“Will it work on our material?” It’s the million-dollar question that precedes any investment in surface preparation technology. For industries where coating adhesion and material integrity can’t be left to chance, the answer requires more than theoretical assurances – it requires proof.

Engineers tackle this question daily inside Adapt Laser’s Kansas City testing lab. Surface preparation challenges from defense, aerospace, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors undergo rigorous evaluation to determine if pulsed laser ablation delivers results that matter.

The lab delivers the data companies need before committing to full implementation through hands-on evaluations, live demonstrations (both in-person and remote), and comprehensive automation testing. From evaluating new materials to determining optimal laser parameters for specific coatings, each test helps identify whether pulsed laser ablation is effective for different customer applications – whether using a handheld system or robotic integration.

Comprehensive Testing to Ensure the Right Solution

The testing lab serves as a proving ground where companies can get definitive answers about their materials. What makes this process necessary is how uniquely different materials respond to laser energy—successful surface preparation depends on each sample’s specific coating type, substrate composition, and adhesion requirements.

Our testing approach is straightforward but thorough. First, we determine if laser ablation is viable for your specific materials. If it is, we then identify the optimal settings for your application. This two-step process helps eliminate uncertainty and gives you concrete data before you make any technology investments.

The testing process could include:

• Material Absorption Evaluation: Determining if the material absorbs laser energy efficiently is a key factor for successful ablation.
• Coating Removal Suitability: Assesses if the laser can remove coatings effectively without damaging the substrate.
• Surface Adhesion Testing: Analyzes post-ablation adhesion properties using surface roughness measurement, free energy testing, and high-magnification microscopy.
• Go/No-Go Analysis: Provides a fast determination of whether pulsed laser ablation is a viable solution for the application.

Each test is conducted with the customer’s end goal in mind, ensuring that real-world performance – not just theoretical capability – determines the best path forward.

Application-Specific Research and Analysis

Some surface preparation challenges require more than standard testing. Adapt Laser collaborates with industry leaders, external research labs, and universities to conduct in-depth material analysis when needed.

While the lab is equipped to perform detailed visual and surface inspections, certain applications require third-party validation using advanced equipment such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), or adhesion strength testing. These collaborations allow customers to make data-driven decisions backed by comprehensive research.

Laser Demonstrations: In-Person and Virtual

Descriptions and data tell part of the story, but watching laser ablation transform your own materials reveals its true potential. The testing lab doubles as a demonstration space where companies can:

• Visit in person for live testing on their own materials.
• Send parts to the lab and receive detailed reports and video analysis.
• Participate in virtual demonstrations, reviewing results remotely.

These demonstration options help decision-makers understand the process, evaluate cleaning performance, and determine system compatibility before making an investment.

Automation and Robotic Evaluations

Adapt Laser’s testing lab provides real-world automation evaluations for companies looking to integrate laser ablation into an automated workflow.

The facility features multiple robotic systems that allow for:

• Custom programming of automated cleaning patterns.
• Complex ablation sequences tailored to specific parts and coatings.
• Proof-of-concept testing to assess robotic integration feasibility.

This capability ensures that customers considering automation can evaluate accuracy, repeatability, and throughput efficiency before implementing a robotic laser system.

Industry-Specific Testing & Research Partnerships

Beyond in-house capabilities, Adapt Laser has built strategic relationships with Penn State, Michigan State, and specialized defense research institutions. These academic and research partnerships support:

• Validation of post-laser adhesion properties for industries where coating performance is critical.
• Documentation and compliance support for military, aerospace, and infrastructure sectors with stringent regulatory requirements.
• Specialized application development focused on CARC (Chemical Agent Resistant Coating) paint removal for defense applications and surface preparation techniques for aerospace components.

These collaborations ensure that when specialized testing needs arise, Adapt Laser can provide comprehensive solutions that meet industry-specific standards.

From Testing to Implementation

Not sure if laser ablation will work for your materials? That’s what our testing lab figures out. We test your actual materials and show you exactly how the technology performs in real-world conditions.

Through this testing process, companies discover the advantages laser ablation holds over traditional methods like media blasting, chemical cleaning, and mechanical scraping. The benefits become clear through hands-on evaluation: laser ablation creates no secondary waste, targets only the materials you want removed, and delivers superior surface preparation for the next steps in your process.

This methodical approach helps companies at all stages of their decision process. Some are evaluating laser technology for the first time, others are comparing automated versus handheld solutions, and some are developing specifications for system integration. Starting with testing sets companies up for successful implementation down the road.

Ready to explore whether laser surface preparation fits your requirements? Adapt Laser’s team can evaluate your materials, demonstrate relevant systems, and help determine the most effective approach for your specific needs. 

Contact us to discuss testing options or send samples for evaluation.

The Adapt Laser Difference

At Adapt Laser, we specialize in the know-how and application of laser cleaning solutions. We offer products with a range between 20 and 2,000 watts and provide training to ensure your employees can get the most from their laser cleaning solutions. We’ve equipped a variety of industries and companies with laser cleaning solutions — including military and defense for the US Air Force and Navy — and hundreds of organizations trust our state-of-the-art surface preparation solutions.

Interested in learning more about laser ablation? Contact us at Adapt Laser to find the right solution for your surface preparation needs.