FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT CAN LASER TECHNOLOGY REMOVE?

Laser cleaning technology can remove various types of contaminants and coatings from different surfaces, particularly:

• Rust and oxidation
• Paint and other coatings
• Graffiti
• Mould and surface stains
• Oils and grease
• Industrial residues
• Soot and carbon deposits
• Varnishes and certain types of finishes
• Accumulated dirt on natural stone
• Residues on moulds and tools
• Corrosion on metal parts
• Layers of contamination on wood, stone, metal and other compatible surfaces

One of the main advantages is the ability to remove the unwanted layer with high precision, preserving the underlying surface when the laser parameters are correctly adjusted.

Does laser cleaning damage the surface?

Pulse laser cleaning allows for highly precise treatment of the layer to be removed. The power, speed and other parameters are adjusted according to the material and type of contamination, allowing rust, paint, dirt or other residues to be removed with no impact on the original surface. Before every job, a test will be carried out to determine the most suitable settings.

Continuous wave (CW) laser cleaning is more aggressive on the surface area and is mainly used in heavy industries such as shipyards and building sites and is, unlike pulse laser cleaning, not suitable for delicate preservation of the base material.

What materials can laser cleaning be used on?

The technology can be used on different materials, including metals, natural stone, wood and various surfaces used in industrial, commercial or construction environments. Compatibility always depends on the characteristics of the material, the existing finish and what needs to be removed, so each application should be assessed individually.

Does laser cleaning use chemicals?

No. The process uses laser energy to act on the unwanted layer, eliminating the need for chemicals during cleaning. This reduces the need for detergents, solvents and other agents, making it particularly advantageous for jobs where the aim is to limit the use of consumables and simplify the cleaning process.

Does laser cleaning produce waste?

Laser cleaning can significantly reduce the amount of secondary waste generated during the process, as it does not require sand, other abrasives, water or chemicals. The removed material still needs to be properly controlled and collected when necessary, but the creation of large amounts of additional waste from the cleaning method itself is avoided.

Is it possible to remove rust without damaging the metal?

Yes. One of the most common applications of laser cleaning is the removal of rust and oxidation from metal surfaces. The equipment can be configured to target the oxidised layer, allowing the surface to be restored and prepared for subsequent work, such as painting, welding, coating or other maintenance processes.

Is it possible to remove paint with a laser?

Yes. Laser technology can remove paint and different types of coatings through a controlled process, making it possible to target only specific areas when necessary. This precision makes the technology particularly suitable for surface preparation, component maintenance, restoration or situations where abrasive methods may not be the most appropriate solution.
The process struggles with reflective paint colours such as white.

Can laser cleaning remove graffiti?

Yes. Depending on the type of paint and the surface on which the graffiti is located, the laser can be used to remove it in a targeted manner. The ability to adjust the parameters allows the process to be adapted to different materials, including certain stone surfaces, reducing the need for chemicals or more abrasive methods.

The process struggles with reflective paint colours such as white.

Can it be used on buildings and heritage sites?

Yes, provided that the surface and its condition are assessed beforehand. The precision of the technology allows specific areas of stone, architectural elements, façades and other surfaces to be treated where careful control of the process is important. For heritage sites or more sensitive materials, the parameters must be specifically defined for each application.

How long does laser cleaning take?

The equipment MS laser uses can do up app. 30m²/h but there is no standard time, as the duration depends on several factors. The size of the area, the material, the type and thickness of the contamination, the condition of the surface and the power of the equipment all influence the speed of the work. A prior assessment helps determine the most suitable solution and estimate the time required to complete the job.

Does MS Laser provide cleaning services or only sell equipment?

MS Laser provides different ways to access laser technology. You can hire our cleaning service and have the work carried out by professionals, or purchase equipment for your own use. This allows the solution to be adapted to both occasional needs and companies that use this technology regularly.

We are the official distributor of SWT Laser (Wuhan Swanti Technology Co., Ltd.) laser cleaning machines for Portugal.

Which laser equipment should I choose?

The choice depends on the type of work you intend to carry out. It is important to consider the materials, the type of contamination or coating to be removed, the frequency of use, the typical size of the areas and the conditions of the worksite. MS Laser offers different solutions and can help identify the most suitable equipment for each requirement.

Is experience required to operate a laser machine?

Using this type of equipment requires knowledge of how it works, the appropriate settings for each surface and the relevant safety requirements. Incorrect settings can compromise the results or affect the material. It is therefore important to ensure that the operator is familiar with the equipment and follows all operating and safety instructions.

Does laser cleaning replace sandblasting?

It depends on the application. Sandblasting and laser cleaning use very different processes, and each solution offers specific advantages. Laser cleaning can be particularly useful when greater control over the treated area is required, when avoiding abrasives or reducing secondary waste is important, or when working on surfaces where a more precise approach is needed.

Is it possible to test the cleaning process before proceeding with a larger job?

Yes. For certain applications, carrying out a test on a small area makes it possible to assess how the surface reacts, evaluate the effectiveness of the removal and determine the most suitable parameters. This approach is particularly useful when working with more sensitive materials, older surfaces or contaminants whose composition and behaviour are not fully known.

What is the difference between laser cleaning and traditional methods?

The main difference lies in how the surface is treated. While many traditional methods use abrasives, water, chemicals or mechanical contact, laser cleaning uses concentrated energy to target the layer that needs to be removed. This allows for more precise and controlled work, while also reducing the use of consumables and the waste generated by the process itself.

This is why laser cleaning is the most environmentally friendly choice.

After cleaning, is the surface ready for further processing?

In many applications, yes. Laser cleaning can remove contaminants, oxidation, paint and other coatings that may interfere with subsequent processes. On metal surfaces, for example, it can be used as preparation before painting, welding or applying new coatings. The treatment required after cleaning will always depend on the material and the intended final use of the part or surface.

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