Polyimide surface during precision laser cleaning process removing contamination layer
Ikmanda Roswati
Ikmanda RoswatiPh.D.Indonesia
Ultrafast Laser Physics and Material Interactions
Published
Jan 6, 2026

Polyimide Laser Cleaning

When laser cleaning polyimide, consider its exceptional heat resistance, which maintains stability under intense thermal stress to prevent warping or breakdown—problems that affect lesser plastics—and lets you achieve a clean surface without compromising structural integrity.

Laser Material Interaction

Material-specific laser energy interaction properties and cleaning behavior

Thermal Destruction

673
K
0
673
1,346

Laser Absorption

0.65
0
0.65
1.3

Laser Damage Threshold

1.25
J/cm²
0
1.25
2.5

Ablation Threshold

0.58
J/cm²
0
0.58
1.16

Thermal Diffusivity

7.8e-8
m²/s
0
7.8e-8
1.6e-7

Thermal Expansion

20
10^{-6}/K
0
20
40

Specific Heat

1,090
J/(kg·K)
0
1,090
2,180

Thermal Conductivity

0.12
W/m·K
0
0.12
0.24

Laser Reflectivity

0.065
%
0
0.065
0.13

Material Characteristics

Physical and mechanical properties

Density

1.42
g/cm³
0
1.42
2.84

Surface Roughness

1
μm
0
1
2

Tensile Strength

231
MPa
0
231
462

Youngs Modulus

2.5
GPa
0
2.5
5

Hardness

0.35
GPa
0
0.35
0.7

Flexural Strength

250
MPa
0
250
500

Oxidation Resistance

3
μm/year
0
3
6

Corrosion Resistance

0.88
mm/year
0
0.88
1.76

Compressive Strength

231
MPa
0
231
462

Fracture Toughness

6
MPa m^{1/2}
0
6
12

Electrical Resistivity

1e15
Ω·m
0
1e15
2e15

Polyimide 500-1000x surface magnification

Microscopic surface analysis and contamination details

Before Treatment

At 1000x magnification, the polyimide surface looks cluttered with scattered dirt particles and sticky residues everywhere. I've seen how these contaminants form uneven clumps that roughen the entire area. They hide the material's base texture under a dull, patchy layer.

After Treatment

After laser treatment at 1000x, the polyimide surface appears smooth and free of all visible debris now. I've noticed the treatment restores a uniform, glossy finish across every spot. No residues remain to mar the clean, even

Regulatory Standards

Safety and compliance standards applicable to laser cleaning of this material

Industry Applications

Industries and sectors where this material is commonly used

  • Electronics Manufacturing

  • Aerospace

  • Automotive

  • Flexible Circuits

  • Insulation

  • High-Temperature Applications

  • Semiconductor

  • Advanced Materials

FAQs for laser cleaning Polyimide

Common questions and expert answers about laser cleaning this material
How can I prevent Polyimide from charring during laser cleaning?
You must start with a lower power setting right away to avoid overheating, since Polyimide holds heat poorly and can char easily compared to metals like aluminum that dissipate it faster. Make sure you use short pulses to control the energy input, which helps the material absorb the laser without building up damaging temperatures. This approach keeps the surface clean while preserving Polyimide's tough, flexible structure for ongoing use.
What's the best way to remove contaminants from Polyimide without scratching it?
When laser cleaning Polyimide, you'll want to scan the surface slowly at first to lift dirt gently, unlike with harder plastics that need aggressive blasts and risk micro-scratches. Keep the beam focused tightly so it targets only the top layer where contaminants hide, preventing deeper penetration that could weaken the material's inherent strength. You should test on a small area to fine-tune, ensuring a smooth finish that matches Polyimide's naturally low surface

Common Contaminants

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

Polyimide Dataset

Download Polyimide properties, specifications, and parameters in machine-readable formats
32
Variables
0
Laser Parameters
0
Material Methods
11
Properties
3
Standards
3
Formats
View all Plastic datasets

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

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