The SLCR-Laser Paint Stripping Process provides the ability to perfectly strip sensitive surfaces. In extensive tests and examinations the material compatibility of the process had been proven for the military by end of 1999.
First applications are available, e.g. the stripping of helicopter blades.
However, to make the process available for the entire, that is also for the civil aviation industry, Lufthansa Technik AG, Hamburg and SLCR Lasertechnik GmbH, Dueren launched and conducted a comprehensive test program to evaluate the process influences on composite material. Boeing Corp. This program was finished by the end of 2000 and the test results are now available. The program and its test results are interesting in two different aspects. First the program reflects the first experience gained with the new IATA resp. SAE requirements for approving new paint removal processes, given by the SAE MA4872 document, especially for composite material and thermal processes.