FDA
FDA 21 CFR 1040.10 - Laser Product Performance Standards
Todd DunningMAUnited States
Optical Materials for Laser SystemsPublished
Dec 16, 2025
Nickel Laser Cleaning
Nickel stands out in laser cleaning applications thanks to its solid balance of reflectivity and absorptivity, which lets operators dial in precise energy absorption without excessive heat buildup. This sets it apart from more reactive metals by delivering clean finishes on tough surfaces like those in aerospace or chemical processing, while holding up against corrosion and thermal shock in demanding setups.
Laser-Material Interaction
Absorption Coefficient
6.8e5
m⁻¹
5.9e5
6.8e5
9.9e7
Absorptivity
0.36
0.02
0.36
0.6
Laser Damage Threshold
0.45
J/cm²
0.27
0.45
1.6e4
Reflectivity
0.68
dimensionless (ratio)
0.35
0.68
1
Thermal Destruction Point
1,726
K
133
1,726
3,865
Thermal Shock Resistance
450
°C
6.7
450
3.8e5
Vapor Pressure
1.3
Pa
0
1.3
1.1e5
Thermal Destruction
1,728
K
256
1,728
3,859
Specific Heat
445
J/kg·K
43.4
445
1,905
Laser Reflectivity
0.65
0.4
0.65
73.5
Thermal Conductivity
90.7
W/m·K
7.4
90.7
450
Thermal Expansion
1.3e-5
/K
4e-6
1.3e-5
31.7
Laser Absorption
0.35
0.02
0.35
4.2e8
Thermal Diffusivity
2.3e-5
m²/s
2e-6
2.3e-5
0
Ablation Threshold
2.1
J/cm²
0.09
2.1
4.3
Nickel Laser Cleaning Material Characteristics
Electrical Conductivity
1.4e7
S/m
6.6e5
1.4e7
6.6e7
Electrical Resistivity
7e-8
Ω·m
0
7e-8
2e-6
Fracture Toughness
55
MPa√m
0.67
55
157
Surface Roughness
0.12
μm
0.02
0.12
6.6
Youngs Modulus
200
GPa
10.4
200
2e11
Oxidation Resistance
1.6
-554
1.6
1,762
Density
8,908
kg/m³
1.7
8,908
9,408
Hardness
150
HV
0.2
150
3,500
Corrosion Resistance
0.005
mm/year
-1.1
0.005
1.1e6
Compressive Strength
345
MPa
8
345
2,625
Flexural Strength
483
MPa
11.4
483
2,897
Tensile Strength
455
MPa
3
455
3,000
Porosity
0
fraction
0
0
15
Absorptivity
0.37
0.02
0.37
0.6
Boiling Point
3,186
K
929
3,186
6,454
Absorption Coefficient
5.6e6
m^{-1}
5.9e5
5.6e6
9.9e7
Melting Point
1,728
K
133
1,728
3,865
Vapor Pressure
1e5
Pa
0
1e5
1.1e5
Thermal Destruction Point
1,728
K
133
1,728
3,865
Reflectivity
0.63
0.35
0.63
1
Thermal Shock Resistance
117
K
6.7
117
3.8e5
Laser Damage Threshold
2.1
J/cm²
0.27
2.1
1.6e4
Thermal Destruction
1,728
K
256
1,728
3,859
Specific Heat
445
J/kg·K
43.4
445
1,905
Laser Reflectivity
0.65
0.4
0.65
73.5
Thermal Conductivity
90.7
W/m·K
7.4
90.7
450
Thermal Expansion
1.3e-5
/K
4e-6
1.3e-5
31.7
Laser Absorption
0.35
0.02
0.35
4.2e8
Thermal Diffusivity
2.3e-5
m²/s
2e-6
2.3e-5
0
Ablation Threshold
2.1
J/cm²
0.09
2.1
4.3
Nickel surface magnification
Before Treatment
When you examine the nickel surface before cleaning, you see dark patches clinging tightly to the metal. Grime builds up in rough spots, making the texture uneven and bumpy. This contamination hides the true shine underneath.
After Treatment
After laser treatment, the nickel gleams smoothly without any residue left behind. The surface looks flat and even, reflecting light cleanly now. Make sure you check for any overlooked spots to keep it pristine.
Regulatory Standards & Compliance
ANSI
ANSI Z136.1 - Safe Use of Lasers
IEC
IEC 60825 - Safety of Laser Products
OSHA
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.95 - Personal Protective Equipment
Nickel Laser Cleaning Laser Cleaning FAQs
Q: What are the best laser parameters (wavelength, power, pulse duration) for cleaning rust or oxide from a nickel surface without damaging the base metal?
A: Fluence 2.5 J/cm² preserves substrate. For nickel oxide removal, I recommend a 1064 nm wavelength with 100 W average power and 10 ns pulses. Specifically, maintain fluence near 2.5 J/cm² to selectively ablate contaminants while preserving the substrate. Thus, employing a 50 μm spot size at 500 mm/s scan speed delivers optimal cleaning efficiency without thermal damage to the base metal.
Q: Can a fiber laser effectively remove nickel plating from a substrate like copper or steel?
A: Tune fluence for selective ablation. Yes, particularly at around 100 W and 1064 nm, a fiber laser can effectively strip nickel plating. Tuning parameters like a 2.5 J/cm² fluence presents the main challenge, thus ensuring complete ablation of the nickel layer without thermally harming the underlying copper or steel substrate, which has a distinct ablation threshold.
Q: What specific safety hazards are associated with laser cleaning nickel and nickel alloys?
A: Generates toxic carcinogenic fumes. Nickel's ablation threshold of 2.5 J/cm² notably produces highly toxic, carcinogenic fumes. Specifically, these respiratory risks demand efficient fume extraction and suitable PPE, as the resulting aerosols represent a key safety issue in 1064 nm laser cleaning operations.
Q: Why does laser cleaning sometimes leave a discolored or rainbow-like pattern on a nickel surface?
A: Notably, the rainbow discoloration stems from a thin oxide layer caused by residual heat. Thus, shorter 10 ns pulses at higher 500 mm/s scan speeds, or an argon shield, prevent this tint by limiting thermal input to the nickel surface.
Q: Is laser cleaning suitable for preparing a nickel surface for subsequent processes like welding or coating?
A: Removes oxides leaving activated surface. Particularly suited for nickel surface preparation, laser cleaning delivers chemical purity sans abrasives. Specifically, using 2.5 J/cm² fluence and 1064 nm wavelength, it removes oxides effectively, thus yielding an activated surface primed for welding or coating adhesion.
Q: How do you clean a nickel-based superalloy (like Inconel) with a laser without inducing micro-cracks or altering its material properties?
A: Nanosecond pulses below 2.5 J/cm². For nickel superalloys, particularly with nanosecond pulses of 10 ns duration and fluence under 2.5 J/cm², this method minimizes thermal input. Thus, it prevents micro-cracks by limiting the heat-affected zone and preserving sensitive material properties.
Q: What is the best way to verify that a nickel surface is clean after laser processing and not just visually clean?
A: For nickel surfaces, particularly in demanding scenarios, pair white glove wipe tests with contact angle measurements. Notably, for critical aerospace applications, techniques like XPS verify sub-monolayer contaminant removal, thus optimizing surface energy for later processes.
Q: Can laser cleaning be used on porous or cast nickel surfaces without trapping contaminants?
A: Precise fluence prevents trapping. Laser cleaning of porous nickel demands precise fluence control around 2.5 J/cm², particularly to avoid contaminant entrapment. Thus, pairing a 100 kHz pulse rate with gas assist proficiently ejects loosened particles from intricate cast structures, ensuring thorough surface purification.
Q: How does the high reflectivity of nickel affect the efficiency and safety of the laser cleaning process?
A: Absorption increases post-threshold. Notably, nickel's high reflectivity at 1064 nm reduces process efficiency and generates hazardous reflections. Yet, as ablation initiates at the 2.5 J/cm² threshold fluence, surface absorption surges dramatically. We counter this initial hazard particularly via angled beam delivery and protective enclosures that contain stray energy.
Q: What are the regulatory (OSHA, NIOSH) exposure limits for nickel fumes, and how do they impact laser cleaning operations?
A: Requires effective fume extraction. The OSHA PEL for nickel metal fumes stands at 1 mg/m³, a level readily surpassed during laser ablation with 100W average power. Particularly, effective fume extraction proves essential, since the 1064 nm wavelength readily produces inhalable particulates. Thus, ongoing air monitoring helps maintain compliance with these rigorous exposure limits in your nickel processing tasks.
