Clay-Based Ceramic Marking via Ablation and Selective Sintering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laser marking technologies on fired and raw ceramic pieces fail to achieve fine, clean lines and material effects, particularly on clay-based ceramic pieces, and often result in defects like microcracks and irregular edges.

Innovation Solution

A method involving laser ablation and selective laser sintering on raw or softened ceramic pieces, followed by final firing, to create precise and unique patterns with clean lines and rounded edges, using a pulsed laser with specific power, wavelength, and movement speed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If laser ablation is performed on fired ceramic pieces, then marking can be achieved, but the lines are not fine and clean, and defects like microcracks appear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemarking line qualityVSAvoidmicrocracks and irregular edges

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing laser marking on raw or softened ceramic pieces before final firing. The laser ablation and selective sintering are carried out on the green body or pre-fired piece, allowing the marking to be formed while the material is still plastic or semi-plastic. This preliminary marking is then finalized through the subsequent firing process, which eliminates microcracks and irregular edges while preserving the fine line quality achieved during laser processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by controlling the thermal state of the ceramic material during laser processing. By performing laser ablation on raw or softened ceramic (lower temperature state) and then applying selective sintering with controlled laser parameters, the material properties change during processing. The subsequent firing further transforms the material, resulting in fine, clean lines without the defects associated with processing fully fired ceramic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If simple laser ablation is used on raw ceramic pieces, then marking can be achieved, but fine and clean lines with material effects cannot be obtained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefine and clean linesVSAvoidprocess complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the laser marking process into two distinct sequential steps: laser ablation followed by selective laser sintering. The ablation step creates the initial marking pattern by removing material, while the sintering step selectively fuses the material in specific areas to produce fine, clean lines and desired material effects. This segmentation of the processing sequence enables achievement of high marking quality without requiring excessively complex equipment, as each step builds upon the previous one.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If laser marking is performed on fired ceramic pieces, then the process is simple, but unique finishes compatible with food contact standards cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocess simplicityVSAvoidunique finish quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The method achieves fine and precise markings compatible with food contact standards, avoiding defects like microcracks and irregular edges, and allows for unique aesthetic effects through selective sintering and coating variations.

Implementation Method 1

at least one laser ablation step implementing one or more passes of the laser over a surface so as to remove material from the surface to form an etching defining the pattern

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Implementation Method 2

at least one selective laser sintering step, carried out after the laser ablation step, and implementing one or more passes of the laser in the etching obtained at the end of the laser ablation step, so as to locally sinter the internal surface of the etching

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSelective laser sintering: Selective Laser Sintering

Implementation Method 3

a final firing operation of the ceramic part after the laser marking operation to obtain the fired ceramic part marked with the pattern

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiring: Sintering

Data Source

PatentEP4635743A1Method for marking on a clay-based ceramic part

Publication Date: 2025.10.22 REVOL PORCELAINE

Figure 1a~2e
Figure 3a~3e
Figure 4a~5b

AI summary

Method for marking on a ceramic piece (1) based on clay, comprising a laser marking operation implementing a marking by means of a laser (2) of a pattern (3) on the raw or softened ceramic piece (1), followed by a final firing operation of the ceramic piece (1) after the laser marking operation to obtain the ceramic piece (1) fired and marked with the pattern (3), where the laser marking operation comprises a laser ablation step followed by a selective laser sintering step in the engraving obtained at the end of the laser ablation step. The invention finds a preferred, and non-limiting, application for decorating or personalizing a ceramic piece used in the fields of tableware, kitchenware or decorative items.