Migration of elements in colour layers deposited on a ceramic substrate under the influence of laser treatment

This paper summarizes the experimental results in the laser firing of colour agents on ceramic substrates. White glazed and fired ceramic plates were used as the substrate, while the deposited powders were mixtures containing ceramic colours and other colour agents. Various geometric patterns were deposited by a cw fiber Yb:YAG laser with speed controlled by a set of galvanometric scanners. The results, analyzed by means of optical microscopy, SEM EDS and laser profilometry explained the visually observed changes in pattern colours caused by the migration of pigment particles (characteristic elements) and allowed development of proper laser process.