Objective:

The objective of this project is to demonstrate and validate a Robotic Laser Coating Removal System (RLCRS) as an alternative technology to the current chemical and mechanical methods that are used to remove coatings from large off-equipment aircraft components. The ultimate goal is to design a system of commercially available off the shelf (COTS) components that can be easily integrated onto different robotic platforms, allowing individual depots to adapt the technology to meet their specific configuration and space needs.

Technology Description:

The RLCRS will consist of a commercial laser paint removal unit, laser beam delivery system, contour-following hardware and software, and particle capture system that will be integrated with the control system of an existing gantry robot that is currently property of the U.S. Air Force. The robot will be outfitted with a laser system capable of removing coatings that are commonly found on large aircraft parts. The laser will be sufficiently sized to remove these coatings at a rate required to maintain the current productivity levels found at Department of Defense (DoD) maintenance facilities. The unit also will be outfitted with a non-contact contour-following system to allow processing of parts with minimal setup and programming of the robot. The non-contact contour-following system allows the operator to input an operating area. Once this step is completed, the system automatically maintains a constant offset from the part that is being processed as the robot moves over the set area. This constant adjustment minimizes the effects that irregular shaped parts and inconsistent part loading may have on coating removal efficiency. The particle capture system will be integrated into the RLCRS so that it operates in coordination with the firing of the laser, thus capturing the residual particles and dust created during the paint removal.

Expected Benefits:

The expected benefits of this project to the DoD include a significant reduction of hazardous waste, air emissions, and costs associated with off-equipment component depainting. Environmental benefits can be realized by significantly reducing the amount of contaminated abrasive blast media, chemical paint stripper material, and contaminated masking material used for stripping off-equipment components at DoD depots. Cost savings also can be realized by reducing the expenses associated with the purchase of the paint stripper, disposal of the waste generated from the process, and reduction in the number of labor hours required to strip the components. (Anticipated Project Completion - 2008)

Principal Investigator:
Mr. Randel Bowman
Tinker Air Force Base
OC-ALC/MABPP
3001 Staff Drive, Suite 2Y43
Tinker AFB, OK 73145
Telephone: (405) 736-5986
Fax: (405) 736-4178
E-mail: randel.bowman@tinker.af.mil