Laser cleaning offers a cost-effective, efficient, and green alternative to traditional practices that involve caustic cleaning products. However, it’s important that you choose a laser-cleaning solution that emits enough power.
How Is Laser Power Measured?
Laser machines always talk about power output in terms of watts or wattage. A watt represents the rate at which a machine uses or produces power. Think of watts like miles per hour for electricity.
A vehicle traveling 100 miles per hour is moving much faster than a car cruising along at 50 miles per hour. Likewise, a laser emitting 500W of power is emitting more energy at a faster rate than a device set at 200W.
Common Wattage Options
Most laser cleaning machines have adjustable power outputs. This feature allows you to choose the appropriate wattage for your intended use case. Lower wattage settings are good for routine cleanings and stain removal. Higher power modes (e.g., 500W) can take care of tougher stains and remove oxidation from different surfaces.
If you aren’t sure which setting to use, it’s best to start on a lower power mode and work your way up. Using a setting that’s too low won’t damage the surface or machine you are cleaning. On the other hand, starting with too much wattage could remove too many layers at once and damage the underlying surface.
Here’s a look at three common power settings so you can get a better idea of when to use each mode.
100W
100W laser cleaning machines are ideal for light-duty applications and delicate surfaces. They offer precision cleaning and can easily remove rust, paint, and contaminants from a wide range of surfaces. The machine packs enough punch to clean effectively without damaging the substrate.
A 100W system excels in smaller tasks. The machine won’t consume much power and is cost-effective to operate. It may struggle with set-in stains or deep oxidation that goes beyond the surface level of the material. That’s why it’s a good idea to invest in an adjustable laser that comes with a broad range of power outputs.
200W
200W laser cleaning machines pack a little more punch than 100W devices. They can handle a wider variety of tasks like removing surface contaminants or cleaning thicker rust and coatings.
With a 200W system, you can clean efficiently and still protect the substrate. This power level also allows for better speed than 100W settings. However, you may need a 500W laser for extremely tough cleaning jobs.
500W
500W machines are a go-to solution for industrial cleaning tasks. You’ll be able to blast through oil, grease, grime, oxidation, and more. A 500W laser can also take care of commercial-grade paint and most other substances you’ll encounter in an industrial setting.
One of the biggest advantages of 500W lasers is their efficiency. Your team can take advantage of the device’s high power output to knock out big projects quickly and effectively.
How Powerful Are Industrial Laser Cleaning Machines?
Pulse wave laser machines emit power ranging from 100W to 1,000W. Continuous wave laser cleaning machines are much more powerful, with average output capabilities ranging from 2,000W to 3,000W.
Pulse machines are best suited for cleaning rust, oil stains, oxide films, and other debris or coatings off of various surfaces. Continuous wave options can perform complete steel stripping and de-rusting. They are a great option when you need a lot of power to prepare a surface for resurfacing.
Power Your Laser Cleaning Efforts With Nuwave
Nuwave Laser Cleaning offers a huge selection of industrial and commercial-grade machines. Need help choosing the right option for your business? Speak with one of our experts.
