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Market Overview

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The Laser Cleaning Market is projected to experience substantial growth, increasing from USD 775.5 million in 2023 to USD 1,533.6 million by 2028, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 14.61% during the forecast period (2023-2028).

Laser cleaning involves the removal of particles or hydrocarbon pollutants from solid surfaces. This technique offers several advantages, including remote control, high speed, dry cleaning, and, notably, environmentally friendly processing.

As laser cleaning continues to gain importance across various industries, it has undergone significant technological advancements, particularly in manufacturing. Traditionally employed for surface preparation in industrial processes, automated cleaning systems are now adapting to the changes brought about by Industry 4.0. Conventional methods, such as abrasive blasting systems and chemical solvents, generate waste and can damage delicate surfaces, leading to the adoption of laser-based solutions for surface cleaning.

The considerable benefits that laser cleaning offers over traditional approaches have been driving its adoption. In the electronics industry, laser cleaning provides precise and accurate cleaning of semiconductors, making it a favored choice. The electronics manufacturing sector, seeking greater reliability and facing an increasing number of errors resulting from no-clean procedures, has renewed its focus on cleaning processes. This trend has resulted in a wide range of cleaning methods being explored, which, in turn, propels the growth of the laser cleaning market.

However, certain challenges impede the market’s growth, including the high cost of laser cleaning equipment and the lack of technical expertise. The majority of laser cleaning machines are priced between INR 750,000 (USD 9,153.43) and INR 5,500,000 (USD 67,125.13) per piece, making them relatively expensive.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, laser cleaning has demonstrated effectiveness in disinfecting bacteria-infected surfaces through the thermal effects of the laser. Researchers have conducted various studies to determine the efficacy of different types of lasers in cleaning such surfaces, with careful consideration given to factors such as wavelength, pulse energy, and repetition rate. These trends are expected to have a positive impact on the growth of the laser cleaning market.

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Market Segmentation

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The market is segmented based on various factors, including power range, end user, and geography.

Segmentation by Power Range
High
Medium
Low

Segmentation by End-user Industry
Infrastructure
Automotive
Aerospace and Aircraft
Industrial
Other End Users

Segmentation by Geography
North America – United States, Canada
Europe – United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, and Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific – China, Japan, India, South Korea, and Rest of Asia-Pacific
Latin America
Middle East and Africa

The laser cleaning market is characterized by a diverse array of power ranges, with the medium power range segment claiming the largest share of 48.55% in 2022. Over the forecast period (2023-2028), the high power range segment is projected to exhibit the highest Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 15.43%. Mid-powered laser solutions, although covering slightly less area in one sweep, are just as effective as high-powered systems ranging from 100 to 1000 watts. They offer faster cleaning, up to 15 times quicker than traditional media blasting methods like dry ice blasting. Notably, mid-powered solutions yield improved quality for reduced porosity welds and excel in bonding preparation. Renowned automotive and airline industry giants, such as Spirit AeroSystems and Toyota, have already embraced and utilized mid-powered lasers.

Regarding end-user industries, the automotive segment led the market with the largest share of 36.97% in 2022. This same segment is anticipated to register the highest CAGR of 15.10% during the projected period (2023-2028). Laser cleaning proves highly effective in removing all contaminants, not just those visible to the eye. The automotive industry widely employs laser cleaning for various applications, including corrosion removal, coating removal, topcoat select removal, oxide treatment during production or maintenance, among others. Laser cleaning can significantly restore high-value vehicles with all their original parts in good surface condition, which becomes increasingly challenging as cars age. Automotive manufacturers like Toyota, Michelin, and GM have formed partnerships with companies like Adapt Laser Systems to harness laser technologies, including cleaning.

The rising demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and the substantial deployment of laser cleaning machines are expected to further drive market growth during the forecast period. Laser cleaning, with its ability to eliminate impurities using thousands of pulses per second, particularly benefits automotive parts that require bonding preparation and pre-weld processes. This includes enhancing the chemical characteristics that hold EV battery components together, prolonging product lifespan by removing pollutants before bonding or treatment. The method of cleaning EV batteries with laser ablation significantly improves conductivity between the battery cell and the bonding wire. The production of electric vehicles, especially in regions like China and India, is poised to bolster market expansion.

In terms of geography, Asia-Pacific accounted for the largest market share of 35.96% in 2022. This region is projected to exhibit the highest CAGR of 15.17% during the forecast period (2023-2028). In China, stringent environmental regulations and increasing awareness of environmental protection have led to a rising demand for laser cleaning systems. The use of laser cleaning has gained popularity in the EV battery sector due to its precision and ability to minimize excessive thermal stress on the substrate, mitigating explosion risks. Additionally, Japan’s industrial sectors witness promising growth in laser treatment applications, driven by increased laser research and engineering capabilities. South Korea’s automotive demand has led to a growing need for laser cleaning machines for weld preparation, contaminant oxide removal, corrosion resistance, bonding preparation, and other applications. Other Asian countries such as Australia, Thailand, and Indonesia are also expected to contribute to the market’s growth during the forecast period.

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Competitive Landscape

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The laser cleaning market exhibits fragmentation due to the presence of numerous regional and international players. This fragmented nature engenders intense competition among the participants, and the market attracts investments from various new entrants. Key players in the market include Jinan Xintian Technology Co., Ltd (XT Laser), TRUMPF Group, Laser Photonics Corporation, Laserax Inc., and Adapt Laser Systems. To strengthen their product offerings and secure sustainable competitive advantages, these market players employ strategies such as partnerships, innovations, and acquisitions.

In May 2022, Laser Photonics Corp. introduced the CleanTech3000-CTH laser cleaning system. This handheld laser cleaning equipment boasts the capability to effectively eliminate tough corrosion and enhance adhesion prior to painting. Notably, the system comes equipped with an integrated chiller and shares the same size as the previously most efficient system for the commercial industry, the 2000-CTH. The Laser Photonics CleanTech Handheld series of Roughing lasers saw expansion with the introduction of the 3KW laser blaster, as described in the Laser Photonics Cleaning Laser selection guide.

Similarly, in March 2022, IPG Photonics continuously enhanced its laser cleaning portfolio by launching LightWELDXR, the third product offering within its handheld laser welding and cleaning product line. This new product extends the range of handheld laser welding and cleaning capabilities to address a broader spectrum of materials and thicknesses compared to previous LightWELD models. Accomplishing this is achieved through producing a much smaller spot size and delivering more than six times the energy density.

Key companies profiled in this report include Jinan Xintian Technology Co., Ltd (XT Laser), TRUMPF Group, Laser Photonics Corporation, Laserax Inc., Adapt Laser Systems, Clean -Lasersysteme GmbH, P-Laser, IPG Photonics Corporation, Scantech Laser Pvt. Ltd, Anilox Roll Cleaning Systems, HGLaser Engineering Co. Ltd, Coherent Corp.

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Recent Industry Developments

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In January 2023, Laser Photonics Corporation unveiled its latest CleanTech laser systems, specially enhanced to address the challenges of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operations. The company’s CleanTech product line, comprising more than 50 well-developed products, incorporates new features and capabilities for laser cleaning. Notably, advancements have been made in the multi-axis laser scan heads and precision automation controls, effectively tackling diverse operational obstacles.

In May 2022, Flexo Wash introduced the FW 850 Laser Anilox Cleaner, designed for narrow web printers facing wastewater-related issues. The FW 850 series devices have the capability to clean up to two thin web rolls in a single cleaning cycle. What’s remarkable is that this Laser Anilox Cleaner requires no water supply, drain, or safety equipment for installation. With a maximum diameter of 180 mm (7 in), a maximum cleaning length of 700 mm (27.6in), and a maximum weight per anilox of 50 kg, it offers cleaning cycles for one or two anilox every wash (110 lbs.).

In November 2021, the University of Bristol secured EUR 505,000 (USD 536,769.55) in R&D funding as part of the UK-Japan Civil Nuclear Programme. The funding aims to support the development of laser contamination cleaning techniques specifically tailored for nuclear industry applications.

Additionally, in April 2022, Laser Photonics Corp., a leading provider of high-tech laser systems for laser cleaning, announced upgrades to its existing product line. The advancements encompass the entire range of products, spanning from Class IV to Class I laser blaster cabinets, automatic laser cleaning equipment, and robotic applications. Furthermore, in May 2022, the company introduced the CleanTech3000-CTH laser cleaning system, boasting an impressive 3KW power capacity.

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Key Questions Answered

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What is the projected size of the Laser Cleaning Market?
The Laser Cleaning Market is expected to achieve a size of USD 775.5 million in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 14.61% to reach USD 1,533.6 million by 2028.

What is the current market size of the Laser Cleaning Market?
As of 2023, the Laser Cleaning Market size is projected to reach USD 775.5 million.

Who are the major players in the Laser Cleaning Market?
The key players operating in the Laser Cleaning Market include Jinan Xintian Technology Co., Ltd (XT Laser), TRUMPF Group, Laser Photonics Corporation, Laserax Inc., and Adapt Laser Systems.

Which region is experiencing the highest growth in the Laser Cleaning Market?
Asia Pacific is expected to witness the fastest Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) over the forecast period (2023-2028) in the Laser Cleaning Market.

Which region holds the largest market share in the Laser Cleaning Market?
As of 2023, the Asia-Pacific region dominates the Laser Cleaning Market.