|
Illustrating the level of efficiency using this novel method.
Top image: Quality of laser paint stripping using micro optics.
Bottom image: Quality of the conventional laser paint stripping method.
The numbers indicate the level of pait stripping after each laser treatment. |
Micro-optics research at the CSIR has led to the successful design and implementation of a novel optical solution for efficient industrial paint stripping.
The development was as a result of laser physicist, Dr Andrew Forbes, of the mathematical optics team taking their micro-optics research a step further via a partnership with a supplier of advanced laser systems and laser subsystems developed for the industrial market, SDI Lasers. The company has an Innovation Fund development project for laser paint stripping.
Although the use of lasers for paint stripping is being used by some industries, it is a relatively new approach. Forbes says, "Generally, chemicals are used to remove paint, which is not environmentally-friendly and is also hazardous. However, the difficulty with laser paint stripping is that with the repetitive action of trying to strip all the paint, the laser also moves over parts where paint has already been removed. As such, there is the risk of damaging the substrate underneath the paint and the paint stripping is not of high quality."
"What the CSIR mathematical optics team has done is develop a method where a uniform intensity beam is used (the energy is constant) and thus there is even distribution where the laser is focused; resulting in even paint removal. The beauty of this development is that the actual laser system remains the same; all that happens it that a micro-optical mirror is used and problem solved!"
Very few lasers have micro optics, but Forbes says that "it's the way
of the future". He says, "This is a hot topic worldwide and our task is
to make this technology more accessible to South African commercial
laser manufacturers."
SDI Lasers is a privately-owned technology company that exports lasers all over the world, including to such prestigious clients as NASA. It has also embarked on a project to develop a laser-based paint stripper for the aerospace industry and plans to integrate this development into its project. The CSIR and SDI Lasers have entered into an agreement of intent to explore incorporation of novel optics into the SDI Lasers' product line and future high power lasers.
Enquiries: CSIR Communication
|
