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Removing coatings and corrosion from aircraft components often requires abrasive blasting, sanding and hazardous chemicals to prepare the surfaces for rework. Engineers and artisans at Fleet Readiness Center East recently observed a demonstration of a quicker, more efficient way to clean these parts for repair, using laser light to remove corrosion and coatings from containers and aircraft components.
FRCE’s Advanced Technology and Innovation Team and Materials Engineering Division have been working for some time to bring laser ablation technology to the facility, because the laser system is quicker, cleaner and safer than traditional methods of metal cleaning, according to team members. Recently, the team and other FRCE engineers, maintenance professionals and interested parties had the opportunity to see a handheld laser ablation system demonstration.