SurClean Inc.

SurClean is an advanced technology manufacturer leveraging laser ablation processes to remove surface coatings, debris, and oxides. The company is ready to move forward with a cleaning services division for B-B and B-C opportunities across the United States with expansion into Europe and Canada. 

SurClean is considered a Cleantech company and participated in the Cleantech accelerator in 2013. The business plan was developed after a deep dive into the potential market sector customer base. SurClean is also considered a Bluetech company after completing the 2019 Bluetech Accelerator sponsored by Beta-i in Lisbon, Portugal. These designations are validated by Michigan Tech Sustainability Report, particulate studies completed by third parties, and because our process vaporizes paint, rust, and other debris to dust particulate contained in a HEPA filter. There is no hazardous waste, EPA certifications, or complete protective clothing and respirators with clean, fresh air pumped to the operator necessary. 

SurClean was established to fill a void discovered when its sister company served as a key team member on the United States Air Force coatings removal team. While automation was the main focus for their participation, the Air Force requested a collaboration between the current supply and our sister company to develop a robust, self-contained handheld laser system to be forward deployed for emergency maintenance. However, the competitive company declined.   SurClean started with a sensor technology that sees where the process is removing in real-time. This sensor is patented in the US and through the WO process in Europe, Canada, Korea, China, and Japan.  Our focus is not on re-inventing the laser light generator like most of our competitors. Instead, SurClean developed laser ablation beam delivery components to form an efficient means of utilizing the output power of the laser generator.  Since our company was founded by laser industry professionals, SurClean integrates its beam delivery components with OEM laser sources. This provides our customers with the latest technology available, a more precise, and efficient system for their specific application.  

Currently, SurClean has four products CDRH certified by the FDA. We have a TRL 7 process head with a new optic with a provisional patent application pending. The HyperDisc process head provides 97 to 99% efficient use of the laser output power to the process.  Removal time is much faster, improves throughput, and increases the ROI. The HyperDisc is an automated process head for large industrial applications - airplanes, ships, and preparing steel for manufacturing. SurClean is a FANUC distributor. Before the covid 19 shutdown, our lab was staffed to do the integration. Another product is the Risley Prism Robotic Head, and its second configuration is for Over-the-Shoulder (OTS) processing. The Risley Prism head operates at approximately 75-80% efficiency. However, it has a longer stand-off distance making it ideal for industrial mold cleaning, aerospace manufacturing applications, and other applications where 3D geometry is present. The OTS is a handheld version of the robotic mount head. It is configured with dual deadman switches and other safety features not found in our competitor's handheld systems or that of sandblast or grit blast. This head was meant for bridge cleaning and another option for the forward-deployed high-power laser system self-contained with a generator for power. It is built on a cart to be inserted into a container, box truck, or trailer for outdoor use. SurClean had the first in the world high-power handheld laser system.  For fab shops, a Single Motor Risley multiple-purpose process system was developed. This head can be used as a handheld taken out of the shop or in. Additionally, it can be mounted to a robot for repetitive part cleaning. The high-power units were made to address the Department of Defense (Navy, Army, Marines, Coast Guard) for large assets (ships, boats, transient trucks, jeeps, tanks, etc.) and the Department of Transportation to clean bridges and other infrastructure components.

Our target market was the DoD and the DoT initially due to the experience obtained with the Air Force.  At the time we formed, the two laser competitors were working with the Air Force and Boeing was developing a system as well. No one was addressing the corrosion issues for the Navy, Army, Coast Guard, and Department of Transportation. The competition tried a Navy project, and the process analysis indicated several distortion issues caused the slow processing necessary to penetrate the thick coatings.  This created an obstacle because the personnel involved had "been there, done that" and they did not want to waste resource dollars. However, the NRL and ONR organizations were continuing to study the technology. SurClean was awarded a task order payment to develop the Risley Prism handheld unit after successfully demonstrating on Navy coupons. More samples were completed and were lost in their laboratory while waiting for funding to process. However, an independent shipyard on the West Coast was very interested due to the cost they incurred to be EPA compliant.  We cleaned old, rusted ship ties from their scrap yard. They were impressed. Additional samples were sent and we cleaned them. They were boxed and shipped back. The customer then engaged Sherwin Williams to do metallurgical and clean tests. We did not do any special handling or re-packaging after processing the samples. After the testing, Sherwin Williams applied the Navy 5-Stack layer of coatings and performed a sea aging test for the samples to be equivalent to 7 years of sea and sun exposure. A pull test was performed. The standard for passing is 400 psi.  SurClean's sample went to 1400 psi when the glue bond on the dongle gave way. SurClean received validation from Sherwin Williams they would warrant the paint for 7 years on surfaces prepped with SurClean laser coating removal and surface preparation equipment.  

Even with this endorsement, NAVSEA required validation for each class of ship. NAVSEA 05T was tasked to investigate laser ablation. However, after spending 3 years working with this team and educating them on industry achievements with beam delivery systems and laser generators, a company is required to be validated for each class of ship.  The problem - NAVSEA 05T did not have funding for testing.  The second problem - is zero standards or clean specifications for training the equipment operators.  This required getting a team through SSPC and following their guidelines to create, validate, and agree on how the standard should be worded. A committee consensus was also required before it could be put out for a vote.  To complicate the process, SSPC merged with NACE and formed a new organization AMPP.  This took over a year to finalize as they negotiated who would be the first base and what organization's process would be adopted.  Covid hit and the process was delayed.  I served on the committee along with my 2 competitors, NAVSEA, and Air Force personnel. The first phase has been completed for handhelds with Q-switch lasers.  Now the training pictorial guide is in process.  

SurClean is taking advantage of the opportunities provided through AspBan administered by Beta-i in Lisbon. Portugal. SurClean is a finalist working towards the completion of a pilot project with Grupo ETE. Forum Oceana and Beta-i are putting financing and funding source options for the pilots. As part of the Blue Economy and the efforts of the IMO, the United States Department of Commerce Trade Division is working with US companies to take part in 5 ports. SurClean is in discussions and participating in these activities as well.  

To support what has turned into a very long time to profitability, the Transportable Handheld Laser System was developed to address the B-B customer calls.  We quickly learned these paint contractors do not purchase the equipment, they rent or subcontract to local companies for the paint removal.  After working with 2 of our customers who purchased this equipment and discussions with large paint contractor companies, a franchise for SurClean  Services would be more economical and take less time to get implemented in coastal states.  We have located a broker, an attorney, and a sales organization to move forward. $1M is needed to pay for the set-up services, hire SurClean staff to design and build the Van, hire a project manager to oversee the website and collateral materials. and telephone/chat support to churn leads.  This lead and marketing support by SurClean Corporate would be a recurring revenue source. This service would be offered in tiered-level packages the franchisee would pay to receive. This combined with the royalty payments, direct DoD sales, and overseas sales would push SurClean to profitability benefiting the investors.