EMAG Group – Company Blog
  • Home
  • Technologies
    • Technologies

      Automation of complex parts using robots –…

      6. December 2022

      Technologies

      “Our maintenance systematically reduces unnecessary, expensive downtimes”

      26. July 2022

      Technologies

      “The machines ensure a very stable process”

      22. February 2022

      Technologies

      Why laser cleaning is frequently more effective…

      26. January 2022

      Technologies

      “Data-driven solutions are production-ready—and the investment costs…

      1. October 2021

  • Events
    • Events

      EMAG L.L.C. Announces the Winner of 2020…

      15. January 2021

      Events

      The EMAG 2019 Annual Review

      17. December 2019

      Events

      Networking @ EMO: Interview with Mr. Andreas…

      13. September 2019

      Events

      Networking @ EMO: Interview with Jörg Lohmann…

      10. September 2019

      Events

      Networking @ EMO: Interview with Sebastian Sieland…

      5. September 2019

  • People
    • People

      Automation of complex parts using robots –…

      6. December 2022

      People

      “Our maintenance systematically reduces unnecessary, expensive downtimes”

      26. July 2022

      People

      EMAG L.L.C. Announces the Winner of 2020…

      15. January 2021

      People

      “With EMAG machines we have practically perfected…

      10. January 2021

      People

      “EMAG Machines have Certainly Contributed to our…

      14. December 2020

  • Videos
    • Videos

      Transmission Manufacturing: Five Facts about Automatic Torque…

      16. March 2021

      Videos

      How does a differential work? 3 questions…

      3. March 2021

      Videos

      Video Scroll-Free Turning of Thin Walled Components

      7. May 2020

      Videos

      VL 1 TWIN Dual-Spindle Turning Center with…

      15. November 2019

      Videos

      How EMAG perfects finish-machining of turbocharger shafts

      11. October 2019

  • DE
  • EN

EMAG Group – Company Blog

  • Home
  • Technologies
    • Technologies

      Automation of complex parts using robots –…

      6. December 2022

      Technologies

      “Our maintenance systematically reduces unnecessary, expensive downtimes”

      26. July 2022

      Technologies

      “The machines ensure a very stable process”

      22. February 2022

      Technologies

      Why laser cleaning is frequently more effective…

      26. January 2022

      Technologies

      “Data-driven solutions are production-ready—and the investment costs…

      1. October 2021

  • Events
    • Events

      EMAG L.L.C. Announces the Winner of 2020…

      15. January 2021

      Events

      The EMAG 2019 Annual Review

      17. December 2019

      Events

      Networking @ EMO: Interview with Mr. Andreas…

      13. September 2019

      Events

      Networking @ EMO: Interview with Jörg Lohmann…

      10. September 2019

      Events

      Networking @ EMO: Interview with Sebastian Sieland…

      5. September 2019

  • People
    • People

      Automation of complex parts using robots –…

      6. December 2022

      People

      “Our maintenance systematically reduces unnecessary, expensive downtimes”

      26. July 2022

      People

      EMAG L.L.C. Announces the Winner of 2020…

      15. January 2021

      People

      “With EMAG machines we have practically perfected…

      10. January 2021

      People

      “EMAG Machines have Certainly Contributed to our…

      14. December 2020

  • Videos
    • Videos

      Transmission Manufacturing: Five Facts about Automatic Torque…

      16. March 2021

      Videos

      How does a differential work? 3 questions…

      3. March 2021

      Videos

      Video Scroll-Free Turning of Thin Walled Components

      7. May 2020

      Videos

      VL 1 TWIN Dual-Spindle Turning Center with…

      15. November 2019

      Videos

      How EMAG perfects finish-machining of turbocharger shafts

      11. October 2019

Technologies

Why laser cleaning is frequently more effective than washing

written by Janine Lahr 26. January 2022

There is no “one” best method for cleaning or de-coating workpieces. After all, the choice of method comes down to basic conditions and objectives in the production process. In this sense, laser cleaning is not a one-to-one substitute for traditional washing either but does frequently have an advantage.  

Laser cleaning is extremely energy efficient and fast.

When exactly is a component satisfactorily clean or de-coated? The question sounds clichéd. But it is crucial when it comes to the configuration of any cleaning process since the cleaning process should ideally be configured in such a way that precisely the right amount of energy and time is used to remove the soiling or coating in question in a specific way. A simple way of putting this is “no more than necessary.” An unnecessarily complex and expensive process would be the opposite of this.

Pinpoint cleaning

This is where laser cleaning comes into its own: it uses a focused laser beam that is moved over the area to be cleaned by a scanner (and machine axes, if needed). The parameters for this method, like the output and pulse frequency of the laser, its feed motion and track width as well as the machining time, can be flexibly configured and perfectly adapted to the degree of soiling and the desired level of cleanliness. In addition, only defined areas and geometries are cleaned or de-coated. All these factors ensure the best possible cleaning performance along with an optimized cycle time. The motto “no more than necessary” is therefore very apt for this application, which not least keeps running costs very low. Washing machines, on the other hand, are real “energy guzzlers.” They require a lot of maintenance and the liquids and filters need to be disposed of regularly. They also require additional drying and flushing processes that slow down the entire production process.

Series or batch solution?

What is more, laser cleaning is a serial process, while washing involves batches or cycles. As a result, laser cleaning means far fewer parts in the cleaning cycle and, unlike batch systems, no waiting times. This means the entire production process can be optimized and configured as a one-piece flow. On top of that, laser cleaning takes up less space. For example, the LC 4 machine from EMAG has a footprint of just 4.5 square meters. It can be integrated in end-to-end production lines and used alone. To this end, it features a turntable that is separate from the work area. It can be loaded and unloaded by means of an automation system (or just manually) without interrupting operation. Optionally, two components can be clamped simultaneously, while two others run through the cleaning process.

Type of soiling

Finally, it is interesting to take a look at the type of soiling. Laser cleaning is very well suited to removing thin layers of grease, coolants, and anti-corrosion coatings. The same goes for the alternative process of washing. However, some coolants, used in particular for minimal quantity lubrication, can cause problems during washing because of their chemical structure. This is not the case with laser cleaning. Chips and particles cannot be removed by laser. The washing process (with the addition of a chip strainer, for example) has an advantage here. On the other hand, laser is very well suited to removing paints, zinc-phosphate layers, cathodic dip coatings, powder coatings, oxides, and rust. Washing has virtually no effect in these areas of application.

EC Clean software from EMAG

Incidentally, the EC Clean software from EMAG used in the LC 4 machine plays an important role in the success of the laser cleaning process. With the help of this control software, laser cleaning becomes an easily managed process. All relevant settings like laser parameters, scanner parameters, geometry, feed rate, etc. are easily influenced with this solution. EC Clean assists the system operator with selecting settings. In concrete terms, this means the system operator can concentrate on a few settings like parts geometry, track width, and cleaning energy INSTEAD of becoming bogged down in complicated calculations. All other parameters are automatically calculated or taken from the internal technology database.

More information about Laser Cleaning Machine LC 4-2 you will find here…

Why laser cleaning is frequently more effective than washing was last modified: January 26th, 2022 by Janine Lahr
0 comment
0
Facebook Twitter Google + Pinterest
Janine Lahr

previous post
“Data-driven solutions are production-ready—and the investment costs for start-up are falling”
next post
“The machines ensure a very stable process”

You may also like

“At our company, the induction heating process...

26. April 2019

“With the EMAG Machines we were able...

30. November 2020

How Should Businesses Prepare for the Automotive...

3. June 2019

Season’s Greetings from EMAG!

22. December 2017

“Laser Technology is Essential for Automotive Engineering.”

8. March 2019

“With EMAG, we have a competent partner...

22. September 2021

“The Red Dot Award is a huge...

12. October 2020

Five axes for complex geometries and multi-technology

18. July 2019

“We have a lot of experience and...

9. June 2021

Development of the new VLC 350 GT...

16. July 2020

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Recent Posts

  • Automation of complex parts using robots – flexibly, quickly, and smoothly
  • “Our maintenance systematically reduces unnecessary, expensive downtimes”
  • “The machines ensure a very stable process”
  • Why laser cleaning is frequently more effective than washing
  • “Data-driven solutions are production-ready—and the investment costs for start-up are falling”

Keep in touch

Twitter Instagram Linkedin Youtube

Categories

  • Company
  • Events
  • People
  • Technologies
  • Videos

Tags

additive manufacturing automation car manufacturing Car production chucked components Customized CV Joints CVT differentials Digitalization Driveline Systems E-Mobility ECM eldec electric motor production EMAG LLC EMO 2019 EPS steering gear gear cutting / gear hobbing gearwheel Grinding Hard Turning hobbing machine image video induction brazing induction hardening induction heating inductor interview joining laser welding Manufacturing Systems PECM Salach Service shaft components steering pinion Technology Forum transmission manufacturing trucking industry Turning turning and grinding machine Vertical Turning Machine Woodward Dream Cruise
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
  • Youtube
  • Email
  • Imprint
  • Data Privacy
  • Contact

©EMAG GmbH & Co. KG, 2020


Back To Top
We set technical and analytical cookies so that we can ensure you the best experience on our website.Accept and closeFurther information