The Characterization of Surface Texture in Laser Bamboo Engraving: A Metrological Approach

M.A. Sáenz-Nuño, C. Puente-Rueda, E. M. Rubio

Coatings Vol. 15, nº. 6, pp. 624-1 - 624-35

Summary:

Laser engraving is a widely used technique for bamboo applications. However, the literature lacks a recommended standard roughness parameter or a numerical comparison between samples for a quantitative assessment of surface texture post-engraving. In this research, we systematically evaluated well-known 2D roughness parameters typically used for metal parts and measured them for laser bamboo engraving under various laser conditions. We utilized a pulsed laser with a 450 nm wavelength and 5.5 W power to engrave bamboo specimens, examining the surface roughness at different speed and power combinations. We utilized all available parameters with calibrated equipment to compare the results and identify the most relevant ones for characterizing the final texture with sufficient resolution for bamboo specimens. Unlike existing studies, which were limited by testing materials and laser conditions, we propose only two 2D measurement parameters that can be evaluated and compared across different materials and engraving lasers, not just under specific conditions. These selected combinations of R and P parameters can determine the quality of the engraved surface with a single measurement. In this paper the Rz parameter is proposed as the quantitative parameter to characterize the engraving.

Spanish layman's summary:

Este estudio evalúa parámetros de rugosidad 2D en bambú grabado con láser de 450 nm y 5.5 W. Se propone Rz como parámetro clave para caracterizar la textura superficial, permitiendo comparar calidad entre materiales y condiciones de grabado.

English layman's summary:

This study evaluates 2D roughness parameters for laser-engraved bamboo using a 450 nm, 5.5 W pulsed laser. It identifies Rz as a reliable metric for surface texture, enabling consistent quality assessment across materials and laser settings.

Keywords: laser bamboo engraving; roughness set up; surface texture characterization

JCR-JIF Impact Factor and WoS quartile: 2,900 - Q2 (2023)

DOI reference: https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15060624

Published on paper: June 2025.

Published on-line: May 2025.

Citation:
M.A. Sáenz-Nuño, C. Puente-Rueda, E. M. Rubio, The Characterization of Surface Texture in Laser Bamboo Engraving: A Metrological Approach. Coatings. Vol. 15, nº. 6, pp. 624-1 - 624-35, June 2025. [Online: May 2025]