Portable
Laser Coating
Removal System
Project Number: J-00-CR-017
Objective:
The DoD,
NASA,
and industry coat weapons systems, airframes, components, and associated
equipment primarily for corrosion protection. Current methods for small
area and supplemental removal of coatings are costly, time consuming,
labor-intensive, and result in undesirable environmental conditions. This
ESTCP
and JG-PP
project validated an innovative coating removal system using handheld
portable laser technology. Technology Description: Low-power, lightweight,
handheld portable lasers were demonstrated to validate their use as an
effective and environmentally safe alternative to existing depainting
processes. These systems were used to remove traditional paint systems
from small areas, irregular surfaces, various components, support equipment,
and hard-to-reach areas on aircraft. The handheld laser systems were required
to remove the current coating systems from aerospace materials, including
aluminum, steel, and composites, without causing unacceptable damage to
the substrate. During the demonstration, the following three laser types
were investigated: carbon dioxide (CO2), neodymium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet
(Nd:YAG), and diode. These systems were selected based on their performance
during screening tests and on the availability of a commercial-off-the-shelf
(COTS) cleaning/coating removal system. Results were compared to the requirements
identified by DoD,
NASA,
and industry partners in a Joint Test Protocol. Results: This project
showed that the portable handheld Nd:YAG laser systems do not significantly
affect the substrate materials and are considered an effective, versatile
tool that can be used for coating removal applications. As a result of
this demonstration, hand held laser systems have been procured and are
in the process of implementation at each of the Air Force Air Logistics
Centers. Additionally, the Army has procured similar systems and is in
the process of implementing the technology at Fort Rucker. Benefits and
Implications: The DoD,
NASA,
and industry remove coatings from weapons systems, component parts, and
other equipment for a variety of reasons. Safe and efficient coating removal
processes save both time and money. A cost benefit analysis performed
for this project showed an annual cost savings of $100 thousand and a
life cycle cost savings of $1.2 million at one Air Logistics Center from
eliminating/minimizing chemical stripping purchases and associated waste
streams. The cost benefit analysis was performed based on the use of lasers
for a single coating removal step. Once laser technology is applied to
a broader range of processing steps, the cost benefits will increase dramatically.
In addition to cost savings, implementing the laser coating removal technology
will assist depots in meeting the National Emission Standards for HAPs
and CAA
requirements. (Project Completed - 2005)
Principal Investigator: Mr. Gerard Mongelli HQ AFMC/A4BE (CTC)
3070 Presidential Drive, Suite 100
Fairborn, OH 45324
Telephone: (937) 426-2057
Fax: (937) 656-1732
E-mail: mongellg@ctc.com
The AFMC/AFRL Laser Library is now operational. This library contains reports and published articles related to the use of lasers in maintenance applications. This library also contains general information about lasers and their use that are related to this subject. Specific subject areas covered in this library are: Laser Coatings Removal, Laser Cleaning, Laser Safety, Laser Surface Preparation, Laser Manufacturing and Remanufacturing, and Laser Ablation.
To register for access to this library please visit the homepage and follow the link for first time registration. Once you have completed the registration form a temporary username and password will be emailed to you within 2 days.
The content on this site is constantly being added to and updated as new information and publisher permission is received. If you know of a report or article that is not posted that would benefit this library please contact Jim Arthur.
This site last updated February 28, 2008.
| Related Topics |
|
Project Matrix
and Points of Contact
Meeting and Teleconference Summaries Project Summary |