Analysis of the process of laser ablation of marble surfaces

Abstract

Over the last decade, laser surface treatment of stones has gained increasing scientific interest. New technologies and processes based on different types of laser sources and processing modes are being studied. This report examines the process of laser ablation of a marble surface using a fiber laser. Three factors influencing the process of laser marking and engraving were studied: laser power, processing speed and step between raster lines. The functional dependencies between these factors and the contrast of the obtained graphic image are established. The optimal operating intervals for this group of technological parameters are analyzed. Thanks to the very-high-definition laser ablation, inscriptions, drawings and images can be re-created and processed with unique accuracy. In addition, the reduction of manufacturing time and resources used in the process makes this technology an environmentally-friendly and extremely cost-efficient solution.