Toughest Rust Issues in Classic Car Restoration Resolved
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
So, what is laser cleaning and how can it help revolutionize vehicle restoration?
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. Learn more about laser cleaning here.
Key Applications in Automotive Restoration
With CleanTech laser systems, classic car mechanics and auto restoration experts can precisely target the problem areas and remove corrosion, oil and carbon buildup, strip away paint, and more. Our mobile and easy-to-use laser systems provide unparalleled flexibility for servicing vehicles from any angle and in hard-to-reach areas.
- Car Frame Restoration
- Auto Part Renewal
- Selective Paint Stripping
- Gasket & Sealant Removal
- Surface Texturing
- Equipment Maintenance
CleanTech laser cleaning systems expedite time-consuming, tedious processes, leaving the surface ready for new coating.
Laser Cleaning in Comparison
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 requires 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 relies on 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 processing, and a thorough cleanup of the area. Lastly, disposing of toxic chemicals is costly and closely regulated by agencies like OSHA and the EPA.
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 and coatings more efficiently. The substrate under the micro-surface of the workpiece is not affected by the laser, and the systems do not create any mess or byproducts. By adopting laser cleaning tools, you complete the job in half the time of traditional methods when preparation and cleanup are considered. When a surface is treated with a laser, any fumes or dislodged particulates can be extracted into a HEPA filter and the job is done. There is no media (i.e., sand, dry ice, chemicals) to replenish or clean up.
Business Expansion Opportunities
Looking for new ways to expand your business? Consider bringing laser cleaning services to classic car mechanics to boost your revenue. Take advantage of a future-proof plan as a Laser Photonics’ Service Partner. This program is a fast-track path to a new and cutting-edge laser cleaning and restoration business with support from Laser Photonics, an established and reputable company with extensive expertise in the laser cleaning field. Learn more about the Service Partner Network here.
Recommended Laser Cleaning Systems for Automotive Restoration
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