Using a CO2 Laser-Firing as a Clean Production Method to Form an Electrical Conductivity Surface and Color-Changing on Craft Ceramic.

Craft ceramic is an old industry. Most craft clay needs to be fired in a kiln, but kilns are expensive and inefficient [Kiln firing thermal efficiency: Kiln body heat storage 18.67%, Exhaust Sensible Heat 45.9%, Heat loss from incomplete combustion 16.24%, Radiated Conduction and Other Loss of Heat 12.61%]. In order to change the color of ceramic, potters commonly use kiln reduction firing. This technique requires an additional step and more fuel, which creates more air pollution. In this study, we used a CO2 laser to fire craft clay and glaze. This process not only changes the ceramic’s color but also changes the conductivity of the ceramic’s surface. By changing the composition of the glaze, the ceramic’s surface resistance was altered. Most kiln-fired ceramics are non-conductive because oxides are combined by covalent bonds. During the laser firing process, the covalent bonds become metal bonds. This new firing technique produces ceramic products that are superior in terms of light, heat, magnetism, and electricity. Thus, laser firing adds more function to the final ceramic product than kiln firing does. As opposed to kiln firing, there is no air pollution associated with CO2 laser firing. In comparison to kiln firing, laser-firing reduces both heat waste and air pollution by 99%. This study is based on our patented laser ceramic reduction firing technique. (Taiwan, R.O.C Patent Number: I687394) We recommend additional studies into laser firing in order to collect more data on laser-based ceramic production. Range: 20W laser