Parameters and surface performance of laser removal of rust layer on A3 steel

Rust layers were prepared on the surfaces of polished A3 (C1029 in AISI) steel blocks in an air furnace. The effects of laser parameters on cleaning and performance of the cleaned surfaces were studied. The results demonstrate that rust layers can be removed completely with a pulsed Nd:YAG laser at suitable laser processing parameters. The repetition frequency has no apparent influence on the roughness of the cleaned surfaces. The roughness of the cleaned surface increases slightly with increasing laser fluence. Moreover, with the increase of the scanning velocity, the roughness of the cleaned surface increases considerable. Especially, the roughness of the cleaned surfaces can be remained unchanged by harmonizing different laser parameters. The microhardness and corrosion resistance of the cleaned surfaces are improved after laser cleaning and increase with increasing laser fluence.