5 reasons to use F-Clean to clean large metal structures
Laser cleaning technology is increasingly entering various business areas. Even today, construction companies and industrial cleaning companies use laser devices to clean metal structures. In this article we will look at the 5 main advantages of the F-Clean laser cleaning system for the treatment of large metal structures. Several real cases are described.
Advanced technology
Companies that incorporate laser cleaning into their production gain an additional competitive advantage — advanced cleaning technology. In addition, the technical specifications for bidding documents are increasingly meeting the need to use exactly laser equipment. The laser cleaning market is just forming, so there is an opportunity to occupy a niche and get ahead of the competition.
Effective and fast cleaning
The F-Clean laser complex removes all types of dirt: all types of corrosion, scale, grease, store primer, etc. The unit treats the smallest surface elements, corners and hard-to-reach places without damaging the base material. The dirt layer evaporates, so there is no need for cleaning. Cleaning speed depends on the dirt complexity and the size of the surface to be cleaned. Learn more about cleaning technology in our special article.
Removal of rust from a large steel structure
No additional costs
Pokkels F-Clean is the ability to clearly forecast costs. The equipment requires only the cost of electricity at the rate of 1kW per 1 m². No consumables, no cleaning and no disposal costs. The device service life is 100,000 hours — that is more than 10 years of continuous use for 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. A fixed-fee monthly leasing program is available
Case: Pharmaceutical factory
The current pharmaceutical plant needed re-painting of steel structures. The task was to remove the old paint. The work of the company could not be stopped, because it would lead to significant losses.
Issues: Sandblasting was not applicable because it would have required a plant shutdown. Chemical treatment was very expensive because of the high cleaning volume and the need for disposal.
Pokkels solution: The F-Clean laser system helped the company efficiently clean the metal structures for subsequent painting. And the company saved money because it eliminated the need for consumables and aftertreatment, was able to perform repairs without interrupting production, and was able to meet deadlines.
Local treatment
When doing repair work, sometimes there is a need for paint and rust local removal. The F-Clean laser cleaning system helps not only to prepare the surface for welding, but also to remove rust from the area without damaging the protective coating in the adjacent steel structure. You may read more about the laser cleaning process in a dedicated article.
Laser cleaning of steelwork
Upgrade option
Construction work often involves working outdoors, including in rain and sub-zero temperatures. The F-Clean system cannot work in the rain like any other power tool. A wet surface is not a hindrance in itself: the laser light first vaporizes the water and then removes the contaminant layer. It is possible to upgrade the device according to your needs. For example, we can add a heated laser system for winter operation
Case: Cleaning a bridge support
The automobile and railway bridge required cleaning the old paint. The bridge passes over a river, so it was important not to harm the environment when choosing the cleaning method.
Issues: Chemical cleaning was not possible because of the large size of the bridge and the river flowing underneath it. Sandblasting could cause complications and require costs associated with the use of a diesel generator, sand delivery and its disposal. One possible solution was to use waterjet cleaning. However, the surface of the metal was in close proximity to water, so it corroded quickly.
Pokkels solution: The mobility of the F-Clean laser system made combined cleaning possible: after the waterjet cleaning, the rust was removed before the primer coating was applied.
