ROBOTIC LASER SYSTEM TO STRIP PAINT FROM AIRCRAFT

摘要

Paint removal process is performed in normal maintenance process for aircraft. Traditional paint or coating removing process uses abrasives or chemical paint removers. These removers generate significant hazardous waste and air emissions, which makes negative impact on environment. To develop a waste and emission-free coating removal technique is a challenging task for researchers. In this regard, Researchers from Carnegie Mellon University's National Robotics Engineering Centre (NREC) and Concurrent Technologies Corporation (CTC) of Johnstown developed a new technique for the paint and coating removal. Researchers build six autonomous mobile robots, each equipped with a laser coating remover. Researchers make them to work in a team to remove paint and other coatings from aircraft. This technique is known as Advanced Robotic Laser Coating Removal System (ARLCRS). This technique uses continuous wave laser for removal of paint from aircraft. Laser can be used for selective removal of coating. A customized system safely collects the removed coating or paint from aircraft and this minimizes its negative impact on environment.