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Laser cleaning of surfaces with complex shapes

Treating surfaces of any shape and complexity is one of the key advantages of the F-Clean laser cleaning system. In this article we will tell you more about the features of laser cleaning of volumetric objects and surfaces of complex shape, as well as introduce additional options in this direction.


Peculiarities of working with complex forms 

Laser treatment of a complex-shaped object differs from conventional cleaning of a product with a flat surface. This is due to the need to maintain the same focal distance of the laser beam. 

When we are working on a flat object like a sheet metal, it is sufficient to hold the laser gun 30 cm away from the surface and gradually sweep the entire area of the object to be cleaned. Because the surface is flat, parts of it are always in the focus of the laser device, so the contamination is evenly removed.

Laser cleaning of metal sheet

If the surface is convex, the contamination layer may not be removed evenly when trying to guide the gun evenly over the object. A similar effect occurs when the treatment area is outside the focal length of the cleaning system lens. If the bulge is small in height, the object stays in focus of the laser and cleaning takes place. When the object is not in focus, you have to change the position of the laser gun in relation to the surface to be cleaned: move it backwards or vice versa close to the surface.

Laser cleaning of shoe molds

Case: Pirelli tire factory

Tire manufacturer Pirelli approached Pokkels with the challenge of selecting a laser device to effectively clean tire molds. The previous method of cleaning with a sandblaster resulted in consumable costs, low productivity and damage to the molds.

The F-Clean RK laser, with an output of 500 watts, helped Pirelli increase productivity through its long hours of operation (more than 12 hours a day) and efficient cleaning of the surface of the molds without damage.

Additional options for processing 3D objects 

In Pokkels, we call any uneven relief surfaces as 3D objects. As we have already written in the previous section, the main difficulty in the processing of relief objects is the focal length support. If you are considering laser equipment for processing 3D objects, then we suggest to get acquainted with additional features of Pokkels.

Dynamic focus system

The dynamic laser focus option resembles the autofocus of a camera. Allows you to compensate for changes in focal length. The operator will not have to move the gun forward or backward often during cleaning. The range will be increased from 3 mm to 5 cm.

Automation 

Pokkels develops customized automated cleaning systems. This solution is ideal for companies that need to treat objects with the same topography. The geometry of the surface to be cleaned is stored in the system in advance, so the device automatically changes the focal distance according to the stored parameters during the cleaning process.

Case: Confectionery factory

Pokkels was approached by a confectionery company to develop an automatic oven cleaning device for the production of flour products. 

The Pokkels team developed an automatic deck plate cleaning system with an output of 200 W. The system is integrated into an existing conveyor and allows cleaning of the moving deck plates without stopping production. By using the automatic system, the preventive cleaning time of the conveyor furnace was halved. At the same time, the monthly output increased by more than 2 million units.

Robotic complex

A separate area of activity for Pokkels is the development of robotic systems. In contrast to automation, here the device works completely independently. There is no need to preset the settings and the geometry of the surface to be cleaned. The system itself scans the object, adjusts the focus, selects the necessary power parameters and monitors the quality of cleaning. If necessary, the robotic complex repeats the treatment. The device can work without stopping and treat the surface of any complexity and relief.

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