A melt depth prediction model for quality control of laser surface glazingof inhomogeneous materials

This paper reports on an investigation into the development of an analytica l model for the quality control of laser marking/engraving of clay tiles us ing a high-power diode laser (HPDL). An analytical model for the laser melt ing of inhomogeneous workpieces with parabolic melt pool geometry being ass umed was developed. The theoretical results were compared with the experime ntal data. The predicted melt pool depth and the experimental values were i n close correlation with the parameter P-L/root dv for values less than 15W mm(-1) s(-1/2), in spite of simplifications introduced in the model. At th e relatively large values of parameter P-L/root dv the assumption of parabo lic melt pool shape and one-dimensional heat transfer no longer holds true. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.