Anodised Aluminium Surface Colour Gradient Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for achieving a gradual color variation on anodized aluminum surfaces require color variation to be introduced before sealing, which can be limiting in achieving desired aesthetic effects.
Innovation Solution
A method where a graduated thickness of the dyed anodized surface layer is created by removing portions of the colored anodized surface layer, allowing for a controlled reduction in color intensity and creating a color gradient by varying the thickness of the anodized layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If color variation is introduced in the porous surface layer prior to sealing, then gradual color variation can be achieved, but the process is limiting and difficult to control for desired aesthetic effects
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of introducing color variation in the porous layer before sealing, the invention inverts the approach by creating color variation through differential removal of the sealed anodized layer after uniform coloring. This reverses the conventional sequence and enables better control over color gradients.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the color variation creation step from the pre-sealing process and moves it to a post-sealing removal process. By removing portions of the sealed anodized layer selectively, color gradients are achieved without the limitations of pre-sealing color introduction.
2Manufacturing precision
If portions of the colored anodized surface layer are removed to create graduated thickness, then a uniform color gradient can be achieved, but material is removed from the protective layer
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by selectively removing the anodized layer only in specific areas where color gradients are desired, while maintaining the full protective layer in other areas. This localized approach preserves overall protective integrity while achieving aesthetic variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses partial action by removing only the necessary portions of the anodized layer to create the desired color gradient effect, rather than removing the entire layer. This minimizes material removal while achieving the aesthetic goal.
3Shape
If the anodized layer thickness is varied to create color gradient, then aesthetic effect is improved, but the process requires additional removal steps
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the coloring and thickness variation steps by first uniformly coloring the entire anodized layer, then using controlled removal to simultaneously create both the thickness variation and the color gradient in a single integrated process sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies preliminary action by uniformly coloring and sealing the entire anodized layer before any removal operations. This preliminary uniform coloring ensures that subsequent removal steps create clean, predictable color gradients without requiring complex real-time color control during removal.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables the creation of a surface with a gradual color change by controlling the amount and distribution of the colorant within the anodized layer, resulting in a visually appealing and uniform color gradient while maintaining the protective properties of the anodized layer.
Implementation Method 1
a portion of the coloured anodised surface layer is removed
Implementation Method 2
the removing step comprises exposure to a chemical etching solution
Implementation Method 3
Anodising transforms the surface of the metal to an oxide film
Implementation Method 4
exposing the surface to an electrolytic solution in the presence of a cathode, while under electrical current, to oxidize the surface
Implementation Method 5
the dye molecules in the solution or suspension in contact with the porous oxide surface, will diffuse into the porosity of the surface
Implementation Method 6
exposure to hot water to convert the aluminium oxide into Boehmite
Data Source
AI summary
A method of providing a workpiece with an anodised aluminium surface with varying colour. The anodised surface is added colour, such as evenly, so that a colour concentration profile exists through the depth, where after a portion of the outer layer is removed to arrive at colour corresponding to a particular depth.