FDA
FDA 21 CFR 1040.10 - Laser Product Performance Standards
Yi-Chun LinPh.D.Taiwan
Laser Materials ProcessingPublished
Dec 11, 2025
PET Laser Cleaning
Laser cleaning parameters and specifications for PET
Laser-Material Interaction
Thermal Destruction
523
K
228
523
715
Laser Absorption
0.48
0.28
0.48
1.3e5
Laser Damage Threshold
0.62
J/cm²
0.71
0.62
2.6
Ablation Threshold
0.03
J/cm²
0.39
0.03
2.8
Thermal Expansion
7e-5
K^{-1}
5.9e-5
7e-5
0
Specific Heat
1,170
J/(kg·K)
1
1,170
2,500
Thermal Conductivity
0.24
W/m·K
0.02
0.24
3
Laser Reflectivity
0.04
fraction
0.02
0.04
0.05
PET Laser Cleaning Material Characteristics
Density
1.4
g/cm³
0.84
1.4
2.2
Surface Roughness
0.8
μm
0
0.8
1.6
Tensile Strength
55
MPa
10
55
400
Youngs Modulus
2.8
GPa
0.01
2.8
5,000
Hardness
0.09
GPa
51.8
0.09
123
Flexural Strength
85
MPa
20.7
85
96.4
Oxidation Resistance
2.2
μm/year
0.76
2.2
1,575
Corrosion Resistance
0.9
mm/year
0
0.9
105
Compressive Strength
55
MPa
20
55
200
Fracture Toughness
4
MPa m^{1/2}
0.7
4
2.9
Electrical Resistivity
1e16
Ω·m
9.5e12
1e16
1e17
PET surface magnification
Before Treatment
When you examine the contaminated PET surface up close, you spot irregular patches of grime and tiny debris scattered everywhere. Dust particles cling tightly to the uneven texture, making the whole area look dull and cluttered. This buildup hides the material's natural smoothness beneath layers of residue.
After Treatment
After laser treatment, you notice the PET surface turns remarkably even and clear overall. The grime vanishes completely, leaving behind a polished finish without any visible spots. Now the texture appears uniform and bright, ready for practical
Regulatory Standards & Compliance
ANSI
ANSI Z136.1 - Safe Use of Lasers
PET Laser Cleaning Laser Cleaning FAQs
Q: Why does PET sometimes warp during laser cleaning?
A: I've seen PET warp more easily than metals because it softens at lower temperatures. This happens when the laser heat builds up quickly on its smooth surface, unlike tougher materials that handle it better. To avoid this, keep the laser moving steadily and use shorter pulses so the material stays intact without deforming.
Q: How do I prepare PET surfaces for effective laser cleaning?
A: When cleaning PET, start by removing loose dirt first to let the laser focus on the real contaminants. This works best because PET's non-porous nature means contaminants stick tight, and prepping helps the laser remove them cleanly without residue. I've found wiping with a mild solvent beforehand makes the process faster and leaves a spotless finish every time.
Q: What's the best speed for laser cleaning PET to avoid damage?
A: Tending to go slow with PET helps control the heat so it cleans without burning the edges. Compared to denser plastics, PET's flexibility means it
Related Plastic › Thermoplastic Materials
PET Laser Cleaning Dataset Download
License: Creative Commons BY 4.0 • Free to use with attribution •Learn more
