Investigation of Diode Lasers for Large Area Applique Removal

"The objective of this Phase II Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) project by LANCORP Advanced Systems (LANCORP ASI) Pittsburgh, PA entitled "Investigation of Diode Lasers for Removal of Large Area Appliqu¿" in response to Navy project N00-100 "LargeArea Appliqu¿ Removal" and continuation of the Phase I Project is to perform in depth materials testing leading to qualification of the diode laser stripping process for Navy Joint Strike Fighter aircraft. LANCORP ASI has developed an effective andenvironmentally acceptable process for removing appliqu¿s from composite and metallic substrates. This was successfully demonstrated during the Phase I project having removed a variety of appliqu¿ samples using the diode laser stripping method and it wasalso demonstrated that the process is six times faster than the current method for decoating appliqu¿s. Our approach is to build upon this success by performing in-depth qualitative testing and undergoing a five-cycle coating/decoating test coupled withmaterial testing. This will prove the diode lasers process as safe and repeatable in the ability to remove appliqu¿s. The project will conclude with a detailed design of a full-scale system for rapid removal from aircraft surfaces in a depotenvironment.BENEFITS: While laser stripping technology is not new, the efficient and practical use is. This is what diode laser stripping brings to industy, a cost effective, fast, easy to use method f