Every laser cleaning system contains sensitive optical components that can be damaged by intense heat. This can occur when dust generated during ablation contaminates the protective glass through which the beam exits the laser gun. In this case, the beam becomes partially trapped inside the laser gun, causing its internal components to overheat. The same can happen when firing from too close a distance.
Proper use of a laser cleaning system requires regular wipe-down of the protective glass – and its replacement when it can no longer be cleaned to a pristine condition. We covered these steps in How to Maintain a Handheld Laser Cleaning System.
Previously, if these procedures were neglected and internal damage occurred, the entire system had to be returned so the laser gun’s internal components could be replaced.
Not anymore. Laser Photonics recently introduced a detachable design for quick, onsite replacement of the entire laser gun – optics included. Plus, our engineers have redesigned the air nozzle on the laser gun, significantly improving the airflow that keeps dust and debris off the protective glass.
Tool-Free Replacement
A CleanTech laser gun is connected to the system via the fiber cable, communication cable, and water and compressed-air hoses. During replacement, these can be easily disconnected and reconnected to the new processing head. To access the connectors, simply unzip the sleeve that bundles all the lines together – no tools required.
The replacement process includes disconnecting the laser-fiber cable, which attaches to the head collimator using a QBH connector. It is critical to keep this optical connector clean and to prevent dust from entering the collimator.
The new detachable laser gun is compatible with the standard CleanTech roughening systems with the 40-foot cable. These include our high-power continuous-wave system CTIR-3050, our highly popular CTIR-3040, and other dual axis models.
Optimized Air Knife
Optimal airflow is a key element in the air knife performance. A CleanTech system is designed to activate only when an air compressor is connected. Pressurized air is directed around the protective glass to blow airborne particles away using a specially designed air nozzle. This airflow acts as a continuous cleaning barrier, which prevents particulate buildup on the glass and in turn helps preserve the sensitive optics inside the laser gun from overheating.
Airflow dynamics in and around the nozzle directly impact how effectively debris is blown away from the protective glass. Our new nozzle architecture is redesigned with an aerodynamically optimized shape and advanced outlet configuration forming non-turbulent, more uniform airflow blowing away from the protective glass. These improvements enhance both the directionality and pressure distribution of the air stream.
This upgrade significantly improves system uptime and reduces maintenance burden on operators.
The CleanTech Advantage
Our laser gun redesign delivers better cleaning performance, reduced downtime, and longer intervals between maintenance. At Laser Photonics, we are committed to advancing the technology that drives our customers’ success. With every engineering upgrade, we strive to make laser cleaning more user-friendly, more accessible, and more reliable for operators in the field and on the factory floor.
Ready to learn more? Click to here for the Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Laser Cleaning Blaster.