Question 1

WHAT CAN LASER CLEANING REMOVE?

Accepted Answer

Common applications include rust, oxidation, paint, selected coatings, soot, grease residue, weld oxides, heat tint, surface scale and graffiti. Suitability depends on the substrate and layer being removed.

Question 2

WILL LASER CLEANING DAMAGE THE BASE MATERIAL?

Accepted Answer

It can if incorrect settings are used. Proper parameter selection and testing are important, especially on thin metal, fiberglass, wood, historic materials and heat-sensitive surfaces.

Question 3

IS LASER CLEANING REALLY NON-ABRASIVE?

Accepted Answer

The process does not depend on abrasive particles striking the surface. That does not mean it is physically incapable of changing a surface. Energy density, dwell time and repeated passes can affect the material.

Question 4

DOES LASER CLEANING CREATE WASTE?

Accepted Answer

The process does not create spent blasting media, but the removed material still becomes particulate, vapor or residue that may need extraction, filtration and disposal.

Question 5

IS IT CHEMICAL-FREE?

Accepted Answer

The laser process itself does not require chemical stripping agents. Some jobs may still require pre-cleaning, post-cleaning or other treatments.

Question 6

CAN YOU REMOVE PAINT FROM FIBERGLASS?

Accepted Answer

Possibly, depending on the laminate, resin, coating and laser settings. A test area is essential because excessive energy can damage or discolor fiberglass.

Question 7

CAN YOU REMOVE BOTTOM PAINT FROM A BOAT?

Accepted Answer

Many marine coatings can be tested for laser removal. Coating thickness, antifouling chemistry, hull material, containment and desired finish determine whether the process is practical.

Question 8

CAN YOU REMOVE HEAVY RUST?

Accepted Answer

Laser systems can remove significant rust, but thick scale and severe pitting may change the economics. Cleaning cannot restore metal that has already been lost to corrosion.

Question 9

HOW FAST IS IT?

Accepted Answer

Production rate varies widely. Thin oxidation on flat steel is completely different from multilayer epoxy in corners. We prefer to establish a rate from photos, coating information or a test patch.

Question 10

DO YOU WORK ON-SITE?

Accepted Answer

LaserNDCS provides mobile service for qualifying projects within New York and Connecticut.

Question 11

DO YOU NEED POWER?

Accepted Answer

Requirements depend on the laser system. Some jobs can be supported with properly sized mobile generation; others require customer-supplied electrical service.

Question 12

WHAT HAPPENS TO FUMES?

Accepted Answer

Professional laser cleaning should use ventilation and local extraction appropriate for the contaminant. Hazardous coatings require additional controls.

Question 13

CAN YOU PREPARE A SURFACE FOR PAINT?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for many applications. However, some coating specifications require a defined anchor profile that may still require another preparation method.

Question 14

IS LASER CLEANING SAFE FOR HISTORIC SURFACES?

Accepted Answer

It can be useful because it is precise, but historic materials should be tested conservatively and approved against the preservation objective.

Question 15

CAN YOU HELP WITH LASER EQUIPMENT SELECTION?

Accepted Answer

Publish this FAQ only if LaserNDCS offers equipment-selection guidance. If offered, describe the service around application fit, power, portability, duty cycle, optics, extraction and operator requirements rather than simply listing wattage.

Question 16

CAN I SEND PHOTOS FOR AN ESTIMATE?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Send clear close-ups, wide views, dimensions, material information and your location. Photos do not replace a test, but they help us determine whether the project is a likely fit.

FAQs

Frequently asked questions