Experimental studies of the possibility of laser processing as a cleaner method of achieving a surface with good adhesion

In manufacturing processes many technological operations are designed, in which the adhesive properties of the treated surface are very important. These are processes related to application of any coating on the surface, such as gluing, painting, varnishing and others. Durability of coatings depends on proper preparation of the surface to which they are going to be applied. Conventional methods, such as grinding, sandblasting with subsequent washing and degreasing, as well as galvanic treatment applied to e.g. aluminium alloys - require the use of not only specific equipment but also chemical substances. They often lead to a significant burden on the environment due to their harmful properties. In an experimental study, attention was drawn to the significant environmental aspects of such a technological process and work was carried out to demonstrate whether it is possible to eliminate toxic and hazardous substances and to create good adhesion conditions by laser processing. To this purpose, samples were made out of two representative materials: X6Cr17 steel and AW-2024 aluminium alloy, abrasive surface treatment or in a galvanic bath and then washed, degreased and dried. Laser surface treatment without the use of additional chemicals was proposed as an environmentally cleaner technology. Surface roughness and adhesion of the test polymer coating were measured for comparative evaluation of the applied treatment methods. Obtained results were discussed in terms of the possibility of eliminating harmful influences and implementing laser treatment as a cleaner technology in the production of components requiring coating.