FDA
FDA 21 CFR 1040.10 - Laser Product Performance Standards
Todd DunningMAUnited States
Optical Materials for Laser SystemsPublished
Dec 11, 2025
Stainless Steel 304 Laser Cleaning
When laser cleaning stainless steel 304, watch out for its tendency to hold heat longer than carbon steels. I've seen this lead to uneven surfaces if you push too hard. But its strong resistance to corrosion sets it apart, restoring a clean finish that stays protected longer. This works best when you keep pulses short and steady.
Laser-Material Interaction
Thermal Destruction
1,673
K
256
1,673
3,859
Laser Absorption
0.35
0.02
0.35
4.2e8
Laser Damage Threshold
1.2
J/cm²
0.27
1.2
1.6e4
Ablation Threshold
1.9
J/cm²
0.09
1.9
4.3
Thermal Diffusivity
4.1e-6
m²/s
2e-6
4.1e-6
0
Thermal Expansion
17.3
×10^{-6}/K
4e-6
17.3
31.7
Specific Heat
500
J/(kg·K)
43.4
500
1,905
Thermal Conductivity
16.2
W/m·K
7.4
16.2
450
Laser Reflectivity
0.65
1 (dimensionless fraction)
0.4
0.65
73.5
Vapor Pressure
0.01
Pa
0
0.01
1.1e5
Thermal Destruction Point
1,425
°C
133
1,425
3,865
Absorption Coefficient
4.7e7
m^{-1}
5.9e5
4.7e7
9.9e7
Thermal Shock Resistance
132
K
6.7
132
3.8e5
Reflectivity
0.62
fraction
0.35
0.62
1
Absorptivity
0.35
0.02
0.35
0.6
Stainless Steel 304 Laser Cleaning Material Characteristics
Density
8
g/cm³
1.7
8
9,408
Porosity
0
%
0
0
15
Surface Roughness
0.8
μm
0.02
0.8
6.6
Tensile Strength
505
MPa
3
505
3,000
Youngs Modulus
193
GPa
10.4
193
2e11
Hardness
2.1
GPa
0.2
2.1
3,500
Flexural Strength
530
MPa
11.4
530
2,897
Oxidation Resistance
10
μm/year
-554
10
1,762
Corrosion Resistance
0.8
mm/year
-1.1
0.8
1.1e6
Compressive Strength
505
MPa
8
505
2,625
Fracture Toughness
100
MPa m^{1/2}
0.67
100
157
Electrical Resistivity
7.2e-7
Ω·m
0
7.2e-7
2e-6
Electrical Conductivity
1.4e6
S/m
6.6e5
1.4e6
6.6e7
Boiling Point
2,750
°C
929
2,750
6,454
Melting Point
1,425
°C
133
1,425
3,865
Stainless Steel 304 surface magnification
Before Treatment
The contaminated surface reveals irregular patches of dark residue clinging to the metal grains. Scattered specks of debris create uneven textures across the field of view. Rough edges and embedded particles obscure the underlying structure.
After Treatment
Laser treatment restores a uniform shine to the exposed metal grains. Smooth contours replace the former debris, revealing clear boundaries between grains. The cleaned area displays consistent reflectivity without lingering irregularities.
Regulatory Standards & Compliance
ANSI
ANSI Z136.1 - Safe Use of Lasers
Stainless Steel 304 Laser Cleaning Laser Cleaning FAQs
Q: Can laser cleaning cause discoloration on Stainless Steel 304?
A: I've seen discoloration happen if the laser power runs too high during cleaning. This works best when you start with lower settings to gently remove contaminants without heating the surface excessively. Stainless Steel 304 tends to maintain its finish if you monitor the process closely and avoid prolonged exposure on one spot.
Q: What's the best way to prepare Stainless Steel 304 for laser cleaning?
A: When cleaning Stainless Steel 304, you'll want to first ensure the surface is free of heavy debris by wiping it down. This process restores the material's natural shine as the laser removes oxides and residues effectively. I've found that keeping the area dry helps the laser interact evenly with its durable, corrosion-resistant properties.
Q: How do I avoid warping Stainless Steel 304 during laser cleaning?
A: Stainless Steel 304 cleans well with laser if you use short pulses to limit heat buildup on the surface. This approach reduces the risk of distortion in its strong,
