The results
obtained in
marking ceramics
with laser
systems depend
highly on the
type of ceramic.
Usually slight
material removal
is achieved.
Household
ceramics such as
stoneware can be
engraved. This
involves
removing the
glazing, and –
depending on the
laser power –
some of the
underlying
material too.
Nice effects
can be achieved
if the surface
is covered
beforehand with
masking tape and
the engraved
surface is
designed in
color.
Industrial
ceramics are
generally
heat-resistant
and have a
smoother
surface. The
resulting
engraving
appears
especially
clean.
Since laser
marking of
ceramics
requires high
laser powers,
laser systems at
higher power
levels (starting
at 45 Watt) are
more productive
than devices
with lower power
outputs. One
special laser
application on
ceramics is
processing of
special tiles
(laser tiles).
They can be
marked directly
with a CO2
laser, which
produces a full,
dark contrast.
