Laser technology for Fastener Manufacturing

Surface preparation is one of the most critical steps in fastener manufacturing, directly affecting the adhesion and performance of zinc flake coatings and electroplating. Developed by Laserax and SLCR Lasertechnik, LAMA™ is a next-generation laser cleaning solution designed specifically for the pre-treatment of bulk fasteners. It replaces six traditional steps (degreasing, rinsing, pickling, neutralization, blasting, and dedusting) with a single, precise laser process. This one-step approach helps manufacturers drive down operational costs while reducing consumables, energy consumption, and CO₂ footprint. Already approved by a major automotive OEM, LAMA™ offers a proven, sustainable path to consistent surface quality before coating.

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Laser Cleaning Before Zinc Flake Coating

Zinc flake coatings are applied in thin layers, so the condition of the base metal directly affects adhesion, coverage, and corrosion performance. Heat treatment scale, residual oils, and oxides left on fasteners can cause uneven coating buildup and weak spots that show up later in salt spray testing.

Laser cleaning removes these contaminants in a single dry step, replacing the combination of degreasing and shot blasting often used before zinc flake application. Because the laser acts only on the surface layer, thread profiles and critical dimensions stay intact, with no media embedded in the part and no dust to manage.

The result is a clean, uniform surface that helps the basecoat bond evenly and supports repeatable corrosion resistance from batch to batch, while cutting out blasting media, cleaning chemicals, and the maintenance that comes with them.

Laser Cleaning Before Electroplating

Electroplating depends on a chemically clean, active surface. Any rust, oil, or oxide film left on the fastener can lead to poor adhesion, blistering, or pitting, and contaminants carried into the line shorten the life of plating baths.

Laser cleaning prepares fasteners before they enter the plating line, reducing reliance on aggressive alkaline cleaners and acid pickling. This is especially valuable for high-strength fasteners, where acid pickling increases the risk of hydrogen embrittlement. Parts arrive at the plating stage cleaner and more consistent, with less drag-in to contaminate the baths.

For manufacturers, this means fewer plating rejects, longer bath life, and less chemical handling and wastewater treatment, all while improving the reliability of the finished coating.

Reduce Consumables

Laser cleaning eliminates the need for blasting media, solvents, and chemical cleaning baths. Fewer materials to purchase, store, and dispose of means lower operating costs over time.

Reduce Energy Consumption

Unlike heated wash lines and drying ovens, laser cleaning works dry and only draws power when it's active. Energy goes directly to cleaning the surface rather than heating tanks and air.

Smaller Footprint

A compact laser cell can replace multiple washing, blasting, and drying stations. This frees up valuable floor space and simplifies the layout of your pretreatment line.

Lower CO2 Emissions

By cutting chemical use, waste treatment, and energy demand, laser cleaning reduces the carbon impact of surface preparation. It helps fastener manufacturers move toward their sustainability goals without compromising coating quality.

LAMA™ Bulk Parts Laser Cleaning Machine

The LAMATM Massbulk Laser Cleaning Machine is a fully automated laser system engineered for cleaning bulk metal components such as fasteners prior to zinc flake coating or electroplating.

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Laser technology for Fastener Manufacturing