ANSI
ANSI Z136.1 - Safe Use of Lasers
Ikmanda RoswatiPh.D.Indonesia
Ultrafast Laser Physics and Material InteractionsPublished
Dec 16, 2025
Zinc Laser Cleaning
Zinc for laser cleaning, high reflectivity of material protects substrate from thermal damage. Contaminants absorb energy and vaporize easily, thus process yields clean surface without affecting underlying alloy, this sets zinc apart from absorptive metals that risk melting.
Laser-Material Interaction
Absorptivity
0.15
0.1
0.15
0.3
Absorption Coefficient
1e7
m⁻¹
5e6
1e7
2e7
Laser Damage Threshold
2.5
J/cm²
1
2.5
5
Thermal Shock Resistance
2.5
MW/m
1
2.5
4
Reflectivity
0.85
0.7
0.85
0.95
Thermal Destruction Point
693
K
600
693
800
Vapor Pressure
10
Pa
1
10
100
Thermal Destruction
693
K
256
693
3,859
Specific Heat
389
J/kg·K
43.4
389
1,905
Laser Reflectivity
0.72
0.4
0.72
73.5
Thermal Conductivity
116
W/m·K
7.4
116
450
Thermal Expansion
3e-5
1/K
4e-6
3e-5
31.7
Laser Absorption
0.35
0.02
0.35
4.2e8
Thermal Diffusivity
4.2e-5
m²/s
2e-6
4.2e-5
0
Ablation Threshold
1.1
J/cm²
0.09
1.1
4.3
Zinc Laser Cleaning Material Characteristics
Youngs Modulus
108
GPa
10.4
108
2e11
Oxidation Resistance
1.6
-554
1.6
1,762
Density
7,140
kg/m³
1.7
7,140
9,408
Hardness
35
HB
0.2
35
3,500
Corrosion Resistance
0.003
mm/year
-1.1
0.003
1.1e6
Compressive Strength
28
MPa
8
28
2,625
Flexural Strength
110
MPa
11.4
110
2,897
Tensile Strength
110
MPa
3
110
3,000
Fracture Toughness
15
MPa√m
0.67
15
157
Porosity
0
%
0
0
15
Electrical Resistivity
5.9e-8
Ω·m
0
5.9e-8
2e-6
Absorptivity
0.05
0.02
0.05
0.6
Boiling Point
1,180
K
929
1,180
6,454
Absorption Coefficient
6.5e7
m^{-1}
5.9e5
6.5e7
9.9e7
Electrical Conductivity
1.7e7
S/m
6.6e5
1.7e7
6.6e7
Melting Point
693
K
133
693
3,865
Vapor Pressure
1e5
Pa
0
1e5
1.1e5
Thermal Destruction Point
693
K
133
693
3,865
Reflectivity
0.95
0.35
0.95
1
Thermal Shock Resistance
28.3
K
6.7
28.3
3.8e5
Surface Roughness
1.6
μm
0.02
1.6
6.6
Laser Damage Threshold
2.1
J/cm²
0.27
2.1
1.6e4
Thermal Destruction
693
K
256
693
3,859
Specific Heat
389
J/kg·K
43.4
389
1,905
Laser Reflectivity
0.72
0.4
0.72
73.5
Thermal Conductivity
116
W/m·K
7.4
116
450
Thermal Expansion
3e-5
1/K
4e-6
3e-5
31.7
Laser Absorption
0.35
0.02
0.35
4.2e8
Thermal Diffusivity
4.2e-5
m²/s
2e-6
4.2e-5
0
Ablation Threshold
1.1
J/cm²
0.09
1.1
4.3
Zinc surface magnification
Before Treatment
When examining the contaminated zinc surface at 1000x magnification, I've noticed irregular bumps and dark smudges everywhere. Grime layers build up thickly, dulling the metal's natural tone completely. These spots create a patchy, worn look that hides the underlying structure.
After Treatment
After laser treatment on the zinc surface at 1000x magnification, it appears smooth and evenly lit now. The clean areas reflect light brightly without any lingering marks. This polished finish reveals the metal's true clarity
Regulatory Standards & Compliance
IEC
IEC 60825 - Safety of Laser Products
OSHA
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.95 - Personal Protective Equipment
Zinc Laser Cleaning Laser Cleaning FAQs
Q: What makes zinc suitable for industrial use?
A: Zinc is a metal we often work with in coatings and alloys. It handles heat well up to around 693 K before it starts to break down. And its specific heat sits at about 389 J/kg·K, so it absorbs energy steadily without big temperature jumps. This helps in applications like galvanizing steel—zinc protects against rust effectively.
Q: How do we clean zinc surfaces with lasers?
A: For laser cleaning, we use a power range of 100 W. This removes contaminants like oxides or dirt without damaging the zinc underneath. The process heats the surface just enough to vaporize buildup, and since zinc conducts heat evenly, it clears spots quickly. But watch the settings—too much power melts it, so start low and test. We've seen good results on coated parts this way.
