CW Laser Cleaning Machines
Continuous wave fibre laser cleaners deliver uninterrupted, high-power beam output for maximum cleaning throughput. The ApexLase ION series runs from 1000W to 3000W, using Raycus and NLight sources — the choice for heavy industrial rust removal, mill scale, structural steel prep, and pipeline cleaning.
Why CW for Heavy Industrial Cleaning
Continuous wave output means the laser delivers energy without interruption. At 1000W–3000W, this translates to genuinely high cleaning speeds on heavy contamination — a clear advantage when square metres per hour is what matters.
Maximum Throughput
CW output at 1000W–3000W clears heavy rust and mill scale far faster than pulsed equivalents. For large-area structural steel, shipyard work, and pipeline cleaning, CW is the practical choice.
Tier 1 Sources
ION series machines use Raycus and NLight fibre laser sources — both widely regarded as reliable, high-quality industrial laser manufacturers with consistent beam quality.
Water-Cooled for Duty Cycle
All ION machines are water-cooled, supporting extended industrial duty cycles without thermal throttling of the laser source.
ION Series — CW Range
ApexLase ION1000
Best for: Entry industrial CW, heavy rust, structural steel, pipeline
When CW is Not the Right Choice
CW laser cleaning involves sustained heat delivery to the surface. This makes it unsuitable for:
- Thin sheet metal or aluminium panels where thermal distortion is a risk
- Historic masonry, stonework, or heritage surfaces
- Classic vehicle bodywork or precision-machined components
- Applications where substrate integrity is more important than cleaning speed
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a continuous wave (CW) laser cleaning machine?
A CW laser cleaner emits a continuous, uninterrupted beam rather than timed pulses. This produces consistent, high-average-power output that maximises cleaning throughput. CW systems excel at heavy industrial contamination where speed is the priority and the base material can tolerate some thermal input — structural steel, pipelines, heavy rust, and mill scale being the prime examples.
When should I choose CW over pulsed?
Choose CW when throughput is your primary requirement and your substrate is thermally robust — heavy structural steel, cast iron, pipe, or similar. CW is not recommended for thin sheet metal, delicate alloys, painted classic vehicles, or historic materials where thermal damage is a concern. See our pulsed vs CW comparison page for a full breakdown.
What power do I need in a CW laser cleaner?
1000W CW is the entry point for serious industrial cleaning. 2000W is the typical workhorse for shipyard, structural steel, and pipeline applications. 3000W is appropriate for the highest throughput requirements, robotic automation, or very heavy scale. Contact ApexLase to discuss your specific application and throughput target.
Are CW laser cleaners water-cooled?
Yes. All ION series continuous wave systems are water-cooled. At 1000W–3000W of continuous laser output, air cooling is impractical — water cooling ensures stable laser source temperature and sustained duty cycle performance.