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Laser paint removal

A clean surface – this is the basic requirement for successful and durable welding and adhesive connections. However, before joining, components often have paint and functional layers. The laser provides a remedy for this: the non-contact tool frees components of functional layers within seconds. And it does this only in areas where joining is meant to take place, for example, or where the functional layer is no longer needed. Here's how it works: pulses with high peak pulse power evaporate the wafer-thin layers, without affecting the component. Subsequent processes such as joining can then be carried out faster, more homogenously, and are entirely reproducible. The connections are clean and last longer. Joining preparation work using light as a tool can also integrate seamlessly into industrial series production, due to the fact that data can be easily transferred via interfaces. TRUMPF offers a special integration package for uncomplicated laser equipment integration for cleaning and paint removal in robot systems.

What are the benefits of laser paint removal?

Environmentally friendly

Stripping with a laser does not require any additional blasting agents or chemical substances which would prove elaborate and expensive.

Reproducible and precise

The laser enables controlled paint removal, precise down to the micrometer – easy to reproduce and extremely precise.
Non-contact

Laser paint removal represents an almost wear-free technology as no mechanical tool is subjected to wear and tear.

Gentle on the material

While alternative methods to laser cleaning such as sandblasting can damage the surface of the component, the laser operates gently, leaving absolutely no residue.

How does the laser paint removal process work?

Process drawing of the laser paint removal application

Laser paint removal or ablation is a process during which functional layers are selectively removed from a surface using laser radiation (usually pulsed). The absorbing material is heated by laser energy and evaporates or sublimates.

The transparent material is ablated in its solid state. Geometrically defined sections are made accessible for subsequent processes (welding, bonding, screwing, sintering, contacting, etc.).

  1. The laser radiation hits the workpiece surface.

  2. The laser radiation heats the material.

  3. The coating is removed by abrupt evaporation, sublimation or ablation.

  4. The process products are removed using suction.

Typical applications of laser paint removal

Paint removal for welding/joining preparation

The laser efficiently removes coatings without changing the base material. For perfect welding results, the coating must be removed in the weld seam area.
Stripping AlSi-coated steel sheets

In the automotive industry, steel sheets are coated with aluminum-silicon (AlSi) as an anti-corrosion agent. For perfect welding results, the laser removes the coating precisely in the weld seam area.
Removal of cataphoretic paint coatings: cover plate for protecting the battery cells and electronics

The battery system must be protected against external influences to guarantee its function is long-lasting and high-performance. The laser cleans surfaces and removes paints to ensure safe sealing and electrical grounding.
Stripping cataphoretic paint coatings by a suction system

In the automotive industry, steel and aluminum are coated with cataphoretic paint as an anti-corrosion agent. The coating in the weld seam area is removed by laser to achieve optimum weld results.
Stripping for hairpin welding preparation

TRUMPF short pulse lasers are used in the ablation of the layer of insulating paint on hairpins without damaging the copper underneath. The results of the process are more precise and faster than those of mechanical stripping processes. While welding the hairpins, an intelligent sensor system ensures precise seams and top quality. Thanks to the high level of reproducibility of laser welding processes, it is possible to achieve consistently high-tensile connections with a good level of conductivity – and this in high quantities as well.
Edge deletion of thin-film solar modules

In order to protect thin-film solar modules against corrosion and long-term short circuits, the layer system at the edge of the module is removed and then laminated. In this application, the laser penetrates the glass and splits off the layer system from the carrier material, without causing cracks or fusing on the glass.

Application examples

Cleaning and stripping robot systems

Easy integration of the laser equipment for cleaning and stripping in robot systems.

Battery pack production

Cover plate for the protection of battery cells and electronics: the battery system must be protected against external influences to guarantee its function is long-lasting and high-performance. Surfaces are cleaned and paints are removed to ensure safe sealing and electrical grounding.

Laser paint removal with the TruPulse nano

We have many lasers that are suitable for laser paint removal. For example, the TruPulse nano.

These lasers are suitable for laser paint removal

TruMicro Series 7000

They are the specialists for large areas: high-performance short-pulse lasers from the TruMicro Series 7000 are based on disk laser technology and combine short pulses with high pulse energies, even with high frequencies.

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TruPulse nano Series

Our pulsed TRUMPF TruPulse nano fiber lasers with GTWave and PulseTune technology are some of the most versatile industrial lasers in the TRUMPF portfolio.

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