Article tools sponsored by

Industrial cleaning turns to lasers

By Norman Bartlett -- Design News, June 22, 1998

Lisses, France--Laser technology has proven successful when cleaning statues and historical monuments--in-doors. Outside on the street is a different matter. Changing environmental conditions in general, and temperature variations in particular, can cause havoc with laser beam stability.

An open-loop correction system, based on neural network technology, promises to remedy this situation. A joint effort between Neural Computer Sciences (NCS, Southampton, England) and B.M. Industrie of France, the system "learns" the relationships present in data through a training process and, once trained, responds accurately to new input data.

Neural network technology is appropriate, says Chris Isbell, NCS project manager, because the relationship between ambient conditions and laser output are imperfectly understood. Temperature variations, for example, can influence laser beam power, quality, and most importantly, pulse beam profile.

Isbell explains: "If power intensity is plotted across the laser beam from edge to edge, a near Gaussian curve will be seen. Ideally, that bell-shaped curve should be symmetrical for maximum effect. If it appears lopsided, the power or internal optics must be corrected."

In order to implement corrective action, B.M. Industries has defined the system's performance-related parameters and has collected training data. NCS is developing the neural net software, its associated embedded control board, and supervisory system software. The resulting system is built into the laser to maintain its performance under conditions common to building cleaning operations.

Funded, in part, by the European Union's Eureka program, the international RESTOR project hopes to offer a system suitable for cleaning 10m(super2) of building facade per hour. Benefits: no erosion from sandblasting; no discoloring from chemical cleaners; no recycling or purification of water jets.

related stories
resource center
by this author

View more articles by Norman Barlett

Technology Marketplace

Article tools sponsored by

Talkback

We would love your feedback!

» View All Talkback Threads

» Submit talk back

DN's Resource Center Get Free Information, Made Easy

Unique & Personal Capabilities catalog
Control Line Equipment, Inc. | Design Guide
Request Item
How to Create Lasting Bonds with Adhesives, Sealants & Coatings
Master Bond | White Paper
Request Item

View all DN resources >>

Design News Partner Zones

CAD/CAE Model Clean-Up: Reduce Iterative Cycles
Discuss how Recipe-Based Automation can help create "just-in-time" CAE-ready geometry when CAD models are updated. Register Now

Light Matters: Systems Level Approach to HBLED illumination applications
Its good practice to apply a systems-level approach to high-brightness LED (HBLED) illumination applications. Minimally, the system includes the optical, thermal and electrical characteristics of the of the HBLED, the lens (if any) which is built-in to its package, secondary optics such as external plastic lenses/reflectors to direct the light as your application requires and power driver electronics. Read More

Design Engineers' Portal for Sensing and Machine Safety
Whatever industry you're in, or whatever product you manufacture, the right sensors to automate your plant, and to improve your overall efficiency, quality and safety are a must. You'll find Banner Engineering to be an amazing resource of products, training and people with expertise.