Laser cleaning is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but a versatile technology that can be tailored to unique needs. At Laser Photonics, we’ve developed a full lineup of handheld and automated laser cleaning blasters to tackle a multitude of applications, from fingerprint removal to thick paint stripping or surface roughening. Whether you’re operating in a heavy-duty industrial setting or running a small workshop, our laser specialists are here to help you select the right solution. Before you buy, consider the following factors.
- Pulsed vs. Continuous Wave
- Single vs. Dual Axis Scanner
- Mobility & Automation
- Scale & Speed
- Shroud & Fume Extraction
- CleanTech Systems
- Material Compatibility
- Support, Training, Maintenance
Pulsed vs. Continuous Wave
Laser beam delivery in a fiber laser blaster can occur in two ways: pulsed and continuous wave (CW).
Pulsed lasers emit short, discrete pulses of light, with periods of no emission between pulses. During pauses, the energy accumulates, allowing these systems to reach high peak power per pulse – exceeding 10 times the unit’s average output power.
CW lasers emit light waveforms continuously at a constant amplitude and frequency, providing an uninterrupted stream of laser energy. Even when modulated – a lasing mode with pulsed-like beam release – a CW laser’s pulse will not exceed the unit’s average output power.
What this means in terms of usability: Cleaning with a pulsed laser will result in less heating of the underlying material. If you are working with thin metals, wood, molds, or delicate components, a pulsed laser will help you preserve the surface integrity. Meanwhile, a high-power pulsed laser will outperform a CW laser of equivalent output, albeit with a higher price tag.
Single vs. Dual Axis Scanner
The scanner in a laser gun forms a beam pattern to be focused on the surface. It can contain one or two servo-controlled mirrors, each responsible for scanning along one axis. Our flagship CleanTech systems are built integrating dual axis laser release technology. This configuration allows for larger coverage areas and greater flexibility with scanning patterns.
We do offer single axis laser systems as our economic option under the LiteTech product line. Releasing the laser beam in a line up to 4 inches long, this system will get you less flexibility and may require more time when dealing with complex, uneven surfaces, but it will get you the clean result just as well – if you’re on a tight budget.
Mobility & Automation
All our handheld laser blasters are built for mobility – and they’re becoming more compact and user-friendly with every new rollout. We’ve even added a smartphone app that lets you control beam parameters remotely when maneuvering the blaster at an inconvenient distance from the main unit. But complex, industrial-grade laser machines can still feel heavy and bulky. Keep in mind that a laser cleaner will not work without compressed air, and you will need a power generator when working in the field. If you are operating in tight spaces, away from industrial power sources, or often need to lift the machine, our compact, air-cooled options – like the small–but–powerful CTCR-3030 or the Marlin MLPF-1010 in a weatherproof case – could be your best bet.
For manufacturers, Laser Photonics and its subsidiary CMS Laser offer stationary, automated laser cleaning systems for integration into industrial workflows. These advanced machines, custom-tailored for unique applications, can integrate robotics, mechanized shuttling, smart vision alignment and inspection, rotary for circumferential processing, fume extraction, and proprietary software controls. These Class I systems are safe to operate without vision protection measures, as laser radiation is fully contained. Automated laser cleaning is particularly useful for repetitive tasks, optimizing throughput, consistency, and saving time and labor.
Scale & Speed
As noted earlier, a pulsed laser offers superior precision for tasks requiring close control and minimal thermal impact. Conversely, if your application demands high-volume throughput and speed is the priority, explore our CW laser blasters. These high-power machines are designed for heavy-duty, rapid surface preparation of metal infrastructures, and are widely adopted in industries such as construction, non-destructive testing (NDT), shipyards, energy, and defense.
Shroud & Fume Extraction
Laser cleaning entails the vaporization of unwanted substrate in a process called ablation. Whether you are looking to blast off paint, powder coating, rust, anodization, radioactive contaminants, soot, oil, insulation, or other substances, consider the hazard which the airborne particulates may create for inhalation, nearby equipment, and the surrounding environment. While our standard laser systems come without a vacuum system, Team Laser Photonics is on standby to design a custom shroud and integrate a fume extractor for your unique purposes. This is a common scenario in applications such as nuclear decontamination.
CleanTech: Finishing, Roughening, or Conditioning
Laser systems in our flagship product lineup, CleanTech, are classified as Finishing, Roughening, or Conditioning. Here are their key differences:
- Finishing systems are air-cooled, dual axis, pulsed laser blasters for meticulous, detailed, top-layer removal. Ideal for applications that require minimal heat damage and utmost mobility.
- Roughening systems feature high-power CW or pulsed lasers and integrate a water chiller. Designed to tackle challenging contaminants and speedily texturize metal surfaces.
- Conditioning systems have the capabilities of both finishing and roughening systems, with less speed than the latter. These can be air-cooled or water-chilled and integrate a pulsed laser.
Explore our CleanTech products here.
Material Compatibility
Laser cleaning has been around for a few years, but Laser Photonics and its clients continue to find new ways to apply this disruptive technology. We invite prospective customers to visit our Experience Center in Orlando, Florida, to witness laser cleaning in action firsthand. You’re welcome to bring or ship your samples to us for testing. Once received, we typically process them within a week and send back a video showcasing the cleaning process along with recommended system parameters tailored to your application.
Should sample testing demonstrate a degree of mismatch, we welcome it as a challenge to solve. Thus, when our engineers encountered difficulty removing mill scale using our standard roughening CW systems, they developed a high-power pulsed laser cleaning blaster – perhaps the first in the market – specifically for this application.
Support, Training, Maintenance
At Laser Photonics and CMS Laser, we provide comprehensive support and maintenance for our laser systems, ensuring long-term performance and customer satisfaction. Our strong U.S.-based operations, headquartered in Florida, reflect our commitment to the safety and quality standards of American manufacturing. Backed by decades of experience in industrial laser systems, we partner with you to integrate advanced laser technologies into your processes — maximizing their value through custom engineering solutions and expert training for your operating crews.
Whether you’re running a factory floor, servicing pipelines in the field, or looking to upgrade your workshop’s surface preparation tools, selecting the right laser system is a critical investment. That’s why we have a team of laser specialists ready to talk to you.
Not sure which system best fits your needs? We’ll walk you through the options – pulsed vs. CW, mobility and speed, cooling types, automation integration, and more – to help you make an informed, confident decision tailored to your application.
Ready to learn more? Here’s a brief guide on How to Maintain a Handheld Laser Cleaning System
Speak to a Laser Specialist