Enamelling of glass by CO₂ laser treatment

Abstract

Decoration of glass using enamel is interesting for hollow glassware as well as for flat glass sheets. Laser radiation can be used advantageously to increase the temperature of the product locally. The reactions which take place during CO₂ laser heat treatment of a conventional PbO-containing frit are discussed intensely. Pyrometrical temperature measurements accompany the experiments to investigate the temperature development during CO₂ laser irradiation. At temperatures above Tg optimal results concerning low surface roughness, high brightness and intensive colouration are obrained without deformation of the shape of the product. Very promising results show that higher temperatures can be achieved by laser application and therefore PbO-free frits can be used.