Introduction
In the automotive and metalworking industries, conventional metal surface finishing techniques – such as chemical etching, mechanical polishing, and PVD coating – are giving way to more innovative methodologies. Laser technology is emerging as a pioneering approach to altering the surface characteristics of metals, ensuring greater accuracy and uniformity in results. This methodology is applicable to a wide variety of metals, including carbon steel, cast iron, aluminum, molybdenum, and magnesium.
4 Types of Laser Surface Treatments for Metals
Laser Cleaning of Metals
Laser cleaning is a surface treatment technique capable of eliminating coatings and a wide range of impurities from metals.
- Oxides: Efficient removal of oxides on aluminum, copper, and stainless steel.
- Coatings: Ability to remove powder, electrophoretic, metallic, phosphatic, and insulating coatings.
- Contaminants: Elimination of various contaminants, including electrolytes, lubricants, oils, greases, and dusts.
Laser Texturing of Metals
Laser texturing, also known as laser structuring, is a comprehensive surface treatment for metal components that cleans, textures, and modifies the chemical composition of the surface in a single operation.
- Cleaning: Removal of coatings and surface impurities.
- Texturing: Engraving the surface to create a texture and roughness that promotes mechanical anchoring.
- Chemical Alterations: Introduction of a controlled amount of beneficial oxides to increase bonding points.
Laser Hardening of Metals
Laser hardening, also known as laser heat treatment, is a surface treatment technique used to enhance the mechanical characteristics of metal components, such as hardness and wear resistance. The laser beam is focused on the surface of the workpiece, rapidly heating the surface layer of the metal. This causes rapid melting and solidification, modifying the microstructure of the metal and resulting in a tempered surface layer with improved mechanical properties.
Laser Coating of Metals
Laser coating can be compared to 3D metal printing using a laser. It is a material deposition process used to add thick or thin layers to a surface to improve its properties or restore damaged areas. A laser beam is used to melt a metal powder or wire, depositing layers that can improve corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and other characteristics.
Laser texturing can be used to prepare metals for any type of coating, sealing, or adhesive. For example, some customers use it to prepare metals for thermal spray coating and adhesive bonding.
Examples of laser treatments on metals
