Removal characteristics of shop-primer paint by laser energy density in Q-switching fiber laser cleaning

In this study, we performed laser cleaning using a Q-switching fiber laser to remove the shop-primer paint and the oxide layer. An analysis of the surface cleaned by laser was carried out at various energy densities. The results showed that the oxide layer on the steel surface was not removed at a relatively low energy density, whereas the base metal was damaged under excessive energy density. We confirmed that it was essential to select an appropriate energy density for efficiently removing only the paint and the oxide layer without damaging the base metal in laser cleaning.