Firimg PbO - free glass enamels using the CW - CO₂ laser

Abstract

The firing of glass enamels, which are applied to decorate glass products, is usually done in a furnace. A new and suitable technique for firing glass enamels is to make use of the high-power CW-CO₂ laser. Its be am (wavelength 10.6 μm) induces a very fast heating of the enamelled glass within a small surface layer. This makes it possible to fire glass enamels at temperatures above 1000°C, without any deformation of the Substrate glass body In this temperature ränge an amount of the harmful component PbO in t he glass enamel is n o longer necessary The PbO-free glass flux of the enamel is made easily by milhng the Substrate glass (float glass). The gloss and smoothness of the laser-fired enamel are comparable to the conventionally fired enamel. The absence of PbO and the high firing temperatures are very advantageous to the chemical resistance of the enamels, meaning excellent dishwasher durability.