Toughest Rust Issues in Classic Car Restoration Resolved
The Rust Problem in Automotive Maintenance
Rust and corrosion damage is a major concern for vehicle owners worldwide. According to a 2017 AAA survey, U.S. drivers pay about $3 billion annually in rust repairs caused by de-icing methods. This should give you an idea of the costs involved and the damage that rust can inflict on that cherished classic car you are planning to restore.
Thankfully, with the advancement of technology, certain challenges have become much easier to resolve. When it comes to corrosion control in the automotive restoration industry, Laser Photonics is at the forefront with its game-changing CleanTech laser cleaning technology, poised to turn the arduous task of rust removal into a concern of the past.
Understanding Laser Cleaning Technology
What is Laser Cleaning?
Laser cleaning is a thermal process where a high-energy laser beam vaporizes surface contaminants and coatings. This non-contact method controllably ablates the micro-surface without damaging the underlying material.
Laser cleaning is a sustainable method of surface preparation that is safe for the operator and the environment. Unlike sandblasting, wire brushing, and chemical treatment, laser cleaning is fast, safe to operate, and requires no major cleanup.
Key Applications in Automotive Restoration
Car Frame Restoration
For both frame-off and frame-on restoration, remove any signs of corrosion and apply the proper treatment to the frame to prevent deterioration.
Flexibility & Ease of Use
Eliminate rust and scale from hard-to-reach areas with handheld CleanTech laser systems. These mobile and easy-to-use laser systems provide unparalleled flexibility for servicing vehicles from any angle.
Selective Paint Removal
Strip away paint from a specific component or thick body panel on a vintage car. With laser cleaning, you can precisely target the desired areas.
Part Renewal
Remove rust and oil/carbon buildup from camshafts, crankshafts, pistons, piston rods, and other components.
Gasket & Sealant Removal
The days of struggling with a paint scraper or razor to remove a stubborn old gasket or sealant are over. CleanTech laser cleaning systems expedite these time-consuming, tedious processes, leaving the surface smooth and ready for new coating.
Comparing Cleaning Methods
Traditional Methods vs. Laser Cleaning
Abrasive Blasting
Abrasive blasting involves forcefully projecting a stream of abrasive particles onto a surface, usually with compressed air or steam. This process requires a long list of equipment, both to perform the task and to protect the operator. Equipment requirements include an air compressor (either gas/diesel or electric) to propel the sand/beads/particles, hoses, bags of abrasive material, a protective suit, gloves, goggles, hearing protection, and respirator/helmet.
Mechanical Surface Preparation
Mechanical surface preparation involves the use of hand and power tools. This includes methods like scraping, grinding, sanding, wire brushing, and pressure washing – or, often, a combination of these slow and labor-intensive procedures. They also require a variety of consumables and rarely yield a surface that’s pristine. On top of that, the workpiece can be damaged in the process and lose its mechanical properties. Further, techniques such as grinding and power wire brushing can produce sparks and disperse contaminants into the air. PPE is essential for the safety of the operator and the process requires extensive cleanup.
Chemical Stripping
Chemical stripping involves using harsh, often toxic, chemicals to strip paint, rust, and other contaminants from metal parts. In the process, operators are exposed to corrosive acids and noxious chemical fumes that necessitate protective measures. It is a time-consuming procedure that involves meticulous preparation of the solution, a waiting period for it to take effect, subsequent mechanical cleaning, and a thorough cleanup. Lastly, disposing of toxic chemicals is costly and closely regulated by agencies like OSHA and the EPA.
Laser Cleaning Advantages
Laser cleaning offers significant advantages over these conventional methods, including ease of use and maintenance, time efficiency, and reduced labor costs. Eliminating the need for cumbersome PPE, operators gain more mobility and remove rust more efficiently.
Business Expansion Opportunities
Offering laser cleaning services to people working on their project cars can help increase your revenue. You can expand your offerings with a future-proof plan in a cutting-edge field as a Laser Photonics’ Service Partner.
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