output characteristics.
Pulse laser cleaning machine
In contrast, a pulse laser is a laser device whose output power takes the form of pulses in a short period of time. Unlike continuous lasers, the output power of pulsed lasers peaks over a shorter period of time and then drops rapidly to a lower level. This output mode enables pulse lasers to have higher peak power and are suitable for applications requiring high energy density, such as laser marking, laser cutting, laser drilling, and laser ranging.
3. Output form
Continuous lasers output continuous laser, with stable laser power and continuous output, and are suitable for applications that require continuous operation; while pulse lasers output pulsed lasers, with the energy and duration of each pulse being relatively short, and are suitable for applications that require high energy, High peak power applications.
4. Application scope
Continuous laser cleaning machines are mainly used in fine cutting, drilling, marking, welding and other occasions in the fields of medicine, military, communications and other fields. Pulse lasers are mainly used in radar astronomy, precision detection, aircraft navigation and other applications that require high energy and high peak power.
5. Operating parameters
Continuous lasers require stable operating parameters, such as power, wavelength, control current, etc., to ensure stable output. Pulse lasers require precise control of parameters such as pulse energy, width and repetition rate to meet specific application requirements.
6. Cleaning efficiency
In terms of paint removal on aluminum alloy surfaces, the paint removal efficiency using pulsed light is much higher than that of continuous light, which is 7.7 times that of continuous light. The cleaning efficiency using pulsed light is 2.77m²/h, while the cleaning efficiency using continuous light is 0.36m²/h.
In terms of paint removal on carbon steel surfaces, the paint removal efficiency using pulsed light is also higher than that of continuous light, which is 3.5 times that of continuous light. The cleaning efficiency using pulsed light is 1.06m²/h, while the cleaning efficiency using continuous light is 0.3m²/h.
7. Cleaning effect
Pulse laser cleaning machine: It can deeply remove dirt and rust under the surface, and the effect is remarkable. Suitable for a variety of materials including metals, plastics and ceramics.
Continuous laser cleaning machine: mainly used for surface cleaning, the effect is relatively shallow, suitable for light cleaning. Also suitable for a variety of materials, but less effective at removing stubborn dirt.
Conclusion
Both pulse and continuous laser cleaning machines can remove paint from the surface of materials to achieve cleaning effects. Under the same power conditions, the cleaning efficiency of pulse laser is much higher than that of continuous laser, and pulse laser can better control the heat input to prevent the substrate temperature from being too high or causing micro-melting. However, continuous lasers have a price advantage, and the efficiency gap with pulsed lasers can be made up by using high-power lasers. Which equipment to choose depends on the specific cleaning needs, the nature of the object being cleaned, and your budget.
If you have questions about laser cleaning machines, please contact us now. Our experts can help you choose the right laser welding solution to meet your production needs and achieve excellent results.