Laser induced damage threshold on metallic surfaces during laser cleaning

Abstract

In view of the importance of material degradation during laser irradiation, which can have deleterious effects on mechanical and chemical properties of a component, a study was initiated to determine a threshold at which damage takes place during laser paint removal. Laser induced damage on 316L stainless steel was studied, with the target subjected to single and multiple pulse irradiations using a Q-switched Nd:YAG, with fluences between 0.15 and 11.8 J/cm2. Several different damage morphologies were observed during scanning electron microscope investigations. The information obtained from these investigations was used to quantify the onset of damage caused to the substrate when various laser parameters were used for paint removal.