Currently, orbital hand sanding is used to remove paint from composite rotor blades during refurbishment operations. This method is time consuming, expensive, generates significant hazardous waste, and often results in secondary damage to the blade. Safe, effective removal of paint can be achieved using laser processing techniques. This work presents the results of a test program to characterize the various affects the process has on fiberglass-epoxy composite, and to provide a direct comparison to hand sanding techniques where appropriate. Tests include thermal effects using embedded high bandwidth thermocouples, paint adhesion testing, tensile testing, and others.
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© 2006 Laser Institute of America.
2006
Laser Institute of America
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