Patent ID: 7544112
Filing Date: 2009-06-09
Classification: B24C

Abstract:
1. A method of removing a coating from the surface of a substrate in which the coating has an irregular exterior surface configuration with high and low points, such method comprising the steps of: (a) mapping the topography of the irregular surface configuration of the coating to be removed; (b) using the topography information determined by the mapping step to create an input into a control system that controls the operation and movement of an abrasive water jet apparatus; and (c) utilizing the control system to control the movement and operation of an abrasive water jet to make multiple passes relative to the surface of the substrate in which a small layer of the coating is removed during each pass and to even out the irregular surface configuration of the substrate by operating the abrasive water jet at higher material removal rates when the abrasive water jet passes the higher points in the surface configuration and at lower material removal rates when the abrasive water jet passes the lower points in the surface configuration.