Removing rust, paint and other stubborn surface contaminants is a regular challenge for manufacturers, metalworking businesses and maintenance teams. Traditional methods such as abrasive blasting and chemical cleaning can be effective, but they often involve additional preparation, consumables and clean-up. Laser cleaning is providing another option, allowing operators to remove unwanted materials using controlled laser energy.
HANTENCNC has introduced its SEAGULL3 500W air-cooled pulsed laser cleaning machine for businesses looking for a more flexible approach to industrial surface preparation. The handheld system is designed for applications including rust removal, paint stripping and cleaning metal components.
The SEAGULL3 uses a 500W pulsed laser to remove rust, paint, oxide layers and other surface contaminants. As the process does not require direct contact with the workpiece, it can be useful when cleaning components that need careful handling.
According to HANTENCNC, the machine can clean up to 15m² of paint or rust with a thickness of 20μm per hour. Actual performance will depend on the material, surface condition and operating settings. For businesses exploring different laser cleaning machines the SEAGULL3 offers a combination of portability, adjustable settings and air-cooled operation. It is intended for a range of industrial environments, including metal fabrication workshops, automotive maintenance facilities and manufacturing operations.
A key feature of the SEAGULL3 is its air-cooled design. Unlike water-cooled systems, it does not require a separate water chiller, making the equipment easier to set up and move between work areas. The machine has a wheeled chassis with a rotating handle, helping operators transport it around workshops and industrial sites. Its handheld cleaning gun weighs less than 1.5kg, making it easier to handle during cleaning tasks. It also supports 110V and 220V power supplies, allowing it to be used in different working environments.
Not every cleaning job requires the same approach. Removing light surface rust, for example, can involve different settings from stripping thick paint or cleaning an oxidised metal component. To address these differences, the SEAGULL3™ includes 13 scanning modes and a built-in database that can store up to 100 sets of process parameters. Operators can adjust settings such as laser power, frequency, pulse duration, cleaning speed and beam focus according to the application.
This flexibility allows the machine to be used for different cleaning requirements without relying on a single fixed configuration. As with any laser cleaning system, selecting suitable parameters and testing the surface beforehand are important to achieve the desired result without damaging the underlying material.
Although rust removal is one of the main applications, laser cleaning can also be used for other surface treatment tasks.
In automotive workshops, it can help remove corrosion, paint and contaminants from metal components. Fabricators may use the technology to prepare surfaces before welding, coating or other finishing work. It can also be considered for machinery maintenance, mould cleaning and restoration projects.
For companies looking for a specialised solution, the laser rust removal SEAGULL3 is designed to handle a range of cleaning applications. Paint and graffiti removal are also potential uses. HANTENCNC has demonstrated the technology on surfaces such as brick and concrete, offering another approach for certain restoration and maintenance jobs.
The suitability of the process depends on the surface and the material being removed. Carrying out a small test before starting a larger cleaning job is recommended, particularly when working with delicate or porous materials.
The SEAGULL3 has also received recognition for its development. In 2025, HANTENCNC announced that its pulsed laser cleaning machine had received the
EBRUN Global Innovative Potential Award. The award ceremony took place in Shanghai on 12 December 2025, according to the company's announcement. The recognition reflects the product's innovation and potential in the industrial equipment market.
The achievement was also covered by EBRUN, providing third-party media coverage of the award. For HANTENCNC, the recognition represents an important milestone in the development of its laser cleaning equipment.
As industrial businesses look for more flexible ways to maintain equipment and prepare materials, laser cleaning is becoming an increasingly relevant technology to consider.
The HANTENCNC SEAGULL3 brings together a 500W pulsed laser source, air-cooled operation and a portable handheld design. Its adjustable settings also allow operators to adapt the cleaning process to different applications.