There are many
types of ceramic
so the results
can vary.
Typically there
is some material
removal from
laser processing
ceramic and thus
an "engraved'
mark is
achieved. In
some cases not
only the top
surface is
affected, but
also the
underlying
material. This
is more common
in commercial
grade ceramic
items such as
earthenware.
Industrial
ceramics are
typically much
more heat
resistant and
have a better
quality front
surface.
Because of the
surface
condition,
engraving is
usually of the
very highest
quality.
In most cases
ceramic
materials are
best processed
with powers of
45 watts or
more. This also
allows for
higher
production rates
due to the extra
speed that
corresponds to
higher power.
There are
special tiles
that are readily
available, that
actually create
a rich dark
contrast, when
processed with a
CO2 laser.
Trotec will be
happy to provide
vendor
information
related to these
products.
When inscribing
ceramics with
laser systems,
the results will
depend greatly
on the type of
ceramic. Often,
slight material
wear-off is
achieved.
Household
ceramics such as
earthenware can
be engraved.
Here, the
glazing is
stripped off and
- depending on
laser output -
also the
underlying
material.
Corresponding
effects are
achieved when
the surface is
covered
beforehand with
masking tape and
the engraved
surface is
covered with
color.
Industrial
ceramics are
generally more
heat-resistant
and have a much
finer surface.
Therefore, the
engraving
appears
especially
clean. Since the
laser engraving
of ceramics
requires higher
laser outputs,
laser systems
with a higher
output (starting
from 45 watts)
work more
productively
than devices
with a lower
output. A
special laser
application on
ceramic is the
processing of
special tiles
(laser tiles).
These can be
directly
inscribed with a
CO2 laser
engraver, and
produce a rich,
dark contrast.
