Developing Processing Technology for Aluminum and Composite Aircraft Structures

June 26, 2025

Implementation of the results of the cooperation between LOT Aircraft Maintenance Services and the Warsaw University of Technology. (Image: Warsaw University of Technology)

LOT Aircraft Maintenance Services is implementing a product innovation focused on eliminating the currently used chemical and mechanical technologies for removing paint coatings from aluminum and composite primary and secondary aircraft structures. Researchers from the Warsaw University of Technology participated in the research that is helping to transition this technology from the research phase to becoming a practical application.

In April 2020, LOTAMS, together with the Warsaw University of Technology and the Kielce University of Technology, signed an agreement to carry out a research project entitled "Development of Processing Technology for Aluminum and Composite Primary and Secondary Structures" (Techniks). The project received funding from the National Center for Research and Development under the “Path for Mazovia” competition.

The research team from the Warsaw University of Technology was led by Rafał Kozera, PhD, from the Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering.

“Our tasks included developing the technology and selecting the parameters for laser surface cleaning, characterizing the surface after the cleaning process, and analyzing the impact of laser radiation on the processed material,” says the researcher.

The research work lasted three years. The project is currently at the stage of transferring the technology into industrial practice. The benefits of using the technology include: reduced coating removal time, increased precision, a reduction in the use of toxic substances currently used in such operations, and partial automation of the process. Notably, the developed technique offers selectivity, allowing the coating to be removed to a specific thickness — something that is not possible with chemical or mechanical removal methods.

LOTAMS is simultaneously exploring other areas of its operations where laser cleaning could be applied.

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