Guide: How to Choose the Right Laser Cleaning Machine for Your Application
Complete comparison of pulsed and continuous wave laser cleaners. When to use each technology, what power you need and which LUCOHE model suits your job: paint stripping, rust removal, mould cleaning or surface preparation.
Introduction
Laser cleaning has become the most efficient, eco-friendly and precise alternative to traditional industrial cleaning methods. No chemicals, no abrasives, no waste. But not all laser cleaners are the same: choosing between pulsed and continuous wave technology, and getting the right power level, is the difference between excellent results and an underutilised machine.
In this guide we explain how both technologies work, when to use each one, and which LUCOHE model best suits your application.
Pulsed vs. continuous wave laser: what is the difference?
Pulsed laser
A pulsed laser emits extremely high-intensity bursts of energy at very short intervals (nanoseconds). This concentrated energy breaks and vaporises contaminants without significantly heating the substrate. It is like delivering thousands of micro-impacts per second that strip the surface layer without touching what is underneath.
Key advantage: precision and substrate protection. Ideal when you cannot afford to damage the workpiece.
Continuous wave (CW) laser
A continuous wave laser emits a constant beam of energy that burns and vaporises the contaminant layer through sustained heat. It is faster over large areas but generates more heat in the substrate.
Key advantage: speed and productivity on large surfaces. Ideal for fast stripping of paint, varnish and thick coatings.
When to use each technology
Use pulsed laser (LC-300P / LC-500P) when:
- Working with sensitive parts: injection moulds, aerospace components, precision parts, electronics
- You need to clean without damaging the substrate: pre/post-weld surface preparation, selective layer removal
- Working with delicate materials: aluminium, copper, titanium, tight-tolerance parts
- Doing maintenance cleaning: periodic cleaning of tooling, moulds, machine components
- You need precision: heritage restoration, selective cleaning, work on specific areas
Use continuous wave laser (LC-1500C / LC-1500W) when:
- Stripping paint or varnish from wood: doors, furniture, beams, joinery. The 1500C strips thick layers at high speed
- Working on large surfaces: ship hulls, steel structures, facades, containers
- You need maximum productivity: up to 20 m²/h cleaning speed, ideal for volume work
- Removing thick coatings: multi-layer industrial paint, enamels, heavy primers
- The substrate is robust: structural steel, cast iron, surfaces where heat is not a concern
- Running full-shift production without stops: intensive industrial use 8+ hours. Choose the LC-1500W with water cooling
Our LUCOHE range
LUCOHE LC-300P — 300W Pulsed Laser
The lightest in the range: 29 kg in trolley case format. Designed for precision and maintenance work. With 9 scan modes and mono-pulse energy up to 15 MJ, it is the perfect tool for workshops, mould maintenance and delicate component cleaning. Universal 110-240V voltage.
Ideal for: maintenance workshops, mould cleaning, small parts, restoration, industrial electronics.
LUCOHE LC-500P — 500W Pulsed Laser
The perfect balance of power and portability: 35 kg in trolley case. Double the power of the LC-300P while maintaining pulsed precision. For industrial work that requires more capability without sacrificing substrate protection.
Ideal for: aerospace, automotive, weld preparation, industrial rust removal, heavy machinery cleaning.
LUCOHE LC-1500C — 1500W Continuous Wave Laser
The powerhouse of the range: 1500W of continuous power for the most demanding jobs. With cleaning speed up to 20 m²/h and scan width up to 300 mm, it is the solution for fast large-scale stripping. Portable format with wheels.
Ideal for: paint and varnish stripping on wood, ship hull cleaning, large metal structures, facade rehabilitation, marine industry.
LUCOHE LC-1500W — 1500W Continuous Wave Laser (water cooling)
Same power as the LC-1500C, but with integrated water cooling: no duty cycle limit, no stops, no overheating. The LC-1500C (air cooling) operates at approximately 60–70% duty cycle at full power, which in very long sessions may require brief cooling pauses. The LC-1500W removes that restriction entirely: it runs at full power all shift long, hour after hour. Water-cooled models are also available in higher power ratings (2,000W, 3,000W) for the most demanding industrial applications.
Specs: 1,500W CW · Water cooling · Total weight (unit + chiller): ≤170 kg · Gun: 0.9 kg · Fibre: 5 m · 220V / 50Hz
Ideal for: intensive industrial production, workshops running 8+ hour shifts, marine, large structures, and any application where stops are unacceptable.
Quick comparison table
| Feature | LC-300P | LC-500P | LC-1500C | LC-1500W |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Technology | Pulsed | Pulsed | Continuous | Continuous |
| Power | 300W | 500W | 1,500W | 1,500W+ |
| Weight | 29 kg | 35 kg | ~35 kg | ≤170 kg |
| Format | Trolley case | Trolley case | Portable with wheels | Unit + chiller |
| Substrate damage | Minimal | Minimal | Moderate (heat) | Moderate (heat) |
| Speed | Moderate | High | Very high (20 m²/h) | Very high (20 m²/h+) |
| Paint/wood stripping | Thin layers | Medium layers | ✓ Specialist | ✓ Specialist |
| Mould cleaning | ✓ Specialist | ✓ Specialist | Not recommended | Not recommended |
| Rust removal | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cooling | Air | Air | Air | Water |
| Duty cycle | ~70% | ~70% | ~60–70% | 100% |
| Voltage | 110-240V | 110-240V | 220V | 220V |
Practical tips by application
Paint stripping on wood
For removing paint or varnish from doors, furniture, beams or joinery, the LC-1500C is the best choice. Its continuous 1,500W power strips thick layers at high speed without sanding or chemical strippers. On softwoods (pine, spruce), reduce power to 50-60% to avoid marking the grain. On hardwoods (oak, beech), full power can be used.
Important: the laser removes paint and varnish (surface coatings), but cannot remove stains that have penetrated into the wood fibre.
Rust removal
All machines in the range remove rust effectively. For small parts and routine maintenance, the LC-300P is sufficient and the most manoeuvrable. For heavy rust on large surfaces, the LC-1500C offers the highest productivity. The LC-500P is the sweet spot for demanding industrial applications.
Mould cleaning
Injection, tyre or food moulds require pulsed laser only (LC-300P or LC-500P). The pulsed mode removes rubber, plastic and release agent residues without altering the mould surface or modifying its tolerances. Continuous wave generates too much heat and can deform precision moulds.
Weld preparation
Before welding, removing rust, grease and contaminants improves weld quality. After welding, removing discolouration and spatter. For both operations, pulsed models (LC-300P, LC-500P) are ideal because they add no extra heat to the weld zone.
Marine and large structures
For stripping ship hulls, containers or industrial structures, the LC-1500C or LC-1500W are the natural choices. Both deliver up to 20 m²/h speed and 300 mm scan width. For full-shift operations without stops, the water-cooled LC-1500W is the right pick.
Intensive industrial production
When production demands full-power operation throughout an entire work shift (8+ hours), the LC-1500W with water cooling is the only sustainable choice. The LC-1500C handles the vast majority of workshops and applications perfectly, but for very intensive duty cycles water cooling guarantees full power with no restrictions. Water-cooled models are also available at higher power ratings (2,000W, 3,000W) for even greater throughput.
Need more power?
Our standard air-cooled range covers 300W–1,500W. Water-cooled models are available from 1,500W up to 3,000W and above, on request. Higher power means faster cleaning and greater capacity for very heavy coatings. If your application requires high power or intensive continuous production, contact us for no-obligation advice.
Why choose LUCOHE through Herramentalia?
- In-house technical service in Spain: you do not depend on a manufacturer in China. On-site and remote support from Madrid.
- Up to 3-year warranty: far above the market standard (12 months).
- Training included: we teach you to configure optimal parameters for your specific materials.
- Stock and spares: protection lenses, wear parts and consumables available.
- Industrial experience: over 27 years in metal processing technology.