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RustOff Laser Cleaning Systems: Pulse vs Continuous-Wave Models, Power and Air Needs, Patterns, Operation, Maintenance and Use Cases

This page started as the rustoff.co.za home page (first published October 2021, last changed June 2024). That page introduced the RustOff® handheld fibre-laser cleaner with short claims: no surface damage, portable, zero consumables, eco-friendly, and a note on clean compressed air. It did not say which RustOff models exist, how they differ, what power and air they need, or how to run and look after one. This deepened version is a buyer's and owner's guide to the whole RustOff range. The original page is kept at the bottom.

Facts come from the AM.CO.ZA product data behind buythis.co.za (product JSON on am.im; dump dated up to 2026-10-20) and from AM.CO.ZA's YouTube videos, each named where it is used. Prices change, so this page quotes none: check the current price on each linked Buythis page or the Buythis laser machines category. Stock is not shown here.

Quick answer

The two RustOff families

Pulse RustOff-Original (air-cooled)

The product data says: "Pulsed Laser Power Unit Has No Need of Cooling Unit, Not Like Continuous-Wave (CW) Laser Need Cooling Also Cause Damages to Base Surface". All three models use a JPT pulse source with 1% to 100% output, a dual-galvo handheld head weighing 0.76 kg, a fibre cable over 4 m long, a touchscreen that saves setting groups, and 6 bar compressed air through a 6 mm push fitting. Each unit stands on wheels and measures 574×400×555 mm.

SKU Laser source Unit weight Power at 100% / standby
LR-PORTABLE/300 JPT CL2-300-15 60 kg 3.5 kW / 1.8 kW
LR-PORTABLE/500 JPT CL2-500-15 70 kg 4.5 kW / 2.5 kW
LR-PORTABLE/1000 JPT CL2-1000-15 150 kg 10 kW / 4.5 kW

The headline 2D cleaning area in the highlights is 110×110 mm for all three. See the data notes below for a different figure in the LR-PORTABLE/300 description.

Pulse suits work where the base must not be marked: thin or patterned metal, aluminium, stainless steel, moulds and even painted wood. On the wood test AM.CO.ZA says the pulse laser removed dried water-based paint "without causing any burn mark on the wood itself", adding that "It really all depends on how far in the wood the paint has" penetrated (Removing Paint From Wood With RustOFF Pulse Laser (2026-08-10)). A newer pulse handset has two red focus guides: move the handle up or down until the two red dots meet and the head is at the working distance (WHAT'S NEW: Portable Pulse Laser System With Dual Focus Point Guides Handset (2026-09-29)).

Continuous-wave RustOff (water-cooled, dual galvo)

The current CW line is sold as a complete machine: a Raycus CW fibre source plus the LaserMaster RustOff barebone unit with built-in chiller (LM-R/2000 for 1000 to 2000 W at 220 V, LM-R/3000 for the 380 V 3000 W model). Sources are LF-1000, LF-1500, LF-2000 and LF-3000.

SKU Source Supply Power at 100% / standby Plug (not included)
LM-RUSTOFF/1000 1000 W Raycus 220V 3.9kW / 1.2kW 32A 2P+E 220V plug
LM-RUSTOFF/1500 1500 W Raycus 220V 4.2kW / 1.5kW 32A 2P+E 220V plug
LM-RUSTOFF/2000 2000 W Raycus 220V 5.2kW / 1.8kW 32A 2P+E 220V plug
LM-RUSTOFF/3000 3000 W Raycus 380V 6.7kW / 2.2kW 32A 4P+E 380V plug

What every current CW RustOff shares, from the product data:

For the 3000 W model AM.CO.ZA also recommends a 50 kVA voltage regulator (AG-VOLTAGE/50KVA).

Other CW SKUs you may see. LR-2000 is a 2000 W CW cleaner with a 1 mm to 50 mm adjustable spot width, a 1.5 kg dual-galvo head and a fibre cable over 8 m, supplied as a complete set in a crate. LR-PORTABLE/1500 and LR-PORTABLE/2000 are LaserMaster-Dedicated cleaners with the same 1 to 50 mm spot and 1.5 kg head; they need a 6 mm² 50 A power cable on a 40 A breaker and come with a complimentary handheld welding torch. Their core units are listed as phased out, with LM-RUSTOFF/2000 named as the replacement.

Pulse or CW: how to choose

Question Pulse (LR-PORTABLE/300 to /1000) CW (LM-RUSTOFF/1000 to /3000)
Speed on heavy rust, paint, mill scale Slower Much faster
Risk to the base surface Low; keeps original patterns Can pit metal if power is too high
Cooling Air only, no chiller Built-in water chiller; check water level
Start-up Ready almost at once Chiller must reach temperature first
Air 6 bar compressed air 40 L/min, dew point below 3°C, 4 bar, dried
Typical jobs Restoration, thin parts, wood, delicate items Steel fabrication, weld prep, paint stripping, large structures

In the older comparison video (a 1000 W CW against a 50 W pulse) the presenter notes the CW machine "this one requires a 25 amp minimum breaker" and that the chiller takes about ten minutes: "we'll be back in 10 minutes because that's how long it takes to get ready" (Function Compare of RustOff 50W Pulse Laser with 1000W Continuous Wave Laser on Steel Cleaning (2022-04-24)). Current CW models list their own power figures in the table above.

1500 W or 2000 W? In AM.CO.ZA's side-by-side test, "the operator must get closer to the object with the 1 500 watt", and "the results produced by the 1500 watt are not that far off the mark and there is a substantial price difference" (1500W and 2000W RustOff Fiber Laser Cleaning Machine Compare on Cleaning Speed and Final Result (2023-04-25)). Higher power cleans faster at a longer working distance; lower power costs less.

1D versus 2D cleaning

Dedicated RustOff heads use two galvo mirrors, so they scan an area (2D). A single-lens head, as on the LaserMaster Versatile multifunction machine, scans a line (1D). AM.CO.ZA's comparison found the "dedicated system is much faster", though on the Versatile "the torch change from the cleaning function to the welding function is much easier on the versatile system" and "it is also considerably cheaper than the dedicated" (Fiber Laser Cleaning Compare of LaserMaster Dedicated vs LaserMaster Versatile 1500W 1D vs 2D (2023-06-19)). In the FAQ video, "on the dedicated you can choose out of four 2D patterns", the beam can be widened or narrowed, and "there is even a gentle mode or light cleaning" (1D vs 2D Fiber Laser Cleaning System, Fiber Laser Clean Technology FAQ, LaserMaster System Compare (2023-07-05)).

Scan size on the current CW RustOff: "Up to maximum of 212 mm, but for the straight line, you can go up to 300 mm" (Operate LaserMaster RustOff with Wobble Pattern Selection and Lens Cleaning and Change (2025-09-18); see also Upgraded RustOff Fiber Laser Remover with Wider Beam Up to 300mm for Fast Surface Cleaning (2024-06-23)).

Power, air and site checklist

  1. Electricity. 220 V CW models: one 32 A 2P+E point. 3000 W: 32 A 4P+E at 380 V, plus a voltage regulator. Pulse: 220 V household supply; check the power draw in the table.
  2. Air. CW: refrigerated air dryer, 40 L/min, dew point below 3°C, 4 bar, 6 mm fitting; or bottled air or nitrogen. Pulse: 6 bar. One line in the CW highlights reads "Need 16 Bar Compressed Air (If Cut with Air)" and recommends AG-AIR/SCREW-15; that line is about cutting with air on a multifunction set-up, not about cleaning.
  3. Water (CW). About 15 L of purified water, replaced monthly. Distilled water such as AG-WATER/5L is in the cross-sell list.
  4. Space and temperature. 0°C to 45°C working temperature; shaded areas.
  5. Fibre lead. Plan the route of the 20 m lead. The product terms warn that bending the fibre cord or putting extreme force on it "will cause the glass inside the optical fibre cord or components to shatter", and that the damage is irreversible.
  6. Safety. RustOff is a Class 4 laser licensed by SAHPRA (South African Health Products Regulatory Authority). Wear laser safety glasses (AM-GLASS/SAFETY is in the cross-sell list); the presenter in the comparison video says "please keep in mind to use the relevant ppe equipment".

Running a RustOff

CW start-up and shut-down

From AM.CO.ZA's operating video (Operate LaserMaster RustOff with Wobble Pattern Selection and Lens Cleaning and Change (2025-09-18)):

  1. Turn the RustOff on, then switch the chiller on and give it a few seconds to start.
  2. Open the parameters, choose a pattern and set the laser power.
  3. Turn the laser on and start cleaning mode. A red triangle means the laser is active. "Wait about 30 seconds and then you are good to go".
  4. When finished, return to "ready for cleaning", then switch the laser and chiller off.

The older 1000 W unit used a key-switch order: main switch, key switch, controller, chiller, then laser; off is the same in reverse (Function Compare of RustOff 50W Pulse Laser with 1000W Continuous Wave Laser on Steel Cleaning (2022-04-24)). The presenter also stresses that "we must make sure we've got enough water in our chiller".

Pulse operation

From the pulse operation guide (Operation Guide for RustOff Pulsed Fiber Laser Rust Removal and Cleaning System Interface (2025-07-28)): open the cleaning screen and log in with the details in your manual. Under power, "Here you can change your power frequency and pulse width settings". Under swing, choose the pattern and its size, then start the sway (scan) and enable the laser. Switch off the laser and sway before changing the pattern. Save presets for different materials under files. To focus, "move the laser closer and closer to the substrate until you clearly see and hear the laser focusing on the substrate".

Patterns and power in practice

Maintenance and the temperature alarm

The RustOff handset has a temperature alarm. If it trips, the machine switches itself off. "Do not start operating the machine once it cools down" (RustOff Alarm Warning - What To Do! (2026-02-26)).

The full routine from AM.CO.ZA's alarm video (What To Do If RustOff Handset Temperature Alarm Goes Off! (2026-02-26)):

  1. "switch the machine off and start by checking the protection lens and focus lens". Clean them if dirty; replace them if damaged.
  2. "if your focus lens is burnt towards the edges, you need to check the alignment of the red laser indicator light". Cover the nozzle with masking tape and check where the red dot lands.
  3. If the dot is off-centre, the X and Y motors need attention. Work in a clean, dust-free space, clean the chambers with pure alcohol, replace burnt lenses and reassemble. "Make sure the arrows on the lens faces the motor side on the handset".
  4. Centre the red light by moving the motors, check the working circle against the nozzle and adjust parameters if it is oval, then lock the motors.
  5. After the fix, "your normal working temperature should be in the range of 40°".

The short alignment video shows the same motor adjustment for both the dedicated RustOff and the Versatile (Align Laser Beam to Center for LaserMaster RustOff and Versatile by Adjust Motor Positions (2025-10-28)). AM.CO.ZA also offers lens cleaning in its own laboratory.

Daily habits from the data and videos: keep the air dry and clean, check the protective lens before each shift, keep the chiller topped up with purified water and change it monthly, and wipe optics only with lens wipes such as L-OPTICAL/WIPE.

Jobs shown in AM.CO.ZA RustOff videos

Job Video
Car paint with different patterns Paint Removal (Car Paint) by RustOff Laser Cleaning, Tested with Different Cleaning Patterns (2024-09-26)
Paint on wheels before repainting Remove Paint on Wheels, Repaint Preparation Easy with RustOff Fiber Laser Cleaner (2024-08-24)
Road-marking paint Remove Road Marking Paint by RustOff Fiber Laser Cleaning Machine, Handhold Paint Cleaning system (2023-09-27)
Steel prepared for painting to a measured texture Laser Surface Preparation for Painting, Perfect Surface Roughness by RustOff Fiber Laser Cleaner (2023-11-19)
Heavy industrial engine block and gearbox casings (3000 W) Test 3000W RustOff on Heavy Duty Industrial Engine Block Casing for Repaint, Laser Paint Removal (2025-04-29)
Rusty scrap cut-offs before cutting RustOff Clean Scrap Metal by 2000W Fiber Laser for Money Saving at New Demo Center (2025-03-10)
Rusty aggregate Aggregate Rust Removal and Drying by Laser, Renovated Use of RustOff Laser Cleaner (2025-02-24)
A badly rusted boma fireplace Rust Off a Heavily Rusted Boma Fireplace by LaserMaster Dedicated RustOff Laser Machine (2023-08-27)
Hydraulic oil and grease Handhold Fiber Laser Cleaner for Hydraulic Oils and Grease Removal by Burning Off Tested (2023-04-02)
Rust in dry and wet conditions Steel Rust Removing on Dry & Wet Condition by Handhold Fiber Laser Cleaner, Used Different Patterns (2023-04-02)
A rusted sword (pulse) Fix a rusted sword with RustOff Pulse Laser (2025-07-25)
Paint on wood (pulse) Removing Paint From Wood With RustOFF Pulse Laser (2026-08-10)
Aluminium engine block (early pulse) Aluminum Engine Block Rust, Dirt and Grease Cleaning by RustOff Pulse Laser 50W Fiber Laser Cleaner (2021-11-19)

In the scrap test AM.CO.ZA said "we've got 8 mm 10 mm 12 mm and 16 mm cut offs" and cleaned them ready for laser cutting. One older video shows cleaning asbestos roof sheeting (RustOff Cleaning Asbestos Roof Sheeting, also Laser Won’t Damage Asbestos! (2024-03-22)); asbestos work is regulated in South Africa, so check the rules and protection needed before any such job.

Upgrades, spares and accessories

Installation, training and documents

AM.CO.ZA's product data says it offers installation and on-site training with these machines; travel and call-out costs may apply. The machine is delivered by freight before a technician arrives, and installation videos are on SortIT. The barebone assembly is shown in How Barebone LaserMaster Versatile and RustOff Fiber Laser Machine Assemble to Client Specs (2025-01-27) and fitting the QBH head in Correct Way to Install Fiber Laser QBH Head to LaserMaster Versatile and RustOff System (2025-01-27). The RustOff manual (PDF) is linked from the product data. For help, AM.CO.ZA lists WhatsApp 060 600 7000.

Galleries:

Data notes

FAQ

Does RustOff damage the metal? Pulse models are made to remove only the rust or coating. CW models can pit metal if power is set too high, so start low.

Can RustOff remove paint? Yes. AM.CO.ZA videos show car paint, wheel paint, road-marking paint and paint on wood (pulse).

Do I need a compressor? Yes, or bottled air or nitrogen. CW models need dried, cold air at 4 bar and 40 L/min with a dew point below 3°C; pulse models need 6 bar.

Why does the temperature alarm trip? Usually a dirty or burnt protective lens, often from dirty air, or a misaligned beam. Check the lenses and alignment before restarting.

What are the consumables? No chemicals or blasting media. You do replace protective lenses, use lens wipes, and change the chiller water monthly on CW models.

Can I take it to site? Yes. The CW models have a 20 m lead and run from one 220 V 32 A point (380 V for 3000 W); pulse models are smaller and air-cooled.

Is RustOff the same as the LaserMaster Versatile? No. The Versatile is a multifunction welder, cleaner and cutter with a 1D cleaning head; RustOff is dedicated 2D cleaning. LR-UPGRADE/3000 converts a Versatile or Dedicated machine to RustOff control.

Videos used on this page

Original rustoff.co.za home page

Source: https://rustoff.co.za/home

RustOff™ Reimagined:

New Cleaning Patterns With Higher Power

    Introducing the NEW **RustOff®** Laser cleaning system.

The portable, quick & easy way to remove rust, paint, and other debris from metals surfaces & welding areas without harsh chemicals or washing.

        [Features & Specs​](https://rustoff.co.za/#features)
        [Use Cases](https://rustoff.co.za/#usecases)
      [From

(price shortcode removed; see the Buythis page) Launch Deal *Incl VAT](https://rustoff.co.za/shop)

                        - Quick Overview

INTRO

RustOff® the eco-friendly, Portable Powerhouse of fiber-laser cleaning.

    The handheld **RustOff®** Laser Cleaning System from [AM.CO.ZA](http://AM.CO.ZA) is a sustainable solution for the cleaning, evaporation and peeling off of paint, rust, grime and tarnished overlay on metal surfaces.**It does this quickly and easily without using any chemical agents and water.Quickly clean top-layers of surfaces like steel, stone and dirty surfaces like left over adhesives or paint layers, without damaging the surface, giving the surface a clean, fresh and pristine look.This hand-held portable package gives you the freedom to clean where needed - quickly clean metal surfaces where they stand and even prepare welding surfaces on-site without fuss.

No Surface Damage

                    Contact-less operation means the RustOff® system preserves the material’s surface integrity as it removes rust, dirt and paint.

Portable Powerhouse

                    The tiny footprint; small hand-held cleaning head; and a 220v power draw, truly makes RustOff® a portable cleaning powerhouse.

ZERO Consumables

                    Virtually no consumables & maintenance needed makes the durable RustOff® a sustainable cleaning solution

More Eco friendly

                    RustOff®'s zero consumable approach eliminates the use of harsh cleaning chemicals, making it sustainable, & more eco-friendly.

Pure, Clean, Cold Compressed Air Quality is Key

                    For optimal performance and longevity of your laser lens, it’s crucial to use compressed air with a refrigerated air dryer**. This setup is necessary to maintain a specific flow rate of 40L/m, a Dew Point below 3°C, and a pressure of 4 Bar. These conditions provide the cold, dried, and cleaned air source vital for protecting your laser lens.

Read Our Full Article on Fiber Laser Air Quality Requirements.

SEE RUSTOFF® IN ACTION

    [sm-youtube-subscribe]

RustOff® Playlist

                                                        3 Videos

Introducing New RustOff Laser Cleaning System, Easy to Use and Cost Effective Fiber Laser Cleaner
                                                                                1:58

RustOff 100W Fiber Laser Hand-held Laser Rust, Dust & Paint Removal & Cleaning System Demonstration
                                                                                2:46

100W Fiber Laser Cleaning System, Master Cleaning Laser System by Understand It's Capabilities
                                                                                2:48

RUSTOFF® USECASES

Contactless Cleaning
    No harsh chemicals. No consumables. No contact.

RustOff®'s goal is to preserve surface integrity in a easy to use device.

Easily Clean Uneven Surfaces
    Hard-to-reach; uneven & delicate surfaces are no match for **RustOff®**'s contactless operation.

In-place Paint Removal
    Chemical free cleaning **RustOff®** enables you to target dirt & even remove paint on-site & in-place in delicate-to-work places.

No Dismantle, On-site Cleaning
    **RustOff®**'s small footprint, heavy duty rollers & handheld operation means you can prepare on-site welding surfaces in a flash.

Gallery

            [https://rustoff.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Website_Gallery_RustOff_04_Test_Image.jpg](https://rustoff.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Website_Gallery_RustOff_04_Test_Image.jpg)

            [https://rustoff.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Website_Gallery_RustOff_03_Test_Image.jpg](https://rustoff.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Website_Gallery_RustOff_03_Test_Image.jpg)

            [https://rustoff.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Website_Gallery_RustOff_02ControlPannel-1.jpg](https://rustoff.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Website_Gallery_RustOff_02ControlPannel-1.jpg)

            [https://rustoff.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Website_Gallery_RustOff_03_Test_Image-1.jpg](https://rustoff.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Website_Gallery_RustOff_03_Test_Image-1.jpg)

            [https://rustoff.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Website_Gallery_RustOff_05_RustOFF_DEMO-1.jpg](https://rustoff.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Website_Gallery_RustOff_05_RustOFF_DEMO-1.jpg)

            [https://rustoff.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Website_Gallery_RustOff_07_RustOFF_DEMO-1.jpg](https://rustoff.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Website_Gallery_RustOff_07_RustOFF_DEMO-1.jpg)

            [https://rustoff.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Website_Gallery_RustOff_06_RustOFF_DEMO-1.jpg](https://rustoff.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Website_Gallery_RustOff_06_RustOFF_DEMO-1.jpg)

            [https://rustoff.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Website_Gallery_RustOff_08_RustOFF_DEMO.jpg](https://rustoff.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Website_Gallery_RustOff_08_RustOFF_DEMO.jpg)

RUSTOFF® NEWS

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