News & Events
Goodbye Sandblasting: EPCM’s High‑Precision Laser Metal Cleaning Now in Newfoundland
Client
From shipyards and automotive manufacturers to heavy industry maintenance contractors, global clients are increasingly seeking faster, safer, and more sustainable alternatives to traditional surface cleaning methods. In response to this demand, EPCM has launched a new Laser Metal Re-Surfacing & Cleaning Service tailored to the marine, automotive, mechanical, and metal-processing sectors.
With over 45 years of experience in integrated engineering, automation, and field services, EPCM is uniquely positioned to deliver this solution through a turnkey service model. Laser cleaning is currently performed at EPCM’s facility, with future plans to support on-site delivery at client locations as demand and infrastructure grow.
Challenge
Many industrial sectors still rely on abrasive or chemical methods — such as sandblasting or chemical stripping — to remove coatings, rust, or prepare surfaces for bonding or welding. While effective, these methods:
- Generate hazardous waste
- Risk substrate damage
- Involve high operational costs
- Pose safety concerns in confined or sensitive environments
Clients in marine and heavy manufacturing environments face additional challenges, such as corrosion on large surfaces, inaccessible structures, and the need to comply with tightening environmental regulations.
Solution
EPCM’s Laser Metal Cleaning Service uses 2000W continuous fiber laser technology to deliver a clean, precise, and non-contact solution for industrial surface treatment. Applications include:
- Rust and coating removal: Perfect for ship components, automotive parts, and industrial machinery.
- Surface preparation: Ensures strong adhesion for paint, welding, or bonding.
- Fine-detail cleaning: Effective even on curved or hard-to-reach surfaces.
Key advantages:
- Fast operation: Up to 5 m²/hour
- Eco-friendly: No chemicals, no abrasive media, minimal waste
- Safe for materials: Preserves substrate integrity
- Adaptability: The system can be operated manually or semi-automated, depending on the surface type. Currently, all laser cleaning is performed in-shop at EPCM’s facility, with potential for future on-site services.
Our pricing is flexible and scalable — ranging from $150 to $500 per hour depending on the industry, surface condition, and project complexity. For larger projects, EPCM also offers custom quotes based on surface area, setup time, travel, and overall duration.
Outcome (In Progress)
The service is currently being implemented with early adopters in the marine and automotive sectors. Initial results show:
- 50–70% reduction in project time compared to traditional methods
- Zero substrate damage across multiple material types (steel, aluminum, alloys)
- Improved job site safety, with reduced dust and airborne contaminants
- Cost efficiency, with no recurring media costs and reduced labor times
This technology is also aligned with Industry 4.0 trends, allowing for digital job tracking, repeatable quality standards, and scalable deployment across industrial facilities.
Looking Ahead
EPCM’s Laser Metal Cleaning Service reflects our commitment to innovative, eco-friendly, and high-performance solutions for today’s industrial challenges. Whether you’re managing shipyard maintenance, automotive restoration, or mechanical fabrication, our service helps you get the job done — faster, cleaner, and more precisely.
Contact us to receive a project-specific quote or schedule a live demonstration of our laser cleaning capabilities. Send us a photo for a free quote today: lasercleaning@epcm.com
More Information
Want to learn more?
- Video: Watch here
- Line Card: Download here
