Puretech FAQ

Laser ablation is a process in which material is removed from a solid surface by using directed light energy. This highly localized energy input leads to the evaporation or sublimation of the material. The term “ablation” refers to the removal or destruction of material from a surface.

Laser ablation was first introduced to the cleaning industry in 1969 – shortly after the invention of the laser itself in 1960 – when it was first used to remove contaminants from silicone surfaces without causing any surface damage.

Laser ablation removes contaminants by using focused laser energy to either directly transition the contaminants from solid to gas (sublimation) or to vaporize (ablate) them.

This process efficiently cleans the surface while preserving the underlying material, making it ideal for a wide range of applications, from delicate restorations to heavy-duty industrial cleaning.

There are several key safety features that make laser cleaning an ideal cleaning and restoration method.

• The non-contact process ensures that there is no physical abrasion or wear on the surfaces being treated, significantly reducing the risk of damage.
• The technique utilizes no chemicals, eliminating potential health hazards for the operator and potential bystanders, and preventing environmental contamination.
• The precise control afforded by laser technology allows for targeted cleaning, minimizing the impact on surrounding areas and ensuring consistent, high-quality results.

These features collectively contribute to a safer, cleaner, and more efficient cleaning process.

Unlike conventional techniques that often involve high pressure, harsh chemicals, and abrasive materials, laser cleaning offers a cleaner, safer, and more environmentally friendly alternative.

Learn more about how laser cleaning compares to traditional methods >

Yes, laser cleaning can selectively remove one material while leaving others intact. Every material has a unique ablation threshold, which is the amount of energy needed to vaporize it. If the threshold of the material you want to remove is much lower than the surface beneath it, the laser will remove only that material.

For example, rust has a lower ablation threshold than metals like steel or aluminum, and coatings like paint or oil typically have a lower threshold than the materials they cover. This allows the laser to completely vaporize the unwanted layer without affecting the underlying surface.

The pulse and continuous wave lasers that Puretech uses can be safely used to clean and restore metal, wood, stone, concrete, ceramics, plastics, glass, and more.

Laser cleaning removes rust and contaminants without introducing moisture or chemicals, which helps minimize immediate reoxidation. However, whether rust returns — and how quickly — depends on several factors, including: the type of metal, whether the surface is indoors or outdoors, and the local environment (humidity, temperature, region, and time of year). For lasting results, we recommend applying a protective coating after cleaning, especially for metals that are more prone to oxidation.