Laser cleaning works on the principles of laser ablation which is the process of removing organic material from metal or cement without eating away at the metal underneath. The dirt layer and any oxides underneath will absorb the energy and evaporate. The metal underneath will absorb the energy leaving a clean surface ready for welding or recoating. A shock wave is created by the laser beam, busting the material away from the surface. Material is hit with a plasma causing it to evaporate or sublimate (turn from solid to gas). The particulates and gas are vacuumed up through a filter system. There is no mechanical, thermal or chemical strain on the base material. This reduces the waste created during clean up by 50% to 90%.