Magnesium surface undergoing laser cleaning showing precise contamination removal
Yi-Chun Lin
Yi-Chun LinPh.D.Taiwan
Laser Materials Processing
Published
Jan 6, 2026

Magnesium

When laser cleaning magnesium, I've found it works best to start with lower power settings, as its lightweight nature and high reflectivity set it apart from denser metals like steel. This allows quick contaminant removal without much heat buildup, but always monitor closely to avoid surface melting at the end.

Laser Material Interaction

Material-specific laser energy interaction properties and cleaning behavior

Absorption Coefficient

1.1e7
m⁻¹
0
1.1e7
2.2e7

Absorptivity

0.12
0
0.12
0.24

Laser Damage Threshold

0.15
J/cm²
0
0.15
0.3

Reflectivity

0.74
dimensionless (ratio)
0
0.74
1.48

Thermal Destruction Point

923
K
0
923
1,846

Thermal Shock Resistance

1.8
W/m
0
1.8
3.6

Vapor Pressure

36.1
Pa
0
36.1
72.2

Thermal Destruction

923
K
0
923
1,846

Specific Heat

1,023
J/kg·K
0
1,023
2,046

Laser Reflectivity

0.94
%
0
0.94
1.88

Thermal Conductivity

156
W/m·K
0
156
312

Thermal Expansion

2.5e-5
K^{-1}
0
2.5e-5
5e-5

Laser Absorption

0.058
0
0.058
0.116

Thermal Diffusivity

8.8e-5
m²/s
0
8.8e-5
0

Ablation Threshold

1.8
J/cm²
0
1.8
3.6

Material Characteristics

Physical and mechanical properties

Electrical Conductivity

2.2e7
S/m
0
2.2e7
4.5e7

Electrical Resistivity

4.5e-8
Ω·m
0
4.5e-8
8.9e-8

Fracture Toughness

23
MPa√m
0
23
46

Surface Roughness

1.6
μm
0
1.6
3.2

Youngs Modulus

45
GPa
0
45
90

Oxidation Resistance

0.81
0
0.81
1.62

Density

1,738
kg/m³
0
1,738
3,476

Hardness

38
HV
0
38
76

Compressive Strength

160
MPa
0
160
320

Flexural Strength

170
MPa
0
170
340

Tensile Strength

160
MPa
0
160
320

Absorptivity

0.09
0
0.09
0.18

Boiling Point

1,363
K
0
1,363
2,726

Absorption Coefficient

5.9e7
m^{-1}
0
5.9e7
1.2e8

Melting Point

923
K
0
923
1,846

Vapor Pressure

398
Pa
0
398
796

Thermal Destruction Point

923
K
0
923
1,846

Reflectivity

0.92
0
0.92
1.84

Thermal Shock Resistance

52
K
0
52
104

Laser Damage Threshold

1.2
J/cm²
0
1.2
2.4

Magnesium 500-1000x surface magnification

Microscopic surface analysis and contamination details

Before Treatment

When examining the magnesium surface before laser cleaning at 1000x magnification, we see a rough texture covered in scattered dark patches. Grime and oxide layers cling tightly to the uneven contours, blocking any hint of the underlying metal. These contaminants create a mottled appearance that obscures the material's natural form.

After Treatment

After the laser treatment, the same surface reveals a smooth and even finish under 1000x view. All the grime lifts away cleanly, exposing a bright and uniform gleam

Regulatory Standards

Safety and compliance standards applicable to laser cleaning of this material

Industry Applications

Industries and sectors where this material is commonly processed with laser cleaning

  • Aerospace

  • Automotive

  • Medical Device Manufacturing

  • Electronics

  • Marine

  • Cultural Heritage

  • Energy Sector

  • Manufacturing Tooling

  • Defense Military

  • Sports Equipment

FAQs for laser cleaning Magnesium

Common questions and expert answers about laser cleaning this material
What are the specific laser settings and parameters for cleaning magnesium alloys without causing damage?
For cleaning magnesium alloys, use a 1064 nm wavelength with 10 ns pulses at 1.2 J/cm² fluence. Specifically, keep the repetition rate at 50 kHz and scan speed at 500 mm/s to avoid thermal damage. Thus, these parameters ablate oxides effectively while preserving substrate integrity.
How do you safely remove oxide layers and corrosion from magnesium surfaces using laser cleaning?
In the removal of magnesium oxide, we utilize 1064 nm wavelength lasers at 1.2 J/cm² fluence. Specifically, this ablates MgO selectively without harming the base metal. Thus, an inert argon gas shield during the 500 mm/s scan prevents immediate re-oxidation, delivering a pristine, corrosion-free surface.
What special safety precautions are needed when laser cleaning magnesium due to fire risk?
Mandatory inert gas shielding, particularly at the 1064 nm wavelength, prevents magnesium ignition. Thus, keep fluence below 1.2 J/cm² to avoid excessive heat input. Employ robust fume extraction for highly reactive MgO particles, which pose explosion risks.
Can laser cleaning be used to prepare magnesium surfaces for welding or coating applications?
Using a 1064 nm wavelength at 1.2 J/cm² fluence, laser cleaning effectively prepares magnesium surfaces. Specifically, this approach removes oxides without thermal damage, thus yielding an ideal surface profile for enhanced coating adhesion and robust welds, notably in aerospace and medical fields.
What are the challenges with laser cleaning cast magnesium alloys versus wrought forms?
Notably, cast magnesium alloys pose greater challenges from their inherent porosity, which can trap contaminants and thus requires careful fluence control below ~1.2 J/cm² to avoid subsurface damage. Their varied surface texture, particularly compared to wrought forms, demands more precise parameter tuning.
How effective is laser cleaning for removing contaminants like oils and lubricants from magnesium parts?
Laser cleaning, specifically employing a 1064nm wavelength and 1.2 J/cm² fluence, effectively removes organic oils from magnesium surfaces. Notably, this method vaporizes contaminants without chemical residue, thus serving as a superior, eco-friendly alternative to solvent-based approaches for precision parts.
Does laser cleaning affect the fatigue strength or mechanical properties of magnesium components?
When laser cleaning is properly configured at 1.2 J/cm² fluence, it particularly preserves magnesium's structural integrity. Notably, the 10 ns pulse width limits thermal input, thus avoiding micro-cracking and notable shifts in fatigue strength to sustain component longevity.
What is the best way to validate the success of magnesium laser cleaning?
Validate magnesium laser cleaning through microscopic inspection and surface roughness measurement. Particularly, confirm complete oxide removal while preserving base material integrity, thus ensuring parameters like 1.2 J/cm² fluence avoid inducing thermal damage.
Why is magnesium considered more difficult to laser clean than aluminum or steel?
Magnesium's low melting point (~650°C) and high reactivity particularly require precise laser parameters. Specifically, we must control fluence around 1.2 J/cm² to remove oxides without melting the substrate—a far narrower window than for steel or aluminum. Thus, meticulous tuning ensures damage-free outcomes.
What type of laser (fiber, pulsed, continuous wave) works best for magnesium cleaning applications?
For cleaning magnesium surfaces, pulsed fiber lasers at 1064 nm prove particularly optimal. Specifically, employing a fluence of 1.2 J/cm² alongside a 10 ns pulse width minimizes thermal input, thus preventing harm to the delicate substrate. Scanning at 500 mm/s then delivers efficient, uniform oxide layer removal.

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Common Contaminants

Types of contamination typically found on this material that require laser cleaning
Industrial Oil / Grease Buildup

Magnesium Dataset

Download Magnesium properties, specifications, and parameters in machine-readable formats
50
Variables
0
Laser Parameters
0
Material Methods
11
Properties
3
Standards
3
Formats
View all Metal datasets

License: Creative Commons BY 4.0 • Free to use with attribution •Learn more

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