Gaussian Beam for Laser Cleaning Stainless Steel Welds
When it comes to laser cleaning stainless steel welds, there are two main types of laser beams that can be used: Gaussian beams and tophat beams. Gaussian beams have a bell-shaped intensity distribution, while tophat beams have a uniform intensity distribution.
Gaussian beams are more suitable for laser cleaning stainless steel welds than tophat beams for a few reasons.
First, Gaussian beams have a higher peak power than tophat beams. This means that they can ablate material more quickly and efficiently.
Second, Gaussian beams have a narrower beam width than tophat beams. This means that they can produce a cleaner and more precise ablation. The laser can be programmed to gently clean the surface or produce an as new shine
Third, Gaussian beams can micro melt the surface, thus improving corrosion resistance and removing heat tint from the weld. Tophat beams cannot do this as the larger beam profile is designed not to micro melt or scratch a surface.
Top hat Beam Results
Gaussian Beam Results
As a result of these advantages, Gaussian beams are the preferred type of laser beam for laser cleaning stainless steel welds. They are more effective at removing material, they produce a cleaner ablation, and they can improve corrosion resistance and remove heat tint from the weld.
Here is a table that summarizes the advantages of Gaussian beams over tophat beams for laser cleaning stainless steel welds:
| Advantage | Gaussian Beam | Tophat Beam |
|---|---|---|
| Peak power | Higher | Lower |
| Beam width | Narrower | Wider |
| Thermal damage | More likely | Less likely |
| Ablation quality | Cleaner | Less clean |
| Corrosion resistance | Improved | Not improved |
| Heat tint removal | Yes | No |
If you are looking for the best results when laser cleaning stainless steel welds, then you should use a Gaussian beam. Gaussian beams are more effective, produce a cleaner ablation, can improve corrosion resistance, and remove heat tint from the weld.
The same results are had when one is cleaning copper and brass, the Gaussian will produce far superior results as well as a tophat being able to turn the surface blue/purple with too much height