FDA
FDA 21 CFR 1040.10 - Laser Product Performance Standards
Alessandro MorettiPh.D.Italy
Laser-Based Additive ManufacturingPublished
Dec 16, 2025
Boron Carbide Laser Cleaning
We've discovered boron carbide shines in laser cleaning applications, thanks to its superior hardness that withstands abrasion and intense heat without cracking or deforming—outpacing softer ceramics by upholding structural integrity for armor and tooling in demanding environments
Laser-Material Interaction
Thermal Destruction
2,723
K
273
2,723
3,900
Laser Absorption
0.18
0.35
0.18
2,625
Laser Damage Threshold
5.2
J/cm²
1.6
5.2
20.9
Ablation Threshold
2.8
J/cm²
0.57
2.8
4
Thermal Diffusivity
1.2e-5
m²/s
1e-6
1.2e-5
7.3e-5
Thermal Expansion
5.6e-6
K^{-1}
3e-6
5.6e-6
1.1e-5
Specific Heat
1,076
J/(kg·K)
250
1,076
2,500
Thermal Conductivity
30
W/m·K
1.4
30
127
Laser Reflectivity
0.32
0.05
0.32
0.4
Boron Carbide Laser Cleaning Material Characteristics
Density
2.5
g/cm³
1.7
2.5
16.3
Porosity
0
%
0
0
30
Surface Roughness
0.4
μm
0
0.4
0.8
Tensile Strength
350
MPa
5
350
600
Youngs Modulus
450
GPa
40
450
679
Hardness
38
GPa
6.7
38
3,150
Flexural Strength
400
MPa
45.6
400
1,153
Oxidation Resistance
30
μm/year
0
30
2,310
Corrosion Resistance
0.75
mm/year
0
0.75
262
Compressive Strength
350
MPa
95
350
4,090
Fracture Toughness
28
MPa m^{1/2}
0.56
28
5.7
Electrical Resistivity
10
Ω·m
0
10
1e14
Boron Carbide surface magnification
Before Treatment
At 1000x magnification, the boron carbide surface looks rough and dotted with dark specks of contamination. Grimy layers cover the peaks and valleys, making the texture uneven and patchy. Scattered debris clings tightly, blocking any clear view of the base material.
After Treatment
After laser treatment at 1000x magnification, the boron carbide surface appears smooth and uniformly bright. The clean texture reveals sharp edges without lingering spots or roughness. We've restored the material's natural clarity, free from all
Regulatory Standards & Compliance
ANSI
ANSI Z136.1 - Safe Use of Lasers
Related Ceramic › Carbide Materials
Boron Carbide Laser Cleaning Dataset Download
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