Electro-optical removal of plastic layer bonded to metal tube

A multi-layer tube (22) comprising a metal tube (28) having an outer surface (26)and an end (60) with a polymeric layer (27, 29) disposed on the tube outer surface; and a laser-removed portion (36) of the metal tube outer surface adjacent and disposed 360° about the end, the portion having had the polymeric layer disposed thereon, and the portion having had the polymeric layer substantially removed by a laser, while leaving at least the tube outer surface (26) undamaged. Preferably having a generally tapered transition portion (74) of the polymeric layer (27, 29), extending from an upper surface (24) of the polymeric layer toward the laser-removed portion (36) of the metal tube outer surface circumference at the end.