technological solutions for restoration works

7/28/2019 Technological Solutions for Restoration Works

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Technological solutions for works restoration

Note: Laser application on canvas paintings is still experimental.Laser is successfully applied on stone, stucco, wall paintings,gilded surfaces, and wooden artworks.


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COMPANY PROFILE

El.En. is the parent company of an internationalgroup of companies established for developing

and producing laser systems for medicine,

industry and scientific research.

Since its establishment in 1981, El.En. S.p.A.has constantly increased its turnover, with an

extremely rapid growth in production and theacquisition of new markets, when has helped it

to attain a leading position on the world market..

Thanks to the internal know-how that has grown

continuously over the years, the company hasset up

numerous production lines in the medical andindustrial fields, concentrating primarily on the

realization of CO2, Nd:YAG, Holmium, Erbium,Excimer and Dye lasers.

The company invests approximately 15% of itsannual turnover in research and development of

new systems and applications, El.En. makes useof internal graduate and post-graduate

researchers who work in close collaboration withnumerous universities along with international

and national research institutes, like the C.N.R.,E.N.E.A. and I.N.O.A.

As a result of the experience acquired throughthe participation with national research groups,

since 2000, El.En. S.p.A. has activated aninternal production line for laser systems for the

world of conservation. In 2005 El.En. S.p.A..expanded its collaboration with the affiliated

company, Quanta System S.p.A., aimed at the

integration of products and activities in thesector of cultural heritage.


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EXPERIMENTATION

Since being founded El.En. S.p.A. and QuantaSystem S.p.A. have set up numerous lines of

research and development in collaboration with

the main national research institutes.

The company is now the thirty-second in Italy(published in Sole 24Ore 2007) for investments in

applied research and it employs university-degreeand PhD researchers who work in close

collaboration with numerous universities and

national research institutes such as the C.N.R.,E.N.E.A. and I.N.O.A.

Ongoing experimentation, also in internationalprojects, constantly increases the exchange of

knowledge and the growth of internal know-how.The El.En. Groups commitment in the cultural

heritage sector receives constant and direct

acclaim from the most important Europeanresearch and protection institutes.

The El.En. Group collaborates with "La Venaria

Reale" Conservation and Restoration Centre.EDUCATION

This activity is carried out by the Scientific

Committee of the El.En, Group with the assistanceof university professors and researchers from the

national research institutes. What is laser? Whatare its applications in the world of restoration?

What are laser diagnostics? The most recent

results of scientific research.the most famousand important restoration sites on-site safety

These are but a few of the issues addressed in

educational forms specially prepared for therestoration schools and operators in this sector.

The El.En. Group collaborates with the IstitutoEuropeo del Restauro Island of Ischia


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YARDS

The laser devices of the El.En. Group have beenused in the most important restoration worksincluding:

the Prophet Abacuc by Donatello, the Door of theMandorla and loggia of the Cupola of the

Cathedral of S. Maria del Fiore, the Rape of theSabines by Giambologna, the Door of Paradise of

the Baptistery, Verrocchios David and Donatellos

Attis in the National Bargello Museum in Florence,the Gaia Fountain by Jacopo della Quercia and the

cycle of frescoes in the Old Sacristy and MantoChapel of S. Maria alla Scala in Siena, the Leaning

Tower and the Door of S. Ranieri of the Cathedralin Pisa, Teodoricos Mausoleum in Ravenna, the

faade of the Certosa in Pavia, the loggia of theDucal Palace in Venice, the Paolina Chapel of the

Palazzi Apostolici in the Vatican, the Cathedral of

Lugarno (CH), the basreliefs of the Holy Sepulchrein Jerusalem, the Cloister of the Cathedral in

Oviedo, the Cloister of the National SculptureMuseum in Valladolid, the door of the Cathedral in

Majorca, Spain, Diocletians Palace in Split andthe door of the Cathedral in Dubrovnik, Croatia.

The El.En. Group is contributing towards the

restoration of Donatellos David at the NationalBargello Museum in Florence, having provided anEos 1000 SFR laser device for recovering the

gilded bronze surfaces of the statue.


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LASER

In just over a few decades, since its firstrealization by T. H. Maiman in 1960, lasers havefound numerous fields of application, from

medicine to industry, aesthetic surgery todecorative arts, scientific research to

environmental monitoring.

This is all thanks to the physical characteristics of

the beam of laser light: monochromaticity, spatialand temporal coherence, unidirectionality and

elevated brilliance. A beam of light is obtainedwhen in the hand of mankind becomes an

extremely flexible instrument capable of adapting

to a wide range of uses.

The advantages common to all lasers consist of itsextreme control precision, limited invasiveness,

absence of mechanical stress due to the absenceof physical contact with the target, elevated

degree of integration in internal processes,silence, the possibility of limiting or eliminating

chemical aids, and the possibility of selectively

interacting only on specific components of organicand inorganic material.

Thanks to these features, laser offers great

advantages in the industrial field, from atechnological and economic point of view,

reducing operating times and also improving

product quality.

The first use in the medical field dates back to1962 when a ruby laser was used for resealing

the retina. It was however, with the advent of theCO2 laser that the field was opened up for a

myriad of surgical applications.

Today this instrument is widely used in all

medical fields, thanks to the constanttechnological research and ever-increasing

understanding of the interaction phenomenabetween the laser light and the tissues.


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LASER FOR ARTISTIC RESTORATION

The demand is growing for increasingly moreaccurate cleaning techniques for conserving thecultural heritage, capable of offering an elevated

selectivity and minimum impact on the originalstructure of the art works.

Laser proposes a solution to meet thisrequirement as they offer the restorer a new

instrument, which can be integrated with thecurrent mechanical and chemical means.

Adopting the laser, therefore, meets the growingneed for technical adaptation, induced by the new

regulations and ever-increasing demand for laser

use by public institutions safeguarding the culturalheritage.

Thanks to the ongoing research, the field of

application on different materials is becomingwider and wider. The use of lasers, both, on stone

surfaces of individual monuments and surfaces ofhistoric buildings is now affirmed and a widely

accepted restoration process.

As a result of constant commitment to internal

research and development, El.En. S.p.A.sproducts have for years been contributing towards

the conservation of the cultural and artisticheritage. Developed in collaboration with the most

important national research centers and verified

at the most important restoration sites, extremelyinnovative solutions have been proposed.

The new collaboration combines 10 years

of experience from Quanta System S.p.A. with theactivities of El.En. S.p.A.'s cultural heritage along

with the activities of El.En. S.p.A. Performing inclose contact with Florence University

researchers, from the scientific center, the

provision of cutting-edge technological solutions,which are constantly validated by the world of

conservation, are used.


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BLACK BOX

Arte Black Box is a device especially designed andcreated to record Information regarding thetransportation of artworks.

By memorizing the humidity, temperature,pressure, lighting, and acceleration values on the

three axes, Arte Black Box controls and

guarantees that artworks are not subjected to anydamage during transport. Arte Black Box, which

does not emit electromagnetic radiations, can bemounted on any type of bracket and used on all

types of vehicles. The autonomy of Art Black Boxis approximately 30 days, and its memory allows

for recording up to 4 GB of data.

The user can extract and replace the powersupply unit. On request the user can also mount

up to 18 sensors.All the volumes monitored have a sensitivity and

accuracy well within the limits enforced byEuropean museum standards. Arte Black Box

comes with software that allows for setting thedata to be recorded, checking the correct

operation of the system, and downloading and

analyzing the data recorded, even remotely. Thesoftware enables selection of the most significant

parameters in order to provide the user with animmediate synthesis of the most important events

occurring during the data recording.

System features:Input number: up to 18 sensors

Sampling rate:programmable, up to 100 HzMemory capability: secure digital memory card,

up to 4 GbStand by time: up to 360 h(1)

Connectivity: USB -uHf -GPrS -IrDA -rS232Integrated sensors type: temperature, humidity,

pressure, visible light, Ir light, uV light, rGB light,

triaxis accelleration


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There are four main advantages in using lasertechnology to clean the surfaces of historic and

artistic interest:Minimum invasiveness

The laser is characterised, first and foremost, by

the absence of physical contact between theinstrument and the surfaces to be treated.

This allows operating on extremely fragile orheavily altered surfaces, even before

consolidation. Moreover, acting directly onthe surfaces, lase do not require the addition

of abrasive materials or the use of chemicalagents. Laser cleaning only requires - where

permitted by the conditions of the art work -

a slight dampening of the surface to be treated

with water.A high degree of controlThe removal of the deteriorated layer can be

gauged in such a way as to involve only a fewmicrons of thickness per single pulse, permitting

the depth to be reached with utmost precision.Selectivity

Lasers exploit the physical principle of the

different light absorption coefficient by thevarious materials depending on their color. The

altered layer to be removed, in the majority ofcases involving black or very dark colors, absorbs

the light completely, allowing for an almostinstantaneous laser removal process (ablation).

Vice-versa, the substrate of the material to bepreserved, usually lighter tones, reflects the light

to a much greater degree, consequently limiting

or impeding the laser action.High precision

The cleaning process only involves the areailluminated by the laser beam, without any

mechanical or heat effects on the surroundingareas. Moreover, lasers that use optic fibers

allow for treating even considerably complexmodeled surfaces. The use of the variable -

focus handpiece offers additional flexibility ofuse, at the same time allowing for the treatmentof large surface areas, or precision working on

extremely minute details.


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WIRELESS REMOTE CONTRO

Forever intent on solving operating problems onrestoration sites, El.En. S.p.A. has now createdthe Bluetooth control panel for its line laser

devices for restoration.An ergonomic system especially designed and

manufactured for integrating and completingall the advantages of using optic fibre laser

systems for restoration.

In this way the restorer operating within a radiusof ten meters no longer needs to move the laser

system.Once the laser is switched on, all the necessary

Operations are set by the control panel.

The long autonomy allows the Bluetooth controlpanel to keep operating well beyond the dayswork on site.

System featuresBluetooth system

Max. use range: 10 metersConnection possibility: open

Modifies parameters in real timeControls: energy frequency, laser system

operabilityRemote alarm management

Autonomy: more than 24 hours (internal

rechargeable Ni-MH battery)Inbuilt battery charger

Weight: 200g

Will not interfere with any other electronicdevices, even wireless.


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SMART CLEAN II

Smart Clean II is an Innovative laser system,designed to clean stone surfaces. The mainfeature, result of a joined research of El.En S.p.A.

and National Research Council laboratories, is thepulse duration (50 - 110 s). This is located

between Q-Switching short-pulse (2-10 ns) modeand those with Normal Free Running long pulse

200-1000 s.

With this laser the cleaning procedures are

optimized and at the same time side effects andinvasiveness on the art works are reduced to a

minimum.

The operator also has a high degree of control,precision and strategic selectivity, essential for

restorations on valuable and modeled surfaces.

The laser beam transport system envisages a 50-metre long optic fiber, making this laser optimal

for use on scaffoldings in restoration yards.

The spot diameter, included between 2 and 8 mm,allows for resolving with extreme ease every

possible requirement, as well as obtaining a highlevel of efficiency and productivity.

System featuresWavelength: 1064 nm

Pulse duration: 50 110 sMaximum energy per pulse: 2 J

Energy: selectable between: 200 1400 mJ (step

100 mJ), 1600 1800 - 2000 mJRepetition frequency: selectable between single

pulses, 110 Hz, 15 Hz, 20 Hz, 30 HzSpot: 1.5 - 9 mm

Beam delivering: optic fibre 1000 m long up to50 m

Handpiece: variable focus, with beam guide

Beam profile: homogeneousPower supplyInput: 230 V - 50/60 Hz, 12 A

Dimensions: 92x33x75 cmNd:YA G laser shutter:pedal-controlled by the

operatorWeight: 80 kg

Cooling circuit: sealed with heat exchanger (air/liquid)

Aiming beam laser HeNe 1 mW (632.8 nm)


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DW 400GS

Nd:YAG LASER WELDERA brand new, extremely interesting field of lasertechnology application opening up in the world of

conservation involves its use in the restoration of jewelleryand precious metals.

In fact, laser technology allows for direct welding of the

two edges, and the use of metal alloys with the same title.Due to its extremely reduced heat diffusion, lasers also

allow for carrying out welding in the presence of othermaterials or components (enamels, collets, hinges, etc.),

with the objects to be welded being held directly in yourhands. This makes it especially suited for the restoration of

antique jewels with a considerably complex nature and

composition.El.En. s.p.a has designed a special laser welding model for

this purpose, the DW 400 GS, an extremely versatileinstrument, particularly suited for precision operations

calling for an elevated degree of accuracy.On request, a model with a mobile welding head can also

be supplied, to be assembled onto the special arm drive forcarrying out welding operations on very large objects as

well.The DW 400 GS welder has been used at the Opificio delle

Pietre Dure (Precious Stone Museum) for the restoration of

a Sicilian baroque monstrance in gold and silver with

enamels and precious stones. The DW 400 GS is currentlybeing used for the conservative restoration of a panel ofthe Door of Paradise of the Baptistery in Florence.

System features

Wavelength: 1064 nm

Maximum power: 60 WMaximum energy per single pulse: 80 J

Pulse lenght: 125 msNOTE : the value indicated may be diminished by means of

the PULSE FILL optionFrequency: single pulse, 0.510 Hz, step 0.1 Hz

Voltage: 200 V, 450 V, step 10 V

Storable programmes: 15Power supply voltage: 230 Vac, 50-60 Hz, 16 A:

Maximum absorbed electrical power: 3680 VADimensions: 70x90x122 cm

Weight: 97 kgSound level:


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LASER CLEANING USE PROTOCOLThe physical process via which the laser cleaningis performed is defined as the ablation process.

Ablation, which can be likened to an extremelyrapid vaporization of the material to be removed,

is characterized by a fluence (density of energyper surface unit) threshold, intended as the lowest

limit below which the laser will not have any

effect.On the contrary, fluence values that are too high

may give rise to undesired removal of the patinaor substrate underneath the deterioration

horizons.Since laser cleaning is one of the best methods for

obtaining efficacious, and at the same timeextremely gradual results, in full respect of the

artwork, like historic films and patina, it is

therefore vital for the operator to be able todirectly define the necessary operating interval of

the laser fluence.The proposal of a preliminary measurement

protocol envisages the performing of ablationtests on the nature and thickness of the

deterioration to be removed on very limited areas

in relation to large and important sites, with theobserving of the results through a portable

microscope (30x).The following steps should be carried out:

- attach the laser handpiece to a tripod forexample, in order to be able to maintain unvaried

the distance from the surface of the irradiation

area;- calculate the dimensions of the laser spot so as

to be able to calculate the fluence;- set the laser repetition frequency and irradiation

time;- perform adjacent ablation spots per increasing

energy laser values.

In this way, even without the aid of specific

instrumentation, the restorer will be able toidentify the parameters of the laser cleaning incomplete safety, defining the interval of the

values included between the threshold of what hasto be removed and what has to be preserved.


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EOS 1000 LOs

The result of the El.En.,Groups most recentresearch, the EOS 1000 LQS laser has been

designed and created for use in restorationoperations that call for a high degree of precision

and accuracy, such as frescoes, gilded surfaces,silver and precious metals, wood, and stone

objects with great artistic value.

The EOS 1000 LQS laser which adopts a specialpulse wave unique and exclusive among those

currently available on the market - is the mostversatile and practical machine for use on sites

and in laboratories, thanks also to its lightweightcompact size and high performance.

The LQS configuration with energy values of upto 400 mJ, allows the operator to achieve levels

of efficiency only previously possible with more

complicated instruments, while still maintainingthe use of optic fibre and a handpiece with a

variable lens.The EOS 1000 LQS laser system is one of the

most reliable devices thanks to its efficacy,safety, and range of applications in the

conservation of the cultural heritage.

The SFR version is also available on request.


Pulse duration: 60 120 sMaximum energy per pulse: 1 J

Energy: selectable between: 50 500 mJ (step

50 mJ), 600 1000 mJ (step 100)Repetition frequency: selectable between: single

pulse, 110 Hz, 15 Hz, 20 HzSpot: 1.5 - 6 mm

Beam delivering: optic fibre 600 mm long, up to50 m

Handpiece: variable focus, with beam guide

Beam profile: homogeneous

Power supply Input: 230 V - 50/60 Hz, 8 ADimensions: 59x20x53 cmNd:YA G laser shutter:pedal-controlled by the

operatorWeight: 40 kg

Cooling circuit: sealed with heat exchanger

(air/liquid)Aiming beam: laser HeNe 1 mW (632.8 nm)


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THUNDER

Thunder Art is the most technologically advancedlaser device in the world of conservation.

The El.En. Groups research activities have aimedat improving the performance and efficiency while

still maintaining the most compact size,simplifying to a maximum the structure and

operator interface.

Thunder Art replaces and integrates the El.En.Groups entire QS short-pulse laser line.

Thunder Art is in fact an extremely versatileplatform that can be adapted to all the operators

requirements. Every possible configuration is nowenclosed in only two components: the laser

head and the power supply and cooling unit. Thereare also more powerful versions available with the

same system structure but which progressively

reach up to as many as three wavelengths.In particular, while the laser head is even smaller

than in the previous models, it is still extremelystrong and completely waterproof (IP 65), and a

special jointed arm is used for all the wavelengths.The 1064 nm version of Thunder Art is especially

suited to operate on a wide variety of materials

including wood, textiles, glass, ceramics etc., andalso on very extensive architectural surfaces.

The configuration of Thunder Art with severalwavelengths has been designed to offer research

laboratories an even more reliable instrument witha far greater performance than in the previous

versions.

SyStem featureS

Wavelength: 1064 nmPulse duration: almost 8 ns

energy: selectable between: 50 500 mJ (step 50mJ), 600 1000 - 2000 mJ (step 100)

energy @ 1064 nm = 1 J

energy @ 532 nm = 500 mJ

energy @ 355 nm = 200 mJfrequency: up to 20 HzBeam diameter: 10 mm

Working temperature: 10 - 40 CInput: 220 Vac, 16 a


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BRAMANTE

This is the latest invention of the research anddevelopment laboratories of the El. En. Group,

and in particular, Quanta System S.p.A. TheBramante Laser is currently the most powerful

instrument available for restorers for carrying outwork on very large surfaces on architectural

restoration sites.

While the parameters of the system that ensuretop quality performance remain the same, the

overall operating complexity has been intensifiedin order to cut the working times.

The Bramante laser is the most powerful andfastest laser currently on the market designed for

restoration enterprises that have to work oncomplex and extensive surfaces.

The Bramante system now makes laser

Operations more competitive and advantageouscompared to traditional cleaning systems.

The Bramante laser has been designed andcreated with only two components, thereby

offering greater compactness and transportabilitywith respect to the Michelangelo laser series.


Pulse duration: almost 8 nsenergy: selectable between: 50 500 mJ (step

50 mJ), 600 1000 - 1800 mJ (step 100)energy @ 1064 nm = 1 J

energy @ 532 nm = 500 mJ

energy @ 355 nm = 200 mJFrequency: up to 20 Hz

Beam diameter: 12 mmWorking temperature: 10 - 40 C

Input: 220 Vac, 16 a

technological solutions for restoration works

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