An innovative laser decoating for hybrid components
Ansbach University of Applied Sciences claims revolution in recycling
The plastics processing laboratory at Ansbach University of Applied Sciences is conducting research into the efficient separation of paint and hybrid components – a key technology for sustainable recycling. The comparison of different processes shows: Laser decoating is precise, economical and environmentally friendly.
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Prof Dr-Ing Alexandru Sover (l) and MEng Markus Zink at the open laser system by Optogon, Prof Sover with the processed sample: the paint was successfully separated from the plastic substrate and can be peeled off (Source: Optogon) -
On the left, the hybrid component: a thermoplastic as a base material with a thermoset paint layer that was successfully removed by laser. The paint can be easily removed after the laser process. In the middle the removed paint, on the right the recycled, granulated thermoplastic – ready for reuse (Source: Optogon)
Professor Alexandru Sover and Markus Zink are active in teaching and research in the field of materials science, with a particular focus on plastics technology, its processing and testing. The plastics processing laboratory of the faculty of engineering is excellently equipped and offers a wide range of equipment – from plastic extruders, thermoforming machines, 3D printers, shredders and compounders to various analytical devices for characterizing plastics (including DSC, DMA) and test equipment for determining mechanical properties.
The recycling of plastics requires a high degree of purity of the base materials. Although plastic components and the paint are both made of plastics, they are completely different. While the base material is usually made of thermoplastic and can be easily recycled, the paint is a thermoset that must be fed into a different recycling process.
The lacquer is used to protect the products on one hand and to improve their appearance on the other. Very large quantities of painted products have to be recycled at the end of their life cycle, and the number of painted products is constantly increasing. Manufacturers and recycling companies face major challenges, as there is still no technology that enables hybrid components to be separated efficiently and in an environmentally friendly manner.
The new system was launched in January 2025. The process is as simple as it is ingenious: the paint is separated from the substrate with the laser and can then be removed like a film. No additives are required and the process is very fast and efficient in many cases. As the paint is not burnt, there is virtually no pollution. Sover explains: “Modern and resistant paint systems are increasingly being used in painting technology. As a result, there are painted products that are difficult or almost impossible to strip using laser technology.” Nevertheless, numerous coating systems have already been successfully tested on different substrates.
Read the interactive issue in the Adobe Cloud, or download the single-article PDF – An innovative laser decoating for hybrid components, PhotonicsViews 22 (D1), April 2025, pp. 51–55
