Ultrashort pulse laser machining in the ceramic industry
With cutting-edge ultrashort pulse laser machining technology and years of expertise in advanced ceramic processing, we can achieve high-precision structuring and cutting of even the most challenging ceramic materials. This technology is revolutionizing the way ceramics are processed.
What is Ultrashort Pulse Laser Machining?
Ultrashort pulse (USP) laser machining uses laser pulses with durations from the picosecond (10⁻¹² s) down to the femtosecond (10⁻¹⁵ s) range. These pulses deliver energy to the material so rapidly that heat diffusion is minimized, leading to a process often described as “cold ablation”. This results in minimal thermal damage, exceptional edge quality, and precise material removal.
Materials and Applications
This technique is suitable for all of our technical ceramic materials, including:
- Alumina (Al₂O₃),
- Zirconia (ZrO₂),
- Silicon nitride (Si₃N₄),
- Silicon carbide (SiC),
- And others.
Ultrashort pulse lasers are used for:
- Micro-drilling and micro-cutting,
- Precision slotting and dicing,
- Surface structuring and texturing,
- Marking and engraving,
- Via hole formation in substrates,
- And more.
Process Advantages
Ultrashort pulse laser machining offers several key benefits over traditional mechanical or longer-pulse laser methods:
- Virtually no heat-affected zone (HAZ): Prevents microcracks, chipping, and thermal stress in brittle ceramics,
- High precision: Enables feature sizes and tolerances down to the micrometer range,
- Versatility: Processes complex geometries, thin films, and multilayer structures without mechanical contact,
- Minimal post-processing: The excellent surface quality often eliminates the need for additional grinding or polishing.
From Prototype to Series Production
Whether you need rapid prototyping or high-volume manufacturing, ultrashort pulse laser machining offers scalable solutions. Processes are individually optimized for each ceramic type and geometry, ensuring the highest quality and efficiency from the first test cut to full-scale production.