Laser erosion

Laser erosion – a new application for lasers in manufacturing

The correct choice of laser and material is essential for this process

Laser erosion is the removal of thin layers from a workpiece. The process removes very fine layers with maximum precision. Laser erosion is used if a workpiece with a layer structure must be eroded layer by layer at certain points. Laser erosion can be performed at specific points, over a full surface or in strips. Finishing solar cells is one sample application from industry. Thanks to the laser, it is now possible to manufacture solar cells more efficiently and to reduce the number of stages in the process. The new equipment enables solar cells to be manufactured more cost effectively. The process also reduces the amount of energy and material required. The principle for the new process is contacting the reverse of the cell using a laser. Previously several stages and the use of chemicals were required for this purpose. Laser erosion now allows this contacting to be completed in a single stage. The laser can place 100,000 contact points on the reverse of the solar cell within a matter of seconds. The solar cells produced in this way are known as PERC solar cells (Passivated Emitter Rear Contact Cell) – and achieve efficiency levels of over 20 percent. As a comparison, the normal efficiency levels of solar cells are between 7 and 15 percent.

Several stages in the production of solar power systems are completed with a laser

In addition to laser erosion, other stages in the production of solar power systems can also be completed more quickly and more precisely with a laser. These include the texturing and opening of anti-reflex and passivation layers. Laser soldering and laser welding are used on cell connector straps in the solar modules. Edge isolation, in other words the electrical isolation of the front and rear, is also performed with a laser.

Laser erosion has also proved popular in the electronics industry, for example for eroding selective layers of plastic, which is important for cable stripping. Laser erosion leaves the conductive core materials undamaged and only removes the plastic insulation material.

Is laser erosion of interest to your company? Then contact us – send us a mail to info@gkteso.de.

  • gKteso contact
    • gKteso GmbH
    • Michael-Schäffer-Straße 1
    • D 86399 Bobingen, Germany

    • phone: +49 8234 966 38 41
    • fax: +49 8234 966 38 47
    • mail: info@gkteso.de

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