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Is laser removal of graffiti practical?

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Abstract

We have studied laser stripping paint off concrete, bricks, and other materials for the application of graffiti removal. A universal graph representing the characteristic of the graffiti removal rate as a function of the laser beam intensity, will be presented, based on our experimental measurements over an intensity range of 7 orders of magnitude. We will also present our study of the paint removal rate at different pulse widths. A characteristic pulse width corresponding to the material response time of the paint and substrate has been defined. We have experimentally observed differences in graffiti removal rate at a pulse width longer than and shorter than the characteristic pulse width. The graffiti removal rate has also been studied in terms of the thermal conductivity and surface reflectivity of the substrates. In addition, we will show our results of graffiti removal from freeway signs using lasers with different wavelengths and pulse widths. Finally, we will discuss the surface quality of laser stripping compared to that of the conventional methods, and an analysis of costs and benefits using lasers to remove graffiti.

© 1993 Optical Society of America

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