Project description
An innovative eco-friendly dry stripping method to remove aircraft coatings
Aircraft coating and decoating processes have traditionally used harsh chemicals that can be toxic to workers and the environment. As the EU moves towards a greener transportation sector, finding more eco-friendly and sustainable solutions for stripping both metallic and composite substrates has an important role to play. The EU-funded VULCAN project is developing an innovative automated dry stripping process for airframe surfaces using laser shock. This eco-friendly solution will selectively strip thin layers without affecting surface treatments or causing damage.
Objective
The VULCAN project aims to develop an innovative dry selective stripping process using laser shock for airframe surfaces. The process will allow a layer by layer stripping on metallic and composite substrates thanks to a fine tuning of process parameters.
The VULCAN project objective is to go beyond traditional laser IR or UV stripping using laser shock in order to fulfill all requirement of aerospace industry that are:
• Development of a dry stripping process
• Environmental friendliness: no use of chemicals and liquid solutions, reduction of production of hazardous wastes, no water consumption, limited worker exposure to toxic and hazardous substances, reduction of hazardous material disposal costs
• Universal solution that can be applied on metallic and composite substrates
• Selective = controlled stripping of a thin layer without affecting the surface treatment or the prime
- For metals = corrosion protection stays intact, for composites = no top coat or fibers damages
- No deformation or any kind of damage
- Automated for productivity benefits (cost effective, reproductibility, efficient speed
The consortium is composed of 2 partners who have a long track record in laser technology, coating development and aerospace materials testings.
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Funding Scheme
IA - Innovation actionCoordinator
75794 Paris
France