FDA
FDA 21 CFR 1040.10 - Laser Product Performance Standards
Todd DunningMAUnited States
Optical Materials for Laser SystemsPublished
Dec 10, 2025
Aluminum Laser Cleaning
When laser cleaning aluminum, you'll want to start with its exceptional reflectivity that bounces most energy away so you must adjust power levels carefully to avoid overheating while revealing clean surfaces without warping the lightweight structure beneath
Laser-Material Interaction
Thermal Conductivity
237
W/(m·K)
7
237
430
Thermal Expansion
23.1
×10^{-6}/K
0.5
23.1
33
Thermal Diffusivity
9.7
×10^{-5} m²/s
0.06
9.7
174
Specific Heat
900
J/(kg·K)
100
900
2,000
Thermal Shock Resistance
250
K
50
250
400
Laser Reflectivity
0.92
5
0.92
99.9
Absorption Coefficient
1.2
×10^7 m^{-1}
1e5
1.2
5e7
Ablation Threshold
2.5
J/cm²
2
2.5
8
Laser Damage Threshold
1.8
J/cm²
0.1
1.8
20
Thermal Destruction
933
K
256
933
3,859
Laser Absorption
0.06
0.02
0.06
4.2e8
Absorptivity
0.06
0.02
0.06
0.6
Reflectivity
0.95
0.35
0.95
1
Vapor Pressure
1e5
Pa
0
1e5
1.1e5
Thermal Destruction Point
933
K
133
933
3,865
Aluminum Laser Cleaning Material Characteristics
Density
2.7
g/cm³
0.53
2.7
22.6
Porosity
0
%
0
0
15
Surface Roughness
0.8
μm
0.4
0.8
150
Tensile Strength
90
MPa
3
90
3,000
Youngs Modulus
70
GPa
5
70
600
Hardness
0.27
GPa
0.5
0.27
3,500
Flexural Strength
95
MPa
2.5
95
1,050
Oxidation Resistance
5
μm/year
200
5
1,200
Corrosion Resistance
0.1
mm/year
1
0.1
10
Compressive Strength
90
MPa
8
90
2,625
Fracture Toughness
25
MPa m^{1/2}
0.67
25
157
Electrical Resistivity
2.6e-8
Ω·m
0
2.6e-8
2e-6
Boiling Point
2,792
K
929
2,792
6,454
Electrical Conductivity
3.8e7
S/m
6.6e5
3.8e7
6.6e7
Melting Point
933
K
133
933
3,865
Thermal Destruction
933
K
256
933
3,859
Laser Absorption
0.06
0.02
0.06
4.2e8
Absorptivity
0.06
0.02
0.06
0.6
Reflectivity
0.95
0.35
0.95
1
Vapor Pressure
1e5
Pa
0
1e5
1.1e5
Thermal Destruction Point
933
K
133
933
3,865
Aluminum surface magnification
Before Treatment
The contaminated aluminum surface reveals scattered dark residues under 1000x magnification. Jagged particles and uneven layers obscure the underlying metal texture. Streaks of grime create a mottled appearance across the view.
After Treatment
Laser treatment restores the aluminum surface to clarity at 1000x magnification. Smooth expanses replace the former irregularities and debris. The polished metal now reflects light evenly without any visible remnants.
Regulatory Standards & Compliance
ANSI
ANSI Z136.1 - Safe Use of Lasers
IEC
IEC 60825 - Safety of Laser Products
OSHA
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.95 - Personal Protective Equipment
Aluminum Laser Cleaning Laser Cleaning FAQs
Q: What makes aluminum suitable for industrial laser cleaning?
A: Lightweight with low density. Aluminum weighs around 2.7 grams per cubic centimeter. That low density helps in applications like aerospace parts. Its near-zero porosity means surfaces stay smooth, without hidden contaminants.
Alessandro Moretti, Ph.D.
Q: How do you set up laser cleaning for aluminum?
A: 100-watt power range removes oxides. We use a 100-watt power range to strip away oxides or paints. The laser clears buildup gently, bringing back the original finish without damaging the base metal. It works well on automotive components or heat sinks. Just adjust the pulse to avoid overheating—aluminum conducts heat fast.
Alessandro Moretti, Ph.D.
Q: Any tips from field experience with aluminum laser cleaning?
A: Start with short bursts. This fixes surface issues quickly, yet keeps the material intact.
Alessandro Moretti, Ph.D.
