Process for engraving ceramic surfaces using local laser vitrification
US5554335A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 22, 1995 |
| Grant date | Sep 10, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 22, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB23K2103/52
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A process is provided for producing contrasting, long lasting, glassy heat fused images on the surface of ceramic materials such as bricks using a laser to vitrify the substrate material. The process is accomplished in three stages: Stage 1) the laser produces a non-adherent, highly light absorptive layer by heating and removing material from the marking field to create depth into the brick's surface; Stage 2) melting of the main portion of the substrate material along the marking field using the non-adherent light absorptive layer from Stage 1 as an effective light absorber/heat transducer to cause vitrification along the marking field; Stage 3) residue from the melting in stage 2 is removed by laser ablation to produce the vitrified finished mark.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.