Backpack to the future

Published: 16-Jan-2006


CIProcess has launched the world's first "real, fully mobile" cleaning laser unit: the "Backpack" Cleaning Laser system.

A low-cost, portable, battery-powered solution for gentle cleaning for restoration, conservation and industry, the system is available as a mains version or as a rechargeable battery powered version, or even as a bespoke design. Suitable for industrial cleaning, surface treatment, paint removal applications and decontamination, the laser unit consists of an air-cooled diode pumped laser with an "ultra small focus", which is also able to perform restoration and conservation, including façade restoration, architectural and sculpture conservation and monument and artefact cleaning. The laser works by directing a high precision programmable scanning beam onto the chosen surface, which then reflects laser energy. Contaminants on the surface are then vaporised through absorption of the laser energy, while any fumes or particulates are removed by an in-built filter. Working gently, the laser avoids the erosion and abrasion that can occur with other cleaning methods. Manufactured by Clean Laser Systems in Herzogenrath, Germany, and developed in response to a growing demand for a low cost – the Backpack has running costs of around €0.3 per hour – portable cleaning solution, the system is safe and environmentally friendly as it uses no water or chemicals and produces no effluent.

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