Product Code: ICA10_1302

Polygon Scanner for Laser Paint Stripping
Authors:
Stan Ream, EWI (Edison Welding Institute); Columbus OH USA
Craig Walters, CWA (Craig Walters Association); Powell OH USA
Presented at ICALEO 2010

Many vehicles and structures require removal of existing paints and/or coatings. Traditional paint removal methods utilize toxic solvents and media blasting, both of which create a multiplication of resultant hazardous waste. Other paint removal technologies involve thermal processes, such as flash lamps and CO2 bead blasting, in conjunction with each other or separately. For many years the Air Force, NASA, Navy, DOT, and other government agencies have been investigating laser stripping for a multitude of coating removal challenges. Several high-power (multi-kilowatt) laser paint stripping systems have been built for these agencies, and some are currently operating in evaluation and production modes. The most recent laser coating removal systems have been based on some form of beam scanning technology to create the required energy delivery (power density, travel speed, exposure time, etc.) to the work surface. Unfortunately, the current scanners used to accomplish this task are large, heavy, inefficient, and somewhat power limited. EWI has recently developed a new scanner solution that solves all of these problems. This new scanner and its initial laser paint stripping results will be presented at this years ICALEO.