FDA
FDA 21 CFR 1040.10 - Laser Product Performance Standards
Yi-Chun LinPh.D.Taiwan
Laser Materials ProcessingPublished
Dec 10, 2025
Bronze Laser Cleaning
When laser cleaning bronze, make sure you adjust settings carefully because its lower melting point sets it apart from tougher ferrous metals like steel and can lead to surface damage if heat builds up too quickly, so this demands precise control to strip away corrosion or patina effectively while preserving the material's natural durability for applications in architecture and marine use.
Laser-Material Interaction
Thermal Conductivity
60
W/(m·K)
7
60
430
Thermal Expansion
18
×10^{-6}/K
0.5
18
33
Thermal Diffusivity
22
mm²/s
0.06
22
174
Specific Heat
380
J/(kg·K)
100
380
2,000
Thermal Shock Resistance
150
W/m·K
50
150
400
Laser Reflectivity
0.65
5
0.65
99.9
Absorption Coefficient
5.5
×10^6 /m
1e5
5.5
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
1,223
K
256
1,223
3,859
Laser Absorption
7.8e7
m^{-1}
0.02
7.8e7
4.2e8
Absorptivity
0.35
0.02
0.35
0.6
Reflectivity
0.65
0.35
0.65
1
Vapor Pressure
0.14
Pa
0
0.14
1.1e5
Thermal Destruction Point
950
°C
133
950
3,865
Bronze Laser Cleaning Material Characteristics
Density
8.8
g/cm³
0.53
8.8
22.6
Porosity
0.5
%
0
0.5
15
Surface Roughness
0.8
μm
0.4
0.8
150
Tensile Strength
400
MPa
3
400
3,000
Youngs Modulus
110
GPa
5
110
600
Hardness
100
HB
0.5
100
3,500
Flexural Strength
450
MPa
2.5
450
1,050
Oxidation Resistance
8
scale 1-10
200
8
1,200
Corrosion Resistance
7
scale 1-10
1
7
10
Compressive Strength
345
MPa
8
345
2,625
Fracture Toughness
52
MPa m^{0.5}
0.67
52
157
Electrical Resistivity
2e-7
Ω·m
0
2e-7
2e-6
Boiling Point
2,840
K
929
2,840
6,454
Electrical Conductivity
7e6
S/m
6.6e5
7e6
6.6e7
Melting Point
950
°C
133
950
3,865
Thermal Destruction
1,223
K
256
1,223
3,859
Laser Absorption
7.8e7
m^{-1}
0.02
7.8e7
4.2e8
Absorptivity
0.35
0.02
0.35
0.6
Reflectivity
0.65
0.35
0.65
1
Vapor Pressure
0.14
Pa
0
0.14
1.1e5
Thermal Destruction Point
950
°C
133
950
3,865
Bronze surface magnification
Before Treatment
Looking closely at the bronze surface before cleaning, I see a layer of dull, patchy grime covering everything. Dark streaks and tiny clumps stick tightly to the metal, making it look uneven and worn. Scratches and small pits scatter across, roughening the whole view.
After Treatment
After the laser treatment, the bronze surface appears smooth and brightly metallic. The grime vanishes completely, revealing a uniform shine without any streaks. Now, the texture looks even and clear, free from those old pits
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
Bronze Laser Cleaning Laser Cleaning FAQs
Q: What makes bronze a reliable metal for industrial use?
A: Bronze is a copper-tin alloy we often turn to in manufacturing. It holds up well in tools, fittings, and even marine parts because it resists corrosion. Density sits around 8.8 g/cm³, so pieces stay sturdy without getting too heavy. Porosity hovers at about 0.5%, which means fewer voids that could trap dirt or weaken the structure.
Q: How do we clean bronze with lasers?
A: Laser cleaning works great here. You apply roughly 100 W power to remove rust or grime from surfaces. This method clears contaminants fast and leaves the base metal intact. It suits restoration projects, like old statues, without harsh chemicals. Just watch the settings to avoid heating the alloy too much.
