Method for manufacturing a material sheet or a material web

The method employs a laser to modify the surface of material plates or webs, addressing the complexity of existing methods by efficiently creating surfaces with multiple gloss levels and structures, thus offering a flexible and cost-effective solution.

WO2025114152A1PCT designated stage expired Publication Date: 2025-06-05HUECK RHEINISCHE GMBH
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/EP2024/083269
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-11-27
Filing Date
2024-11-22
Publication Date
2025-06-05

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing methods for producing material plates or webs with surfaces featuring multiple degrees of gloss and/or structures are complex and lack efficiency.

Method used

A method utilizing a laser beam to modify the surface of a base material plate or web, altering gloss levels and creating structures by polishing or roughening specific areas, thereby achieving a surface with varied gloss levels and/or structures.

Benefits of technology

This method provides a cost-effective and flexible process for producing material plates or webs with desired surface characteristics, allowing for quick adjustments in process parameters to achieve various structures and gloss levels.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a material sheet (1, 91) or a material web (125), which has a surface (2, 92) with regions (6, 7) of different degrees of gloss and / or with a structure (3, 93), wherein the following method steps are carried out: providing or manufacturing a basic material sheet (31, 71) or a basic material web (124), which comprises a basic surface (32, 72) with a basic degree of gloss (33), and producing, by means of at least one laser beam (L) in at least one region of the basic surface (32, 72), a degree of gloss which differs from the basic degree of gloss (33) of the basic surface (32), so that a material sheet (1) or a material web (125) is created the surface (2) of which has regions (6, 7) having different degrees of gloss, and / or removing material by means of at least one laser beam (L) in at least one region of the basic surface (32, 72) such that a material sheet (1, 91) or a material web (124) is created the surface (2, 92) of which has a predefined structure (3, 93).
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Description

[0001] Method for producing a material plate or a material web

[0002] The invention relates to a method for producing a material plate or a material web comprising a surface with several degrees of gloss and / or with a structure.

[0003] DE 102007 055 053 A1 discloses a press plate comprising a structured pressing surface with multiple gloss levels. The structured surface comprises a structure that exhibits a mountain-like surface with valleys and peaks. Using the press plate or its pressing surface, material panels, such as laminates, can be produced, whereby the material panels have structured surfaces with multiple gloss levels that are associated with the pressing surface.

[0004] EP 2 289 708 B1 discloses a method for producing a surface structure of a metallic press sheet, endless belt or a cylindrical embossing roll using a laser.

[0005] The object of the invention is to provide a simplified method for producing a material plate or a material web with a surface that comprises several degrees of gloss and / or is provided with a structure.

[0006] The object of the invention is achieved by a method comprising the following method steps: providing or producing a base material plate or a base material web which comprises a base surface with a base gloss level, and generating a gloss level different from the base gloss level of the base surface by means of at least one laser beam in at least one region of the base surface, so that a material plate or a material web is created whose surface has regions with different gloss levels, and / or removing material by means of at least one laser beam in at least one region of the base surface in such a way that a material plate or a material web is created whose surface has a predetermined structure.A further aspect of the invention relates to a material plate or a material web which has a surface with areas of different gloss levels and / or a structure and which was produced by the method according to the invention.

[0007] By means of the method according to the invention, a material board, e.g., a laminate, or a material web, e.g., a laminate web, is produced. The material board or the material web comprises, for example, a wood-based material, a plastic, e.g., a synthetic resin, or paper. The material board or the material web according to the invention also comprises the surface, which is at least partially provided with the structure. Alternatively or additionally, this surface has several regions with different gloss levels.

[0008] To produce the structure and / or the gloss levels in the surface, the base material plate or the base material web can first be provided or produced. The base material plate or the base material web comprises a base surface having a base gloss level and which, according to the invention, is processed with the at least one laser beam. This provides the base surface with the predetermined structure and / or at least one region with a further gloss level different from the base gloss level, thereby creating the surface of the material plate or the material web having the structure and / or creating the regions with the different gloss levels.Due to the use of a laser beam to produce the structure and / or gloss levels, a relatively cost-effective but also flexible process can be realized, since process parameters of the laser beam can be changed relatively quickly and easily in order to obtain or create different structures and / or gloss levels.

[0009] To achieve the different gloss levels, the laser beam can, for example, polish or roughen the corresponding area of ​​the base surface. This makes the corresponding area appear glossier or matte, or even black. To achieve the desired or specified structure and / or the desired gloss levels, a value of at least one process parameter of the at least one laser beam is preferably changed.

[0010] In the context of the present invention, the process parameters are understood to mean all those parameters of the laser beam which influence the processing result during laser processing, in particular a laser power, a pulse energy, a focus diameter, a relative speed to the workpiece, a repetition rate, a number of pulses per burst, an energy amplitude of the pulses in the burst, a wavelength, a pulse duration of the pulses.

[0011] For laser processing, two different structuring methods can generally be used, which differ in terms of the process parameters: direct structuring and indirect structuring. In direct structuring, the feature size of the generated structure results directly from the focus diameter of the laser beam, whereas in indirect structuring, the feature size of the generated structure depends only indirectly on the focus diameter of the laser beam. In indirect structuring, for example, wavelength or interference phenomena influence the feature size more strongly than the focus diameter.

[0012] In direct structuring, the pulse energy is preferably 1 to 100 pJ per pulse, the focus diameter 1 to 100 pm, the relative velocity 100 to 10000 mm / s, the repetition rate 100 to 50000 kHz and the number of pulses in the burst 1 to 80. The energy amplitudes of the pulses in the burst are preferably set so that the pulse energy is not evenly distributed across all pulses in the burst.

[0013] This allows either higher-quality or more efficient removal to be achieved. The energy amplitude can essentially take any value from 0% to 100%.

[0014] Indirect structuring preferably uses a pulse energy of 100 to 10000 pJ per pulse, a focus diameter of 50 to 350 pm, a relative speed of 1 to 60 m / min, a repetition rate of 1 to 2000 kHz and a number of pulses in a burst of one.

[0015] For the wavelength of the laser, a wavelength in the near infrared range (1030 to 1064 nm), in the green range (515 to 532 nm) or in the ultraviolet range (343 to 355 nm) can be used for both direct structuring and indirect structuring.

[0016] The pulse duration can be in the nanosecond range (10 -9 s), but a pulse duration in the ultrashort pulse range of a few 100 fs up to 10 ps is preferred.

[0017] The value of at least one process parameter of the at least one laser beam can also be determined depending on the material of the base surface. This allows different material properties to be taken into account. The value of the respective process parameter can preferably be changed gradually, for example, by a user or, if necessary, automatically by logic implemented in the control unit.

[0018] Exactly one laser beam or, if necessary, multiple laser beams can be used. For example, a laser process head can be used that is designed to generate exactly one laser beam or that is designed to generate multiple laser beams. With multiple laser beams, it can be advantageous if the process parameters of the laser beams are adjusted individually, i.e., independently of one another.

[0019] The laser process head can be controlled using digitized data (e.g. 1-bit black and white files or 8 to 16-bit grayscale files). Depending on the desired structure, digitized data of a 3D topography assigned to the structure can be made available to control the laser process head. This data can then be used, for example, to control the position of the laser beam relative to the base surface in a plane. In order to achieve a predetermined depth structure assigned to the structuring, the data can be used, for example, to continuously change the focusing (z-position) or lateral positioning (xy-position) of the laser beam in depth, so that raised and deeper areas are formed in the base surface according to the predetermined structure. In particular, it is possible to partially ablate the base surface using the laser.

[0020] The laser beam can also be used for profiling, i.e. the creation of bevels on the edges of the material plate or the material web.

[0021] To achieve the desired structure or gloss level at the desired location on the surface, the material plate or base material plate is preferably moved relative to the laser beam. However, it is also possible for both the laser beam(s) and the material plate or base material plate to be moved relative to each other and in a coordinated manner.

[0022] The base material web is provided in a rolled form, for example. For processing the base surface with the laser beam, the base material web can be unrolled, processed with the laser beam(s), which is / are particularly movable, while unrolling, and preferably then rolled up so that the material web is ready in a rolled form at the end.

[0023] The base material web can also be produced continuously, whereby the part that has already been finished is processed directly with the laser beam.

[0024] The base surface can be smooth or flat.

[0025] The base surface may already have a basic structure. In the case of the base material plate, this basic structure can be created, for example, using a press plate, an endless belt, or a press roller whose pressing surface is structured accordingly. In the case of the base material web, this basic structure can be created, for example, using a press roller whose surface is structured accordingly. The base structure can have a single basic gloss level or several different basic gloss levels.

[0026] In the case of the base surface provided with the basic structure, the at least one laser beam is controlled in such a way that it overlays at least part of the basic structure with the specified structure. Thus, using the laser beam, material plates or material webs can be produced relatively easily that have a common basic structure but differently superimposed structures.

[0027] Preferably, the laser is controlled using grayscale files (8 or 16 bits) and / or black and white files (1 bit) such that a number of defined laser process parameters are adjusted to produce a desired gloss level and / or structure on the base surface, for example, synchronously with a decorative image, in particular a printed decorative image. The grayscale files (8 or 16 bits) can specify the process parameters in a predetermined gradient.

[0028] The structure created with the laser beam can have a roughness in the micrometer or nanometer range. This allows, for example, the gloss level to be adjusted from matte to a black appearance. The gloss level created with the laser beam can be more matte or glossier than the base gloss level.

[0029] The base material plate or the base material sheet can be manufactured, for example, by providing a base carrier comprising a support surface. The base carrier comprises, for example, a wood-based material, a plastic, or paper.

[0030] The carrier surface of the base support can be printed, and the printed carrier surface can then be varnished to obtain the base surface. The varnish used for varnishing can be, for example, a UV or EB varnish. The base gloss level can be adjusted by varying the intensities of irradiation of the varnish, in particular the UV or EB varnish. According to this embodiment, the use of a press plate or an embossing roller for producing the structure and / or gloss levels can be dispensed with.

[0031] Printing can be done using gravure printing or digital printing, for example.

[0032] The carrier surface can be subjected to a surface treatment before printing.

[0033] The base material plate or the base material web can be produced, for example, by pressing the carrier surface of the provided base carrier with a press plate, a continuous belt, or a press roller to obtain the base surface. In this case, the base surface can be provided with the base structure and / or the base gloss level.

[0034] Pressing can be achieved, for example, using short-cycle presses. The base carrier can be a so-called "high-pressure" product or a "continuous-pressure" product.

[0035] Before pressing, the carrier surface can be covered with a printed decorative paper, especially a printed impregnated decorative paper, or printed using gravure or digital printing, for example. Before printing, the carrier surface can be given a surface treatment.

[0036] The printed substrate surface can be coated with a film before pressing. Before applying the film, the printed substrate surface can be coated with a liquid overlay.

[0037] The printed decorative paper may be provided with an impregnated overlay or film, in particular with a treated film or protective film.

[0038] After pressing, the pressed substrate surface can be coated with a varnish, e.g., a UV or EB varnish, to preserve the base surface. The base material board or sheet can be made of a wood-based material, a plastic, e.g., a synthetic resin, or paper.

[0039] Before providing the structure and / or the gloss level, the base material plate or the base material web can be separated, for example by sawing, and / or the edges can be bevelled with a laser.

[0040] After the structure and / or gloss level has been applied, the material plate or the material web can be separated, for example by sawing, and / or the edges can be bevelled using a laser.

[0041] A further aspect of the invention relates to a device for carrying out the method according to the invention. The device comprises at least one laser process head for generating the at least one laser beam, a roller pair with two rotating rollers, between which the base material plate or the base material web can be moved in a predetermined direction of movement, and a drive device for driving the roller pair. The laser process head is arranged downstream of the roller pair in the direction of movement. The device also comprises a control device for controlling the at least one laser process head and the drive device of the roller pair.

[0042] The device preferably also comprises a manipulation device designed to move the at least one laser process head at least transversely to the direction of movement, wherein the manipulation device can be controlled by the control device. The manipulation device can, for example, comprise at least one guide rail aligned parallel to the rotational axis of the roller pair and a guide carriage movable along the guide rail. The guide carriage can have a drive unit, e.g., an electric motor, which can be controlled by the control device to move the laser process head.

[0043] The drive of the drive device of the roller pair and the drive of the drive unit of the manipulation device can be synchronized so that the movement of the base material plate or base material web and the movement of the laser process head can be coordinated.

[0044] The manipulation device can, for example, additionally be designed to move the laser process head in the direction of movement and against the direction of movement and / or to move it normally to the base material plate or base material web.

[0045] Preferably, a decorative image can be transmitted to the control device as a color file, grayscale file, or black-and-white file, and the control device is designed to assign different gloss levels or different structures to areas with different colors, grayscale, or black and white areas of the decorative image. The control device is further designed to control the at least one laser process head, the drive device of the roller pair, and optionally the manipulation device in such a way that, by means of the at least one laser beam, a synchronous image of the decorative image can be generated on the base surface, which image has different gloss levels or different structures in the assigned areas. This allows complex images and lettering with different gloss levels to be applied to the base material plate or the base material web.

[0046] It may be advantageous if one roller of the roller pair is an embossing roller and / or if the rollers of the roller pair are cooled.

[0047] The device may comprise a rotatably mounted first roller onto which a printed film is or can be rolled, and a rotatably mounted second roller onto which a treated film or a protective film is or can be rolled, wherein the first roller and the second roller are arranged upstream of the roller pair in the direction of movement. The device may also comprise a heating device for heating the films, which is arranged between the rollers and the roller pair in the direction of movement.

[0048] The device may comprise a support table for the base material plate, which is arranged downstream of the roller pair in the direction of movement and / or a support table for the base carrier, which is arranged upstream of the roller pair in the direction of movement.

[0049] The device may also comprise a support table for the base material web and / or a rotatably mounted third roller on which a base carrier is or can be rolled up, wherein the third roller is arranged upstream of the pair of rollers in the direction of movement.

[0050] The laser process head can comprise a scanner with a number of movable mirrors for deflecting the at least one laser beam. Each of the movable mirrors has a galvanometric drive that can be controlled by the control device. This allows the laser beam to be moved relative to the base material plate or base material web, for example, transversely to the direction of movement. In this case, the laser process head does not necessarily have to be movable.

[0051] The device can also comprise a painting device, a corundum scattering device arranged downstream of the painting device in the direction of movement, and a radiation hardening device arranged downstream of the corundum scattering device in the direction of movement, which are arranged in the direction of movement between the roller pair and the laser process head and which can be controlled by the control device.

[0052] Embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example in the accompanying schematic figures. They show:

[0053] Fig.1 a material plate in a perspective view,

[0054] Fig.2 a side view of the material plate in section,

[0055] Fig.3 of a base material plate in a perspective view,

[0056] Fig.4 a side view of the base material plate in a sectional view, Fig.5 a base support in a perspective view,

[0057] Fig.6 a press plate,

[0058] Fig.7 a side view of another base material plate,

[0059] Fig.8 a side view of another material plate,

[0060] Fig.9 shows a device for producing the material plate in an exemplary embodiment,

[0061] Fig.10 shows a device for producing a material web in an exemplary embodiment, and

[0062] Fig.11 a decorative image to be generated with areas of different gray levels.

[0063] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a material plate 1 comprising a surface 2. Figure 2 shows a side view of a section of the material plate 1 in a sectional view. The material plate 1 can be produced using the method of the present invention.

[0064] In the case of the present exemplary embodiment, the surface 2, at least a portion of the surface 2, comprises a predetermined structure 3, which in particular comprises a plurality of peaks 4 and valleys 5. Furthermore, in the case of the present exemplary embodiment, the surface 2 has regions with different gloss levels, of which, in particular, first regions 6 can have a relatively high gloss level and second regions 7 can have a relatively low gloss level, up to a black appearance.

[0065] Gloss is generally understood to mean the optical property of a surface to reflect light in a fully or partially specular manner. If a surface is not glossy because it diffusely reflects light, this is called mattness. Just like color, gloss is a property that contributes to the visual appearance of a surface. Gloss meters, also called reflectometers, are used to measure gloss. To measure gloss, the ratio between the incident light and the light reflected from the surface at a specified angle is usually used.

[0066] The unit of measurement for a gloss meter is usually GU (gloss units or gloss points). The scale for the measured values ​​is usually based on a reference value that is measured on a reference surface under specified conditions. The scale is not standardized and can vary depending on the manufacturer of the measuring device. For example, the reference value can be determined at an angle of 20°, 60°, or 85° of the incident light on a calibrated black mirror. During calibration, this reference value is set to a specific, concrete value. The measured gloss levels can be scaled based on the set reference value. The specific measuring method is not relevant for the invention in question. The only important thing is that the gloss levels produced can be measured.

[0067] In the present embodiment, the material plate 1 was produced from a base material plate 31 shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. The base material plate 31 comprises a base surface 32, which in turn has a base gloss level 33. In particular, the gloss levels of the regions 6, 7 differ from the base gloss level 33. The gloss levels of the regions 6, 7 can be greater (i.e., glossier) or lower (i.e., duller) than the base gloss level 33.

[0068] Figure 3 shows the base material plate 31 in a perspective view, and Figure 4 shows the base material plate 31 in a sectional view. In the present embodiment, the base surface 32 of the base material plate 31 is flat. In principle, however, the base surface 32 could also be curved, e.g., convex or concave.

[0069] The base material plate 31 can be manufactured, for example, by providing a base support 51, as shown in Fig. 5, which comprises a support surface 52. The base support 51 comprises, for example, a wood material, a plastic, or paper.

[0070] The carrier surface 52 of the base carrier 51 can, for example, first be printed with a print 34 (see Fig. 4), and the printed carrier surface 52, ie, the print 34, can then be varnished to obtain the base surface 32 of the base material plate 31. The varnish 35 used for varnishing can, for example, be a UV or an EB varnish, which, for example, receives one or more basic gloss levels 33 through variable irradiation.

[0071] Printing can be done, for example, by gravure printing or digital printing. The carrier surface 52 can optionally be subjected to a surface treatment prior to printing.

[0072] Alternatively, the base material plate 31 can also be produced, for example, by pressing the support surface 52 of the provided base support 51 with a press plate 61 shown in Fig.6 in order to obtain the base surface 32.

[0073] It can be provided that the pressing surface of the pressing plate 61 is smooth and has a predetermined gloss level, which can be transferred to the base surface 32 of the base material plate 31 in order to obtain the base gloss level 33. The base gloss level 33 can also be produced in another way, e.g., by means of an embossing roller or an endless belt.

[0074] It can be provided that the pressing surface of the pressing plate 61 is structured so that the base surface 32 is provided with a basic structure. Fig. 7 shows such a further base material plate 71, the base surface 72 of which is provided with a basic structure 73. The basic structure 73 can also be produced in another way, e.g., by means of an embossing roller or an endless belt.

[0075] Through the processing according to the invention using at least one laser beam L, a further material plate 91, shown in Fig. 8, can be produced from the further base material plate 71, which has the base surface 72 provided with the base structure 73. The base surface 72 can be machined using the laser beam L, for example, in such a way that a predetermined structure 93 overlies the base structure 73 at least in part of the base surface 72. This creates the surface 92 of the further material plate 91.

[0076] Fig. 9 shows an exemplary embodiment of a device 111 which is set up to produce a material plate 1 (Fig. 1) or the further material plate 91 (Fig. 8). The device 111 comprises an electronic control device 85 and a laser process head 97 connected to the electronic control device 85 for generating at least one laser beam L. Furthermore, the device 111 has a roller pair WP which comprises two rotating rollers 114, 115. The rollers 114, 115 can be set in rotation about their axes of rotation by an electric drive device 128 controlled by the electronic control device 85. As a result, a base support 51 (e.g. according to Fig. 5) can be pulled in a direction of movement B between the roller pair WP, as indicated by the arrow in Fig. 9.

[0077] The device 111 preferably also comprises a manipulation device 129, which is designed to move the at least one laser process head 97 at least transversely to the direction of movement B. The manipulation device 129 can be controlled by the control device 85. The manipulation device 129 here has, for example, a guide rail 130, which is aligned parallel to the axes of rotation of the roller pair WP, and a guide carriage 131, which is movable along the guide rail 130. The guide carriage 131 is connected to the laser process head 97. Furthermore, an electric drive unit 132, e.g. a suitable electric motor, is provided for driving the guide carriage 131, which can be controlled by the control device 85 in order to move the laser process head 97.Of course, the movement is not limited to the transverse direction, but the manipulation device 129 could, for example, additionally be designed to move the laser process head 97 in the direction of movement B (or against the direction of movement B).

[0078] The laser processing head 97 can be configured to generate a single laser beam L or to generate multiple laser beams L (not shown). Multiple laser beams can also be controlled individually, for example, so that the process parameters of the laser beams can be adjusted independently of one another. This allows different surface structures to be generated in parallel.

[0079] The laser process head 97 may comprise a suitable laser source (not shown) for providing the laser beam L. However, the laser source could also not be part of the laser process head 97 and could, for example, be arranged at another location on the device 111 and be connected to the laser process head 97 in a suitable manner.

[0080] Independently of the manipulation device 129, the laser process head 97 can also include a scanner (not shown) for deflecting one or more laser beams L. A scanner comprises a number of movable mirrors, each with a galvanometric drive. The galvanometric drives can, in turn, be controlled by the control device 85 to move the associated mirror, e.g., to rotate it about a rotational axis.

[0081] The number of movable mirrors can, for example, comprise a first mirror for moving the at least one laser beam L in a first direction relative to the base material plate 31, 71, e.g. in the direction of movement B or opposite to the direction of movement B. Alternatively or additionally, a second mirror can be provided for moving the at least one laser beam L in a second direction relative to the base material plate 31, 71, for example parallel to the axes of rotation of the roller pair WP. If necessary, a third mirror can also be provided for moving the at least one laser beam L in a third direction relative to the base material plate 31, 71. One of the rollers 114, 115, e.g. the roller 114 shown at the top in Fig. 9, can also be an embossing roller. The rollers 114, 115 can also preferably be cooled, for example by means of a suitable cooling medium.

[0082] In the embodiment shown, the device 111 further comprises a support table 112 for supporting the base material plate 31, 71, which is arranged downstream of the roller pair WP in the direction of movement B. The support table 112 can simultaneously serve to support the finished material plate 1, 91 (i.e., after processing by the at least one laser beam L). Furthermore, a support table 112 is provided for supporting the base carrier 51, which is arranged upstream of the roller pair WP in the direction of movement B.

[0083] In the case of the present exemplary embodiment, the device 111 further comprises a first roller 116 and a second roller 117, which are rotatably mounted and arranged upstream of the rollers 114, 115 of the roller pair WP in the direction of movement B. In the case of the present exemplary embodiment, a printed film 118 is rolled up on the first roller 116, and a treated film or a protective film 119 is rolled up on the second roller 117. The printed film 118 can generally be a printed carrier, e.g., printed paper. Furthermore, a heating device 113 is connected to the electronic control device 85 and is arranged between the rollers 114, 115 and the two rollers 116, 117 in the direction of movement B.

[0084] To produce the material plate 1 or the further material plate 91, a base support 51 is first placed, possibly automatically, on the corresponding support table 112 so that its support surface 52 faces away from the support table 112. The base support 51 is pulled by the roller pair WP through its rotating rollers 114, 115 in the direction of movement B, as indicated by the arrow in Fig. 9. At the same time, the rotating rollers 114, 115 unroll the first and second rollers 116, 117 so that the printed film 118 and the protective film 119 are pressed onto the support surface 52. For improved adhesion of the printed film 118 and the protective film 119, they can be heated by means of the heating device 113 before pressing. This creates the base material plate 31 (see Figs. 3 and 4).If one of the rollers 114 facing the carrier surface 52 is an embossing roller, the further base material plate 71 (see Fig.7).

[0085] The laser processing head 97 is arranged downstream of the rollers 114, 115 in the direction of movement, so that it can treat the base surface 32, 72 by means of the at least one laser beam L in order to provide the surface 2 of the material plate 1 with the gloss levels and / or the structure 3, or to provide the surface 92 of the further material plate 91 with the gloss levels and the superimposed structure 93.

[0086] Depending on where the areas are defined, the movement of the base material plate 31 in the direction of movement B, the movement of the laser process head 97 transverse to the direction of movement B, and, if applicable, the movement of the at least one laser beam L can be coordinated with one another. This can be achieved by the control device 85 controlling, in particular synchronizing, the drive device 128 of the roller pair WP, the drive unit 132 of the manipulation device 129, and, if applicable, the available galvanometric drives of the scanner mirrors accordingly.

[0087] Optionally, the device 111, as shown in Fig. 9, can comprise a painting device 120, a corundum scattering device 126 following the painting device 120 in the direction of movement B, and a radiation curing device 127 following the corundum scattering device 126 in the direction of movement B. The painting device 120, the corundum scattering device 126, and the radiation curing device 127 are arranged between the rollers 114, 115 and the laser process head 97 and can be controlled by the electronic control device 85.

[0088] In this case, the support surface 52 of the base support 51 can be coated, for example, with a UV or EB varnish by means of the coating device 120. The base gloss level can be influenced by different irradiation intensities by means of the radiation curing device 127, which, for example, generates UV radiation intended for curing the varnish.

[0089] Figure 10 shows an exemplary embodiment of a device 121 configured to produce a material web 125. In the present embodiment, the device 121 is configured similarly to the device 111 shown in Figure 9. The device 121 shown in Figure 10 thus comprises an electronic control device 85 and the laser process head 97 connected to the electronic control device 85.

[0090] The device 121, in turn, has a roller pair WP comprising two rotating rollers 114, 115. The rollers 114, 115 can be set in rotation about their axes of rotation by the electric drive device 128, e.g., an electric motor. This allows a base support 123 provided for producing the material web 125 to be moved in a direction of movement B, as indicated by the corresponding arrow. Again, one of the rollers 114 can be an embossing roller, and the rollers 114, 115 can be cooled. The device 121 here also comprises a heating device 113, which can be controlled by the electronic control device 85.

[0091] In contrast to the device 111 according to Fig. 9, the device 121 according to Fig. 10 does not have a support table 112 arranged upstream of the rollers 114, 115 in the direction of movement B. However, viewed in the direction of movement B, a support table 112 may optionally be provided downstream of the rollers 114, 115, particularly in the area below the laser process head 97.

[0092] In the present embodiment, the device 112 comprises a first roller 116 and a second roller 117, which are rotatably mounted and positioned upstream of the rollers 114, 115 in the direction of movement B. In the present embodiment, a printed film 118, generally the printed carrier, is rolled onto the first roller 116, and a treated film or the protective film 119 is rolled onto the second roller 117. The heating device 113 is arranged between the rollers 114, 115 and the two rollers 116, 117 in the direction of movement B.

[0093] Furthermore, the device 121 comprises a rotatably mounted third roller 122, on which a base support 123 is wound, from which the material web 125 can be produced. The heating device 113 can comprise two heating units or heating elements arranged opposite one another transversely to the direction of movement B, between which the base support and the films 118, 119 can be moved.

[0094] The base carrier 123 can be pulled by the roller pair WP through its rotating rollers 114, 115 and thus unrolled from the roll 122. At the same time, the printed film 118 can be unrolled from the first roll 116 and the protective film 119 from the second roll 117 by the rotating rollers 114, 115. The printed film 118 can thus be pressed onto a carrier surface of the base carrier 123. At the same time, the protective film 119 can be pressed onto the printed film 118. For improved adhesion of the printed film 118 and the protective film 119, they can be heated using the heating device 113 before pressing.

[0095] This creates a base material web 124, which can be processed in the region of the laser process head 97 by means of the at least one laser beam L to produce the material web 125. If the roller 114 is an embossing roller, the base surface of the base material strip 124 can be provided with a basic structure and / or a basic gloss level, similar to the base surface 72 of the further base material plate 71 (see Fig. 7).

[0096] The laser processing head 97 is arranged downstream of the rollers 114, 115 in the direction of movement B, so that it can treat the base surface of the base material strip 124, similarly to that already described above, thus creating the surface of the material web 125. The surface of the material web 125 thus has, similar to surface 2 of the material plate 1, areas with different gloss levels and / or a structure corresponding to the structure 3, 93 of surface 2, 92 of the material plate 1 or the further material plate 91.

[0097] The device 121 can, as shown in Fig. 10, in turn comprise a coating device 120, a corundum scattering device 126, and a radiation curing device 127, which are arranged in the direction of movement B between the rollers 114, 115 and the laser process head 97 and which can be controlled by the electronic control device 85. In this case, the carrier surface of the base carrier 123 can be coated by means of the coating device 120, for example, with a UV or EB varnish. The basic gloss level can be influenced by different intensities of the irradiation by means of the radiation curing device 127, which, for example, generates UV radiation intended to harden the varnish.

[0098] The finished material web 125 can preferably be rolled up on a roll (not shown) or cut into desired final formats.

[0099] In the present embodiments, the laser process head 97 can be controlled by the control device 85, for example, using grayscale files (8 or 16 bits) and / or black-and-white files (1 bit). The respective file can be made available to the control device 85, for example, via a suitable data interface. However, a color file could also be transmitted to the control device 85, which can be converted by the control device, e.g., using suitable software, into a grayscale file or a black-and-white file.

[0100] The laser process head 97 can, based on the transmitted grayscale file or black and white file, set a value of at least one process parameter of the at least one laser beam L and control the drive device 128 of the roller pair WP and, if applicable, the manipulation device 129 and / or the galvanometric drives of the scanner in such a way that the desired degree of gloss and / or the desired structure is generated on the surface 2, 92. The corresponding degree of gloss can, for example, be generated all-over, i.e., on the entire surface 2, 92, or only in sections in one or more specific areas of the surface 2, 92. This makes it possible, for example, to generate a synchronous image of a desired decorative image D using different degrees of gloss or different structures, as described below with reference to Fig. 11.

[0101] Fig. 11 shows an exemplary decorative image D with a wood grain design. In the example shown, the decorative image D is present as a grayscale file and can be transmitted to the control device 85, for example, via a suitable data interface or data communication connection. Alternatively, however, the decorative image D could also be present as a color file or a black-and-white file. Detail A shows an enlarged image of a region of the decorative image D at the pixel level. This shows the regions G1-G3 with different grayscale levels, with a white region G1, a gray region G2, and a black region G3 being marked, for example.

[0102] Within the scope of the invention, a specific gloss level can be assigned to each of the regions G1, G2, G3, for example, by suitable software that can be implemented in the control device 85. The assignment can also be fixed or variable. The white regions G1, in particular the white pixels, can correspond, for example, to a high gloss level (i.e., glossy), and the black regions G3, in particular black pixels, can correspond, for example, to a low gloss level (i.e., matte). The gray regions G2 can correspond to an intermediate gloss level.

[0103] The respective gloss level can in turn be assigned a specific value of one (or more) process parameters of the at least one laser beam L, which is suitable for generating the respective gloss level. The control device 85 can control the laser process head 97, the drive device 128 of the roller pair WP and, if applicable, the manipulation device 129 and / or the scanner accordingly in order to generate an image synchronous with the decorative image D, which image has the corresponding areas with different gloss levels. For example, the laser power could be varied as a process parameter in order to generate the different gloss levels. However, other or, if applicable, several process parameters could also be changed simultaneously.

[0104] Of course, the processing does not have to be performed in a single work step, but could, for example, also be carried out layer by layer. For this purpose, the roller pair WP could, for example, be moved intermittently, and while stationary, the layer-by-layer processing could be carried out by the at least one laser beam L, for example, by moving the laser beam L cyclically relative to the base material plate 31, 71 (Fig. 9) or to the base material web 124 (Fig. 10). This can be done, for example, by moving the laser process head 97 by means of the manipulation device 129 and / or by moving the laser beam L by means of the scanner.

[0105] In an analogous manner, each gray level can also be assigned a specific structure, e.g., a specified roughness in the nanometer or micrometer range. The control device 85 can thereby control the laser processing head 97, the drive device 128 of the roller pair WP, and, if necessary, the manipulation device 129 and / or the scanner accordingly to generate an image synchronous with the decorative image D, which image has the corresponding areas with different roughnesses.

[0106] The absolute value of at least one process parameter can, of course, vary and could, for example, be determined depending on the material of the surface to be processed. A gradual change in the value would also be possible, for example, to manually adjust the value of the process parameter to certain boundary conditions. Manual adjustment of the process parameters could, for example, be performed via a suitable user interface of the control device 85, e.g., via a touchscreen or a rotary control or the like.

[0107] As already mentioned, the at least one process parameter of the laser process head 97 can be adjusted such that the gloss level provided by the laser beam L is more matte, up to a black appearance, or glossier than the basic gloss level 33. The structure 3, 93 provided with the laser process head 97 can, for example, have a roughness in the micrometer range or nanometer range.

Claims

Patent claims 1. A method for producing a material plate (1, 91) or a material web (125) having a surface (2, 92) with regions (6, 7) of different gloss levels and / or with a structure (3, 93), comprising the following method steps: - Providing or producing a base material plate (31, 71) or a base material web (124) comprising a base surface (32, 72) with a base gloss level (33), and - generating by means of at least one laser beam (L) in at least one region of the base surface (32, 72) a gloss level different from the basic gloss level (33) of the base surface (32), so that a material plate (1) or a material web (125) is created, the surface (2) of which has regions (6, 7) with different gloss levels, and / or removing material by means of at least one laser beam (L) in at least one region of the base surface (32, 72) such that a material plate (1, 91) or a material web (125) is created, the surface (2, 92) of which has a predetermined structure (3, 93).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the base surface (72) has a basic structure (73) and wherein at least a part of the basic structure (72) is superimposed with the predetermined structure (93).

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, comprising: - Specifying a decorative image (D) to be created in color, grayscale or black and white, - Assigning different gloss levels or different structures to the areas (G1- G3) with different colors, grayscale or the black and white areas and - generating a synchronous image of the decorative image on the base surface (32, 72), which image has the associated gloss levels or structures, by means of the at least one laser beam (L).

4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein different gloss levels or different structures are produced by changing a value of at least one process parameter of the at least one laser beam (L), wherein the at least one process parameter preferably comprises at least one of the following parameters: laser power, a focus diameter, a relative speed, number of pulses per burst, an amplitude of pulses in a burst, a repetition rate, a pulse energy, an energy amplitude of the pulses in the burst, a wavelength, a pulse duration of the pulses.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a value of at least one process parameter of the at least one laser beam (L) is determined as a function of a material of the base surface (32, 72), wherein the value is preferably gradually variable.

6. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the gloss level produced by means of the at least one laser beam (L) is more matt or glossier than the basic gloss level (33) and / or wherein the structure (3, 93) is produced with a roughness in the micrometer range or in the nanometer range.

7. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, comprising: - producing the base material plate (31) or the base material web (124) by providing a base carrier (51, 123), printing a carrier surface (52) of the base carrier (51, 123) and varnishing the printed carrier surface (52) to obtain the base surface (32), or - producing the base material plate (71) or the base material web (124) by providing a base support (51, 123) comprising a support surface (52) and pressing the support surface (52) with a press plate (61), an endless belt or a press roller in order to obtain the base surface (72).

8. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the base material plate (31, 71) or the base material web (123) comprises a pressed wood material, a plastic or paper.

9. Material plate (1, 91) or material web (125) which has a surface (2, 92) with regions (6, 7) of different gloss levels and / or with a structure (3, 93) and was produced by the method according to one of claims 1 to 8.

10. Device (111, 121) for carrying out the method according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the device (111, 121) comprises at least one laser process head (97) for generating the at least one laser beam (L), that the device (111, 121) comprises a roller pair (WP) with two rotating rollers (114, 115), between which the base material plate (31, 71) or the base material web (124) is movable in a direction of movement (B), and a drive device (128) for driving the roller pair (WP), wherein the laser process head (97) is arranged downstream of the roller pair (WP) in the direction of movement (B), and that the device (111, 121) comprises a control device (85) for controlling the at least one laser process head (97) and the drive device (128) of the roller pair (WP).

11. Device (111, 121) according to claim 10, characterized in that the device (111, 121) comprises a manipulation device (129) which is designed to move the at least one laser process head (97) at least transversely to the direction of movement (B), wherein the manipulation device (129) can be controlled by the control device (85).

12. Device (111, 121) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that a decorative image (D) can be transmitted to the control device (85) as a color file, grayscale file or black and white file, that the control device (85) is designed to assign different degrees of gloss or different structures to areas with different colors, areas (G1-G3) with different grayscale or black and white areas of the decorative image (D), and that the control device (85) is designed to control the at least one laser process head (97), the drive device (128) and preferably the manipulation device (129) in such a way that a synchronous image of the decorative image (D) can be generated on the base surface (32, 72) by means of the at least one laser beam (L), which image has different degrees of gloss or different structures in the assigned areas.

13. Device (111, 121) according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that one roller (114) of the roller pair (WP) is an embossing roller and / or that the rollers (114, 115) of the roller pair (WP) are cooled.

14. Device (111, 121) according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the device (111, 112) comprises a rotatably mounted first roller (116) on which a printed film (118) is or can be rolled up, and a rotatably mounted second roller (117) on which a treated film or a protective film (119) is or can be rolled up, wherein the first roller (116) and the second roller (117) are arranged upstream of the pair of rollers (WP) in the direction of movement (B), and in that the device (111, 121) comprises a heating device (113) for heating the films, which heating device is arranged between the rollers (116, 117) and the pair of rollers (WP) in the direction of movement (B).

15. Device (111) according to one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that the device (111) comprises a support table (112) for the base material plate (31, 71) or the material plate (1, 91), which is arranged downstream of the roller pair (WP) in the direction of movement (B) and / or comprises a support table (112) for the base carrier (51), which is arranged upstream of the roller pair (WP) in the direction of movement (B).

16. Device (121) according to one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that the device (121) comprises a support table (112) for the base material web (124), which is arranged downstream of the pair of rollers (WP) in the direction of movement (B) and / or that the device (121) comprises a rotatably mounted third roller (122) on which a base support (123) is or can be rolled up, wherein the third roller (122) is arranged upstream of the pair of rollers (WP) in the direction of movement (B).

17. Device (111, 121) according to one of claims 10 to 16, characterized in that the laser process head (97) comprises a scanner with a number of movable mirrors (102) for deflecting the at least one laser beam (L), wherein the number of movable mirrors (102) each have a galvanometric drive which can be controlled by the control device (85).

18. Device (111, 121) according to one of claims 10 to 17, characterized in that the device (111, 121) comprises a painting device (120), a corundum scattering device (126) arranged downstream of the painting device (12) in the direction of movement (B), and a radiation hardening device (127) arranged downstream of the corundum scattering device (126) in the direction of movement (B), which are arranged in the direction of movement (B) between the pair of rollers and the laser process head (97) and which can be controlled by the control device (85).

Citation Information

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