ANSI
ANSI Z136.1 - Safe Use of Lasers
Alessandro MorettiPh.D.Italy
Laser-Based Additive ManufacturingPublished
Dec 16, 2025
Steel Laser Cleaning
Steel, for laser cleaning applications, manifests tenacious oxidation resistance that safeguards the substrate during contaminant removal, which leads to efficient restoration without structural compromise. This durability, it sets steel apart from less resilient ferrous alloys, exhibiting practical benefits in demanding sectors such as manufacturing and shipbuilding where surface integrity persists under intense exposure.
Laser-Material Interaction
Thermal Conductivity
50
W/(m·K)
7
50
430
Thermal Expansion
12
×10^{-6}/K
0.5
12
33
Thermal Diffusivity
1.4
×10^{-5} m²/s
0.06
1.4
174
Specific Heat
486
J/(kg·K)
100
486
2,000
Thermal Shock Resistance
250
W/m
50
250
400
Laser Reflectivity
0.4
dimensionless (at 1064 nm)
5
0.4
99.9
Absorption Coefficient
0.6
dimensionless (at 1064 nm)
1e5
0.6
5e7
Ablation Threshold
1.5
J/cm²
2
1.5
8
Laser Damage Threshold
2
J/cm²
0.1
2
20
Thermal Destruction
1,773
K
256
1,773
3,859
Laser Absorption
0.35
0.02
0.35
4.2e8
Absorptivity
0.35
0.02
0.35
0.6
Vapor Pressure
10
Pa
0
10
1.1e5
Thermal Destruction Point
1,773
K
133
1,773
3,865
Reflectivity
0.59
0.35
0.59
1
Steel Laser Cleaning Material Characteristics
Density
7.8
g/cm³
0.53
7.8
22.6
Porosity
0.1
%
0
0.1
15
Surface Roughness
1.6
μm Ra
0.4
1.6
150
Tensile Strength
400
MPa
3
400
3,000
Youngs Modulus
200
GPa
5
200
600
Hardness
1.5
GPa
0.5
1.5
3,500
Flexural Strength
350
MPa
2.5
350
1,050
Oxidation Resistance
8
scale (1-10)
200
8
1,200
Corrosion Resistance
6
scale (1-10)
1
6
10
Compressive Strength
250
MPa
8
250
2,625
Fracture Toughness
60
MPa m^{1/2}
0.67
60
157
Electrical Resistivity
1.7e-7
Ω·m
0
1.7e-7
2e-6
Boiling Point
3,134
K
929
3,134
6,454
Electrical Conductivity
6.7e6
S/m
6.6e5
6.7e6
6.6e7
Melting Point
1,723
K
133
1,723
3,865
Thermal Destruction
1,773
K
256
1,773
3,859
Laser Absorption
0.35
0.02
0.35
4.2e8
Absorptivity
0.35
0.02
0.35
0.6
Vapor Pressure
10
Pa
0
10
1.1e5
Thermal Destruction Point
1,773
K
133
1,773
3,865
Reflectivity
0.59
0.35
0.59
1
Steel surface magnification
Before Treatment
At 1000x magnification, the steel surface before laser cleaning shows heavy rust buildup and scattered debris. Irregular pits and cracks mar the underlying metal layers. Contaminants cling tightly, creating a rough and uneven texture overall.
After Treatment
After laser treatment, the same surface reveals a smooth and bare metal finish. The process removes all rust and debris completely. Fresh steel exposes a uniform and reflective appearance without any remnants.
Regulatory Standards & Compliance
IEC
IEC 60825 - Safety of Laser Products
OSHA
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.95 - Personal Protective Equipment
Steel Laser Cleaning Laser Cleaning FAQs
Q: Steel in Laser Cleaning: Key Facts
A: What makes steel a go-to material in industry?
Steel stands out as a metal with solid strength and versatility. We use it everywhere—from bridges to machine parts—because it holds up under heavy loads. Its density sits around 7.85 g/cm³, which gives it that hefty feel without being too brittle. Porosity stays low at about 0.1%, so it resists water or gases sneaking in over time. In my projects, this reliability keeps things running smooth.
How does laser cleaning handle steel surfaces?
Laser cleaning works well on steel by zapping away rust, paint, or grime without damaging the base. The beam heats just the top layer, and buildup vaporizes or flakes off. You get a clean finish that looks almost new. For steel, a power range of 100 W does the job nicely, especially on thinner sheets. It brings back that shiny surface fast, and no chemicals needed. Though thicker pieces might take a pass or two, results stay consistent. I've seen it fix old tools in minutes—practical and effective.
