Effect of engraving speeds of CO(2) laser irradiation on In-Ceram Alumina roughness: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to determine the effect of CO(2) laser on surface roughness of In-Ceram-Alumina-ceramic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four aluminum-oxide ceramic disc specimens were prepared of In-Ceram Alumina. Discs received CO(2) laser irradiation with different engraving speeds (100, 400, 600 and 800 mm/min) as a surface treatment. The roughness of the surfaces was measured on digital elevation models reconstructed from stereoscopic images acquired by scanning-electron-microscope. Surface roughness data were analyzed with One-Way-Analysis-of-Variance at a significance level of p<0.05. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the roughness values (p=0.82). Due to higher laser durations, partial melting signs were observed on the surfaces. Tearing, smearing and swelling occurred on melted surfaces. Swelling accompanying melting increased the surface roughness, while laser power was fixed and different laser engraving speeds were applied. CONCLUSION: Although different laser irradiation speeds did not affect the roughness of ceramic surfaces, swelling was observed which led to changes on surfaces.