FAQs

Have questions?  We’ve got answers.
Explore our FAQs to learn more about how our advanced laser technology safely cleans and restores surfaces, and discover the benefits of this precise and eco-friendly method.

What is laser ablation?

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.

How does laser ablation remove contaminants from surfaces?

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.

Puretech leverages this advanced technology to deliver exceptional cleaning and restoration results, ensuring surfaces are left clean, smooth, and prepared for further use.

What kinds of surfaces can be safely cleaned or restored with a laser?

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

What makes laser ablation a safe and ideal cleaning and restoration method?

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.

What are the benefits of laser cleaning vs. traditional methods?

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

Can laser ablation remove specific materials without damaging others?

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 have a lower threshold than the materials they cover. This allows the laser to completely vaporize the unwanted layer without affecting the underlying surface.

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