Laser machining and functional applications of glass-ceramic materials

In this work a study of glass-ceramic laser machining and some functional applications are presented. Firstly, both the effect produced by the machining method as well as how the modification of the reference position influence the machining results have been studied. Secondly, blind holes and special shape cross-section blind holes have been created for functional purposes. A Q-switched Nd:YAG laser at its fundamental wavelength of 1064 nm with pulse-widths in the nanosecond range has been used. Morphology, depth, and volume obtained by machining grooves have been studied. The variation in the ablation yield when the position of the surface to be machined is modified has also been studied. The composition and microstructure of the machined areas have been described and discussed and thermal tests have been performed to check if the objectives of the functional applications have been achieved. © 2012 American Ceramic Society.Daniel Sola thanks the JAE-DOC program, BSH Home Appliances Group and the Science and Technology Inter-Ministry commission of Spain and FEDER funds of the EC under project MAT2009-13979-C03-03 for the financial support of his contract.Peer Reviewe