Metalloids and non-metals
Laser marking, laser engraving and laser cutting of metalloids and non-metals
In principle, metalloids and non-metals can be processed with the laser. However, the most important question is, which result you want to achieve. A CO2 laser can be used for engraving most ceramics, although there will be no color alteration in the material. However, a color contrast results, for example, when a colored glaze is removed so that the actual ceramic becomes visible.
If a high-contrast marking (i.e. the color alteration of the material) is required, really only the Nd:YAG (e.g. fiber laser) will be able to do the job. In the same way as with the plastics, the metalloids and non-metals must also be subjected to application tests in the laboratory in order to determine the robustness of the respective materials.
For further information please see our laser compendium.