ANSI
ANSI Z136.1 - Safe Use of Lasers
Alessandro MorettiPh.D.Italy
Laser-Based Additive ManufacturingPublished
Dec 16, 2025
Stainless Steel Laser Cleaning
When laser cleaning stainless steel, start by adjusting the power to manage its natural resistance to oxidation, which preserves surfaces in harsh marine or chemical environments. Be sure to avoid overheating that could warp the material, while effectively removing contaminants without harming its durable finish.
Laser-Material Interaction
Absorptivity
0.4
0.3
0.4
0.5
Absorption Coefficient
5e7
m⁻¹
1e7
5e7
1e8
Laser Damage Threshold
5
J/cm²
1
5
10
Thermal Shock Resistance
2.5
MW/m
1
2.5
5
Reflectivity
0.6
0.5
0.6
0.7
Thermal Destruction Point
1,700
K
1,600
1,700
1,800
Vapor Pressure
1
Pa
0.1
1
10
Thermal Destruction
1,673
K
256
1,673
3,859
Specific Heat
500
J/kg·K
43.4
500
1,905
Laser Reflectivity
0.65
0.4
0.65
73.5
Thermal Conductivity
16.2
W/m·K
7.4
16.2
450
Thermal Expansion
17.3
10^{-6} K^{-1}
4e-6
17.3
31.7
Laser Absorption
0.35
0.02
0.35
4.2e8
Thermal Diffusivity
4e-6
m²/s
2e-6
4e-6
0
Ablation Threshold
1.5
J/cm²
0.09
1.5
4.3
Stainless Steel Laser Cleaning Material Characteristics
Youngs Modulus
193
GPa
10.4
193
2e11
Oxidation Resistance
1,173
K
-554
1,173
1,762
Density
8,000
kg/m³
1.7
8,000
9,408
Hardness
170
HV
0.2
170
3,500
Corrosion Resistance
0.005
mm/year
-1.1
0.005
1.1e6
Compressive Strength
215
MPa
8
215
2,625
Flexural Strength
517
MPa
11.4
517
2,897
Tensile Strength
515
MPa
3
515
3,000
Fracture Toughness
200
MPa√m
0.67
200
157
Porosity
0
fraction
0
0
15
Electrical Resistivity
7.2e-7
Ω·m
0
7.2e-7
2e-6
Absorptivity
0.35
0.02
0.35
0.6
Boiling Point
3,073
K
929
3,073
6,454
Absorption Coefficient
4.5e7
m^{-1}
5.9e5
4.5e7
9.9e7
Electrical Conductivity
1.4e6
S/m
6.6e5
1.4e6
6.6e7
Melting Point
1,425
°C
133
1,425
3,865
Vapor Pressure
1,000
Pa
0
1,000
1.1e5
Thermal Destruction Point
1,698
K
133
1,698
3,865
Reflectivity
0.65
dimensionless (fraction)
0.35
0.65
1
Thermal Shock Resistance
1,770
W/m
6.7
1,770
3.8e5
Surface Roughness
1.6
μm
0.02
1.6
6.6
Laser Damage Threshold
1.8
J/cm²
0.27
1.8
1.6e4
Thermal Destruction
1,673
K
256
1,673
3,859
Specific Heat
500
J/kg·K
43.4
500
1,905
Laser Reflectivity
0.65
0.4
0.65
73.5
Thermal Conductivity
16.2
W/m·K
7.4
16.2
450
Thermal Expansion
17.3
10^{-6} K^{-1}
4e-6
17.3
31.7
Laser Absorption
0.35
0.02
0.35
4.2e8
Thermal Diffusivity
4e-6
m²/s
2e-6
4e-6
0
Ablation Threshold
1.5
J/cm²
0.09
1.5
4.3
Stainless Steel surface magnification
Before Treatment
At 1000x magnification, the stainless steel surface looks rough and uneven before cleaning. Dark spots and tiny debris cling tightly to the metal. Scratches and buildup make it seem dull overall.
After Treatment
After laser treatment, the same view shows a smooth and uniform surface. The metal gleams with a clean, even shine. No more spots or roughness disrupt the finish.
Regulatory Standards & Compliance
IEC
IEC 60825 - Safety of Laser Products
OSHA
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.95 - Personal Protective Equipment
Stainless Steel Laser Cleaning Laser Cleaning FAQs
Q: Stainless Steel FAQ
A: Stainless steel belongs to the metal category and serves widely in industrial settings. Engineers often select it for corrosion resistance and durability in applications like food processing equipment and structural components.
What physical properties matter for laser cleaning? Stainless steel has a specific heat of roughly 500 J/kg·K, which influences how it absorbs laser energy. Its thermal destruction point reaches about 1673 K, marking the threshold where melting occurs during intense treatments.
How does laser cleaning work on stainless steel? The process removes contaminants such as rust or oxide layers without damaging the base material. A power range of 100 W typically suffices for surface preparation. This method restores the metal's original finish and exposes clean substrates for welding or coating.
In industrial use, laser cleaning improves adhesion in subsequent processes. It reduces preparation time compared to chemical methods. Workers apply short pulses to reveal underlying alloys while maintaining structural integrity. Though settings vary by alloy type, these parameters apply to common grades like 304 and 316. Overall, the technique proves reliable for maintenance tasks.
