You can change cleaning quality by changing scanning speed during galvanometer-based cleaning. Scanning speed shows how quickly the laser moves over a surface. Different materials and dirt levels affect the speed you need. If you pick the right speed, you clean off dirt and oxide films better.
Tip: Test different settings to find the best one for your cleaning job.
Key Takeaways
- Change scanning speed depending on the material and how dirty it is to get better cleaning. Try different speeds on a small spot to see which works best for your cleaning job. Use slow speeds for metals to clean off oxide films. Use fast speeds for non-metals so you do not harm them. Always look at your equipment settings before you start to make sure cleaning works well. Write down good settings so you can use them again and make cleaning better next time.
Scanning Speed and Cleaning Effect
Impact on Oxide Film Removal
Changing scanning speed can help you clean better. Tests show that slow speeds like 540 mm/s take off all the paint and melt some aluminum. This means slow speeds remove more oxide film. Fast speeds like 900 mm/s only take off the top layer, and some primer stays.
For stainless steel, 15 mm/s is the best speed to clean oxide films. At this speed, you clean well and do not melt too much metal. If you go faster, some oxide stays. If you go slower, you might hurt the surface.
The table below shows how cleaning changes with speed:
| Scanning Speed (mm/s) | Cleaning Effect Description |
|---|---|
| 20 | Surface looks rough, like plowed soil. |
| 200 | Many oxides remain on the surface. |
| 1000 | Micro-cracks disappear, dense surface forms, oxide layer removed. |
| 3000 | Fish scale patterns appear on the surface. |
Note: Pick your scanning speed based on the material and the dirt or oxide you want to clean.
Surface Roughness and Microhardness
When you clean with a galvanometer, scanning speed changes how rough and hard the surface is. Slow speeds make the surface heat up more. This extra heat helps remove paint or oxide, so the surface gets smoother. The smoothest surface often happens at 500 mm/s. If you go faster, the surface may get smoother first, but then it can get rough again because the paint does not get enough energy.
Microhardness also changes with scanning speed. Tests show that higher speeds make the melted area less hard. If you use speeds under 5 mm/s or set laser power above 1400 W, hardness changes a lot. How fast the metal cools controls this. Fast cooling makes harder metal like Martensite. Slow cooling makes softer metal like Ferrite.
Cleaning many times at different speeds can change how the material works over time. Scientists checked how cleaning affects roughness, hardness, color, and water absorption. They found that even small changes can make a big difference in how the material looks and works later.
| Effect Type | F-value | p-value | Partial η² |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time | 39.884 | <0.001 | 0.909 |
| Time & Group Interaction | 21.297 | <0.001 | 0.842 |
Tip: Always look at the surface after cleaning to keep it smooth and strong.
Factors Influencing Scanning Speed Choice
Material and Contamination
You need to think about the type of material and how dirty it is before you set the scanning speed. Different materials react in unique ways when you clean them with a laser. For example, stainless steel needs a special speed to get a smooth, matte finish. If you use a speed of 11,000 mm/s, you can make the surface look even and shiny. This speed also lowers the contact angle, which means water does not stick as much. You get better glossiness, too.
- Stainless steel works best with a high scanning speed for a matte look.
- Some metals need slower speeds to remove thick layers of dirt or paint.
- Sensitive materials, like plastics, may need gentle cleaning with lower speeds.
The amount and type of contamination also matter. If the dirt is thick, you may need to slow down the laser so it can clean deeper. When you increase the cleaning speed, you lower the energy density. This helps you avoid overheating and keeps the surface safe. If you go too slow, you might melt the base material or cause oxidation. If you go too fast, some dirt may stay behind. You must balance speed and energy to protect the surface and remove all contaminants.
Equipment and Laser Power
Your equipment changes how you pick the scanning speed. The type of laser and its wavelength decide which materials you can clean. Look at the table below to see which laser works best for each material:
| Laser Type | Wavelength | Material Type |
|---|---|---|
| CO2 Laser | 10.64 µm | Non-Metallic (wood, leather) |
| Semiconductor/Fiber | 1064 nm | Metal (aluminum, steel) |
| Green Laser | 532 nm | Sensitive materials |
| UV Laser | 355 nm | Sensitive materials |
Laser power also plays a big role. If you use high power with a slow scanning speed, you deliver more energy to the surface. This can help you remove tough dirt, but it may damage the material. If you use lower power with a fast speed, you clean gently and avoid overheating. You need to adjust both power and speed to get the best results for each job. The laser sends strong pulses that break up dirt and oxides quickly. You control how much energy hits the surface by changing the speed and power together.
Tip: Always check your equipment settings before you start cleaning. Try different speeds and powers to find what works best for your material and contamination level.
Adjusting Scanning Speed
Recommended Settings
You need to match your scanning speed to the type of surface you want to clean. Metals and non-metallic surfaces react differently to laser cleaning. You should always check the material before you start. Here are some general guidelines:
- Use CO₂ lasers for non-metallic surfaces. These work well for removing coatings from composites.
- When you clean aluminum alloys, adjust your speed carefully. This helps you keep the anodized layer safe.
- Different materials absorb and reflect laser energy in unique ways. You must set your scanning speed to fit the surface and the dirt you want to remove.
- Metals often need slower speeds for deep cleaning. Non-metals may need faster speeds to avoid damage.
You can use this table to help choose your starting settings:
| Material Type | Suggested Laser Type | Typical Scanning Speed Range (mm/s) |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum Alloy | CO₂ | 500 – 1500 |
| Stainless Steel | Fiber | 1000 – 3000 |
| Plastics/Composites | CO₂ or Green | 2000 – 4000 |
Note: Always start with a lower speed and increase it slowly. Watch how the surface reacts.
Practical Tips
You can follow a few simple steps to get the best cleaning results:
- Clean your scanner once a week. This keeps your scanning speed and accuracy high.
- Wipe the outside of your scanner, including the paper chute and stacker, with a small amount of cleaner.
- Use the menu instructions to clean the inside of your scanner.
- Replace the maintenance kit when needed. This kit has all the cleaning supplies you need.
- Check your operator’s guide for more care instructions.
- Change the brake and pick rollers from time to time. This helps your scanner work well.
You should also test your settings on a small area first. Adjust the scanning speed if you see too much heat or not enough cleaning. Keep a record of what works best for each material.
Tip: Always wear safety gear when working with lasers. Protect your eyes and skin.
Troubleshooting Issues
Sometimes, you may see problems like rough surfaces or poor cleaning. You can fix these issues by changing your scanning speed or other settings.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Surface too rough | Speed too slow | Increase scanning speed |
| Dirt or oxide not removed | Speed too fast | Lower scanning speed |
| Surface color changes | Too much heat | Lower laser power or increase speed |
| Material damage | High power, slow speed | Lower power or increase scanning speed |
If you still see problems, check your laser type and power. Make sure you use the right settings for your material. Clean your equipment often to keep it working well.
Note: Small changes in scanning speed can make a big difference. Test and adjust until you get the results you want.
You can get better cleaning if you change the scanning speed to fit your material and how dirty it is. Try out different speeds and see what happens to the surface. Look at your results and change the speed if you need to. Research shows that picking the right speed helps clean well and keeps the surface safe.
- Check your equipment before you begin.
- Test on a small spot first.
- Write down the best settings so you can use them again.
FAQ
What happens if you set the scanning speed too high?
You may leave dirt or oxide on the surface. The laser does not have enough time to clean deeply. You should lower the speed for better cleaning.
How do you know the best scanning speed for your material?
You can test different speeds on a small area. Look at the surface after cleaning. Write down the speed that gives you the best result.
Can you use the same scanning speed for all materials?
No, each material needs a different speed. Metals often need slower speeds. Plastics and composites work better with faster speeds.
What should you do if the surface looks rough after cleaning?
Tip: Increase the scanning speed. A faster speed usually makes the surface smoother. If the problem continues, check your laser power and equipment settings.
Which scanning speed works best for stainless steel?
| Surface Finish | Suggested Speed (mm/s) |
|---|---|
| Matte | 11,000 |
| Oxide Removal | 15 |
You should pick the speed based on the finish you want.
See also
The influence of laser head structure design on cleaning effect
Essential Maintenance Tips for Laser Scanning Galvanometers
The Ultimate Guide to Parameter Requirements for Fiber Laser Cleaning
