Removal of Epoxy Primer and Acrylic Paint from the Surface of 2024-T3 Alloys Using Fiber Laser: Effects on Surface Morphology and Roughness


Coşkun Ö., Fidan S., Bora M. Ö., Ürgün S.

2. INTERNATIONAL BLACKSEA SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND INNOVATION CONGRESS, Trabzon, Turkey, 29 - 30 June 2024, vol.1, no.1, pp.515-530

  • Publication Type: Conference Paper / Full Text
  • Volume: 1
  • City: Trabzon
  • Country: Turkey
  • Page Numbers: pp.515-530
  • Kocaeli University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The present study aims at identifying fiber laser parametric effects on removing epoxy primer and after that acrylic paint from 2024-T3 aluminum alloys surface, emphasizing surface morphology and surface roughness. The conditions used for the experiments are the respective laser speeds (100, 550, and 1000 mm/s), laser powers (10, 30, and 50 W), and track spacings (0.01, 0.03, and 0.05 mm), which is crucial to identify the appropriate parameter settings for the paint removal process. Roughness and depth analyses of the 2024-T3 surface after paint stripping were carried out using a non-contact profilometer. According to the depth comparisons obtained as a result of the analyses, it was observed that increasing the laser power and decreasing the scanning speed increased the paint removal efficiency but also increased the morphological distortions on the surface. By contrast, at the optimal parameter settings, such adverse effects were minimized to yield efficient paint removal without compromising the surface integrity. The results of this study stress the essential need to choose proper laser parameters in order to improve cleaning efficiency and minimize surface damage. The discovery could improve laser-induced paint removal and represent a cleaner, more efficient alternative to traditional mechanical and chemical techniques. These findings are of practical concern for aerospace applications, where the preservation of the structural integrity of materials such as 2024-T3 aluminum alloys is paramount. Further studies are needed to investigate how other parameters will affect laser de-painting.