What are the best settings to remove rust from cast iron?

Great question! Rust removal from cast iron is a common cleaning task, and I can help you find a solid starting point. ## Recommended Starting Settings Looking at our verified database, I don't have an exact match for **cast iron with rust**, but I do have closely related data points: **From mild steel rust removal** [S:s1]: - **Power**: 85% - **Frequency**: 200 kHz - **Pulse Duration**: 120 ns - **Scan Speed**: 4,500 mm/s - **Line Spacing**: 0.08 mm - **Focal Distance**: 180 mm This is manufacturer-approved for the IPG Photonics YLPN-2000 on mild steel rust and should translate well to cast iron, as both are ferrous materials with similar oxide characteristics. **Adaptation for Cast Iron**: Since cast iron is more porous and brittle than mild steel, I'd recommend starting **more conservatively**: - Drop power to **75-80%** initially - Keep the same frequency (200 kHz) and pulse (120 ns) - Slow scan speed slightly to **4,000 mm/s** to ensure complete oxide removal without thermal shock ## Testing Protocol ⚠️ **Critical**: Always test on a **1 cm² patch** first in an inconspicuous area: 1. Start at 75% power 2. Increase in 5% increments if rust remains 3. Watch for surface discoloration (indicates over-heating) 4. Two passes at slight overlap work best [S:s1] ## Safety Checklist - **Eye Protection**: Class 4 laser safety glasses (OD 7+ rated for your wavelength) - **Fume Extraction**: HEPA + activated carbon filter (iron oxide particles are harmful) - **Enclosure**: Full Class 4 containment or laser safety curtains - **Ventilation**: Cast iron can release silicates when heated Would you like guidance on multi-pass techniques or dealing with deep pitting in the cast iron?