Metric showing laserAbsorption with value 8.7 %, ranging from 0.1 to 100 %. Press Enter or Space to search for this metric.
Laser Absorption
Current value: 8.7 %. Range: 0.1 to 100 %. Progress: 9% of maximum.
8.7
%
Onyx Laser Cleaning
Tailored laser restores Onyx's banded translucency without thermal damage
Yi-Chun LinPh.D.
Laser Materials Processing
Taiwan
Properties: Onyx vs. other stones
Laser-Material Interaction
Material Characteristics
Other Properties
Machine Settings: Onyx vs. other stones
Onyx surface magnification
Laser cleaning parameters for Onyx
Before Treatment
Microscopy of the contaminated Onyx surface shows a layer of fine dust particles and oily residues clinging to its pores. These contaminants, mostly mineral-based and unevenly distributed, cause subtle discoloration and block natural sheen. The stone exhibits early degradation with micro-pitting and faint scratches, and this affects its durability in everyday cleaning uses.
After Treatment
This cleaned Onyx surface reveals a restored polish and even texture. It maintains strong material integrity, and the restoration quality supports long-term durability.
Onyx Laser Cleaning FAQs
Is Onyx safe to laser clean, or does it produce hazardous fumes?
Laser cleaning Onyx, a nylon composite with carbon fiber, requires careful fluence control near 5.1 J/cm². The process risks generating hazardous hydrogen cyanide gas from the polymer matrix. Therefore, robust fume extraction and certified respiratory protection are absolutely mandatory for operator safety during this procedure.
What are the optimal laser parameters (wavelength, power, pulse duration) for cleaning soot or oxidation from Onyx without damaging the surface?
For Onyx, use a 1064nm wavelength at 100W average power with 10ns pulses. Maintain fluence below 5.1 J/cm² to ablate soot while preserving the stone's integrity. A 50μm spot size scanned at 500mm/s effectively removes contaminants without thermal damage.
Can laser cleaning remove support material from 3D printed Onyx parts effectively?
Yes, laser cleaning effectively removes support material from Onyx parts. Using a 1064 nm wavelength at 5.1 J/cm² selectively ablates the polymer interface without etching the stone substrate, offering a significant advantage over abrasive methods that risk surface scarring.
How do you clean a laser-sintered Onyx (SLS) part versus a FFF-printed Onyx part with laser?
For SLS Onyx, use 5.1 J/cm² to remove trapped powder from its porous surface. For FFF parts, a lower fluence at 500 mm/s effectively cleans layer lines without melting the polymer matrix. The key is adjusting energy for their distinct surface topographies.
Does laser cleaning affect the dimensional accuracy or mechanical strength of an Onyx part?
Properly controlled laser cleaning preserves Onyx's structural integrity. Using a 5.1 J/cm² fluence and 50 µm spot size, we effectively ablate contaminants without inducing thermal stress or dimensional changes that could compromise mechanical strength.
What is the best way to clean carbon fiber-filled materials like Onyx compared to unfilled nylons?
For Onyx, the carbon fibers readily absorb laser energy, requiring conservative settings like 5.1 J/cm² fluence to prevent charring. This is more critical than for pure nylon, where higher energy can often be tolerated without such thermal damage.
After laser cleaning Onyx, is the surface left with a different texture or color?
Properly tuned laser cleaning with ~5.1 J/cm² fluence preserves Onyx's original polish. However, excessive energy can induce a localized matte texture from micro-ablation. This purely cosmetic change may affect subsequent finishing steps, requiring a light repolish for high-gloss applications.
Are there any specific certifications or regulatory guidelines for laser cleaning composite materials like Onyx in an industrial setting?
For Onyx laser cleaning, consult MSDS for silica content and adhere to OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134 for respiratory protection. The 1064 nm wavelength at 5.1 J/cm² minimizes subsurface damage, but air monitoring is essential for crystalline silica fume exposure, which requires specific PELs.
Regulatory Standards & Compliance
FDA
FDA 21 CFR 1040.10 - Laser Product Performance Standards
ANSI
ANSI Z136.1 - Safe Use of Lasers
IEC
IEC 60825 - Safety of Laser Products
OSHA
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.95 - Personal Protective Equipment
