What is an Oxide Layer?
An oxide layer is a thin oxide film formed on the surface of a material after it comes into contact with oxygen. It is mainly composed of metal oxides. For example, iron will generate iron oxide, copper will generate copper oxide and cuprous oxide, and tin and lead will generate MO and MO₂ oxides.
The oxide layer can isolate the air and reduce the further reaction between the metal and oxygen. In many cases, it plays a protective role, preventing further corrosion.
The Formation and Influence of the Oxide Layer
In some applications, the oxide layer can have adverse effects. For example, before welding, copper or tin will naturally form an oxide film on the surface.
Taking copper as an example, at room temperature, a 10-nm-thick oxide layer can be formed in approximately 90 days. As time goes by, this layer will continue to thicken. If the oxide layer is not completely removed before welding, a passivation film (such as chromate film) may be formed.
This type of film is difficult to remove and can significantly impact welding quality. Once the cleaning is not thorough, problems such as poor contact and sparking are prone to occur. In the manufacture of new energy vehicle batteries, the surface cleaning of copper strips is very critical.
If the oxide layer is not removed cleanly, it may cause quality problems such as poor welding and unstable conductivity.
Laser Cleaning Machines for Oxide Layer Removal
Laser cleaning machines provide a precise, non-contact method for removing oxide layers from metal surfaces.
By firing short, high-energy laser pulses, the system zaps the thin, stubborn oxide, all without hurting the base material. This approach shines when working on delicate or expensive parts, such as copper strips, stainless-steel brackets, or aluminum components.
Unlike traditional abrasive or chemical methods, laser cleaning stays tidy, highly controlled, and leaves no leftover residue. It also reduces prep time and enhances the quality of subsequent welding or coating.
In the new energy battery manufacturing industry, laser oxide layer removal is widely used to remove the oxide layer from battery tabs, thereby improving welding quality.
In the metal manufacturing industry, laser cleaning can be used to remove oxide layers before welding and repainting, thereby ensuring a high-quality weld and paint finish.
In the cultural heritage restoration industry, laser cleaning can accurately remove the oxide layer from an artifact’s surface without damaging the cultural relic’s matrix.
In the mold maintenance industry, the non-contact and high-precision advantages of laser cleaning enable it to accurately and thoroughly remove oxide layers and residues from the mold surface. This method offering environmental protection, zero damage, cost reduction, and increased efficiency.
Laser Oxide Removal VS Traditional Cleaning Methods
In the removal of the oxide layer, except for laser cleaning, there are common traditional oxide layer cleaning solutions, including mechanical grinding and sandblasting.
For example, we need to clean the surface of the 10 mm x 10 mm area of the lithium battery pole ear to facilitate a more solid welding later. Traditional methods of removing the oxide layer make it difficult to achieve precise removal. Whether it is mechanical grinding or sandblasting, it is a large-area cleaning. Mechanical grinding is difficult to achieve consistent cleaning depth, and it is easy to deform, curl, and break. Sandblasting cleaning makes it difficult to achieve precise cleaning of small areas and serious pollution. It is easy to produce dust pollution, which is often uncontrollable.
Laser cleaning can perfectly solve the above problems. Laser cleaning is a new cleaning method. It has the advantages of no consumables, precise and controllable size, and precise depth control.
| Comparison Dimension | Laser Cleaning | Chemical Cleaning | Mechanical Cleaning | Ultrasonic Cleaning | High-pressure Water Jet Cleaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Principle | Laser vaporizes the oxide layer | Acid solution dissolves contamination | Sandblasting and physical abrasion | High-frequency vibration cleaning | High-pressure water with abrasives for physical abrasion |
| Efficiency (oxide layer ≤50μm) | 3–10 m²/h (at 500W power) | Very slow, requires multiple steps | Highest efficiency (sandblasting) | Best for small batch parts | Fast for thick oxide layers |
| Applicable Metal Types | Steel, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, titanium alloy; minimal substrate damage | Carbon steel, copper; not suitable for aluminum or stainless steel | All metals, but may damage surfaces | Aluminum, copper, stainless steel | Steel and alloys |
| Surface Roughness Impact | Controllable from 0.5–4.5μm | Nearly uncontrollable | Nearly uncontrollable | Almost no impact | Slightly increases roughness |
| Environmental Friendliness | Excellent | Worst | Moderate | Good | Poor |
| Cost | High initial investment, low long-term cost | High cost for chemicals and wastewater treatment | Low tool cost, high labor cost | Moderate cost for equipment and solution replacement | Moderate equipment and energy cost; high consumables |
| Oxide Layer Thickness Suitability | Thin layers (≤100μm) | Suitable for thin to medium thickness | Suitable for thick oxide layers | Only suitable for thin oxide layers | Suitable for thick oxide layers |
| Typical Applications | Pre-treatment for precision welding, e.g., lithium battery welding | Large-scale metal surface pre-treatment | Rust removal on large structures like bridges | Cleaning electronics and jewelry | Cleaning heat exchangers |
Laser Oxide Removal Effects: Before vs. After
Recommended Laser Oxide Removal Models
USD $32,000 - USD $90,000
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How to Choose a Laser Cleaning Machine
for Oxide Layer Cleaning
1. Types of Laser Cleaning Machines
There are two main types: pulse laser cleaning machines and continuous laser cleaning machines.
Continuous laser cleaning machines use a stable, high-power laser beam for constant irradiation. They are suitable for rough processing scenarios such as thick rust layers, heavy paint, and large-area pollution. However, facing the “oxide layer,” which is thin, dense, and has strong adhesion, continuous lasers have obvious disadvantages. Its heat-affected zone is large, and the laser output is continuous, which is difficult to control accurately. Pulse laser cleaning machines are the best choice.
2. Recommended Power
For the needs of oxide layer cleaning, we have developed pulse laser cleaning machines. The power covers 200W-1000W, and the main models are 300W and 500W. The main difference between the two models is the cleaning efficiency. Under the same working conditions, the efficiency of 500W is about 60% higher than that of 300W.
3. Recommended Pulse Energy
For oxide layer cleaning, we recommend a pulse energy of 1.5mJ, also known as a single-mode (Gaussian) laser. Single-mode laser has high beam quality and high energy density. One cleaning can remove oxide layers with a thickness of 10–100 microns, resulting in a thorough effect.
If you need to occasionally clean other types of pollution (such as oil), choose a 5mJ laser. This type is more adaptable.
4. Recommended Laser Cleaning Machine Models
If you need to use it outdoors for an extended period, consider the backpack model. Equipped with a lithium battery, it is easy to move.
If there is external power support, use the Seagull II series of handheld portable models. This series can work continuously for 24 hours and also supports integrated automation transformation, suitable for different cleaning scenarios.
Laser Oxide Removal Applications
New Energy Industry (Such as Lithium Battery Manufacturing)
The oxide layer on the surface of the battery tabs and copper foil will cause the welding to be weak. This affects the safety and stability of the entire battery pack.
Micro-cleaning of weld areas using pulsed laser can effectively improve the welding quality.
Auto Parts Industry
The oxide layer of the automobile body and powertrain parts must be completely removed before welding or painting. This is to ensure the firmness and corrosion resistance of the joint.
Pulse laser cleaning is a chemical-free process and highly efficient. It has gradually replaced the traditional chemical cleaning and manual polishing process.
Community Maintenance and Cultural Relics Restoration
When cleaning copperware, bronzeware, and metal components of ancient buildings, traditional methods can damage the original materials. Pulse laser cleaning is a non-contact process.
It can accurately remove the oxide layer without damaging the substrate. It has been widely used in museums, restoration institutions, and other scenarios.
Oxide Layer Cleaning in Mould Maintenance
During the use of moulds, they are often heat treated or operated at high temperatures. A layer of oxide scale or oxide layer will form on its surface, which affects the effect of repeated use.
Pulse laser cleaning can quickly restore the surface state of the mould and extend its service life.
More Laser Oxide Layer Removal Videos
200W Pulsed Laser Cleaning Machine: Removal of Rust, Oxides, and Surface Contaminants
