Potential of Lasers in Slate Tile Processing

• Published in: Key engineering materials 2003-01, Vol.250, p.268-273
• Main Authors: Louzán, N., Boutinguiza, M., Quintero, F., Pou, Juan, Lusquiños, F., Soto, R., Amor, M.P.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1013-9826; 1662-9795; 1662-9795
• DOI: 10.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.250.268

Slate is a natural stone of an unquestionable aesthetic value that is particularly used as roof building material by splitting it in thin flat layers that are used as tiles. The success of this stone is based on two main factors: on one hand the slate is resistant to frost, to thermal changes, acids, etc. which make it an impervious coverage for any kind of building. On the other hand it is a versatile product that can be used in a broad variety of constructions from traditional to avant-garde styles. The manufacturing of slate is mostly manual, being noisy, powdery and unsafe for the worker. Thus, there is a need to introduce new processing methods in order to improve the working conditions and also the quality of the products made of slate. In this paper we present a review of the work carried out to investigate the possibilities of the lasers to process the slate. A systematic study on the influence of the processing parameters on the geometry and quality of the cuts and drills has been carried out. The results show that the laser is a feasible tool for a successful cutting and drilling of slate.