The Aragon Institute of Materials Science (ICMA) has developed a new method for manufacturing structural ceramics, applying laser technology in the firing phase. In this way energy consumption and the emission of greenhouse gases are reduced.

The Laser Applications Laboratory research group from ICMA has designed an oven that enables manufacturing ceramics to be used in construction at lower firing temperatures than those currently employed.

The high temperatures required for the manufacture of bricks, ceramic tiles and roof tiles can surpass 1,200 degrees centigrade. This entails a high level of energy consumption and greenhouse gas emission. With this new laser technology, used during firing, both are reduced.

Until now, lasers were only used in the ceramics industry for marking or decorating, but never in the firing of structural ceramics. A sign of the new method’s attractiveness is that patents have been granted in the United States, China and Europe.

In addition to working continuously, this oven avoids the use of contaminating substances, and allows reaching extreme temperatures on the surface of the material while respecting the integrity of its volume. This last point is very important, as it preserves the characteristics of the piece in question, keeping it from becoming deformed or breaking. These treatments bring value added, improving mechanical and esthetic properties.

ICMA is coordinating the European project LIFE09 ENV/ES/000435 ‘Laserfiring’ within the LIFE program (Environment Policy and Governance), based on a new method of manufacturing structural ceramics. Also participating in the project are the companies EasyLaser, Physicgm and the Clay Technological Center, AITEMIN. ICMA was founded in 1985 based on an agreement between the Spanish Council of Scientific Research and the University of Zaragoza.

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