1. Laser Engraving:
In laser engraving, a focused beam of light, typically from a carbon dioxide (CO2) or a pulsed laser, is directed onto the glass surface. This high-energy beam locally vaporises or melts the glass, leaving indented lines or patterns on its surface. The laser's precision allows for intricate designs with sharp details.
2. Laser Etching:
Similar to laser engraving, laser etching involves removing material from the glass' surface using laser energy. However, etching usually produces a matte or frosted appearance on the glass instead of creating deep grooves. By controlling the laser intensity, it's possible to achieve specific levels of etching depth.
3. Laser Cutting:
In laser cutting, the laser's high energy is used to cut through the glass completely, rather than just engraving it. This technique allows for precise cutting along desired shapes, enabling the creation of customised glass objects or intricate patterns with clean edges.
4. Laser Micromachining:
This advanced technique combines laser engraving, etching, and cutting to create high-precision three-dimensional microstructures on the glass' surface. With its fine control and accuracy, laser micromachining is often used in the manufacturing of specialised optical components, microfluidic devices, or other intricate glass structures.
All of these methods are performed with specialised lasers and computer-controlled systems that ensure precision and accuracy. The design to be created is typically computer-generated and then guided by sophisticated software to direct the laser with extreme precision.
By carefully controlling the laser's power, pulse duration, focal length, and movement, lasers can create intricate designs or cuts on the glass without damaging the overall structure or leaving any visible marks beyond the intended modification.