Effect of Laser Etching on Glass Strength.
William C. LaCourse*, Isvan Szabo and Abbey Timbrook
Alfred University
CO2 laser etching is used in a number of applications from labeling to decoration. This paper describes the effect of laser power, and other processing parameters on the resulting MOR. Post-etch heat treatments and ion-exchange strengthening are also considered. SEM and surface profilimetry are used help interpret the results. CO2 laser etching dramatically reduces strength, by as much as 70%. Post-etching annealing leads to some recovery but strengths remain low.