The workshop people call it a Christmas miracle

Text and photo: Sveinung W. Jensen, Tellus Kommunikasjon

Laser beams shoot out of the mouth of the rust removal gun at the workshop in Lundevågen. The logistics manager slowly guides the flame over the rusty chain, which after treatment looks as good as new.

- Until now, we have sandblasted surfaces with old paint and rust, with the environmental consequences that come with such an operation. The waste must be collected and destroyed, and the entire process must be documented, he says, and continues:

– WITH LASER rust and paint are burned away with a very high temperature. This way we avoid sand and waste materials.

Together with a colleague, the logistics manager is now working on learning the new wonder machine. The training of more employees at the FFS workshop will start soon.

- "Of course, we'll be using the rust removal gun for our own operations - such as treating cranes, chains and boat hulls. But the plan is to offer laser rust removal in the market to anyone who needs it. "The laser gun is easy to transport and requires little rigging. We provide personnel who are trained to handle the machine," says the logistics manager.

ALSO FFS CHIEF John W. Nilsen is satisfied with what his workshop employees call "a Christmas miracle".

- We are keen to become a little greener every day. With the purchase of this rust removal gun, we ensure great environmental benefits. At the same time, it is cheaper than sandblasting, he says.

Nor does Nilsen hide the fact that he didn't quite believe the commercial for the laser burner when he first saw it.

- The whole process and the result is so impressive that it is almost too good to be true, says Nilsen.

THE GUN CAN set up in the same way as a high-pressure washer - with a maximum width of 30 centimeters. The pressure can also be set, based on how fine or coarse you want the surface to be. The optimal distance between the gun and the object is 80 centimeters.

The gun is not only used on iron and steel. It is also very effective on surfaces such as concrete and wood.