Real-Time Control of Laser Coating Removal

Energy Research Company (ERCo) proposes the development of an instrument that provides novel real-time control of laser decoating processes by detecting the coating as it is being removed. The technology allows for precise and selective removal of the desired coating layer while preserving any underlying coatings and the base material. The instrument’s real-time operation allows the coating removal rate to be unimpeded and to proceed at its optimum speed. The quality of the decoating process will thereby be greatly improved while throughput of the laser decoating system will be unaffected. ERCo has demonstrated the technique in its laboratory and has shown that very accurate coating removal can be obtained. In Phase I, ERCo will demonstrate the device’s ability to automatically and accurately control the removal of topcoat and/or primer layers while preserving underlying layers and the substrate material. The technology can also be adapted for controlling other coating removal methods.