Anodized Metal Surface Pre-Dyeing Process
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Solution Overview
Problem
During the anodizing and dyeing process of metal articles, acidic solutions can flow into holes or slits, causing cloudiness in the anodic oxide film and affecting the decorative appearance and durability of the metal surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A surface treatment process that includes pre-dyeing with a complex organic acid and sodium acetate solution to remove residual anodizing solution from holes and slits, followed by dyeing with a controlled pH dye solution and sealing to enhance corrosion and abrasion resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If acidic solution is used in surface treatment process, then corrosion resistance and abrasion resistance are improved, but cloudiness occurs in regions of the anodic oxide film due to solution flowing into holes or slits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing a pre-dyeing treatment before the main dyeing process. The pre-dyeing step fills the holes and slits in the anodic oxide film with a sealing agent, preventing acidic solution from penetrating into these defects during subsequent surface treatment. This preliminary sealing action eliminates the cause of cloudiness while maintaining the protective function of the anodic oxide film.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (sealing agent or pre-dye solution) that mediates between the acidic treatment solution and the metal substrate. This intermediary layer fills the holes and slits in the anodic oxide film, acting as a barrier that prevents harmful acidic solution from reaching the metal surface through defects, thereby preventing cloudiness while allowing the acidic solution to maintain its protective function.
2Strength
If anodizing process is performed to form protective film, then corrosion resistance and abrasion resistance are enhanced, but holes and slits in the film cause solution ingress and surface defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of holes and slits (which allow solution ingress) into a beneficial feature by using these same openings to deliver sealing agent or dye into the anodic oxide film structure. The pre-dyeing solution or sealing agent penetrates through the holes and slits to fill and seal them, transforming the defect pathways into delivery channels for protective substances that eliminate future solution ingress.
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
Improves dyeing quality by preventing solution ingress into metal features, resulting in a metal article with enhanced wear resistance and a bright, uniform appearance.
Implementation Method 1
pre-dyeing with a complex organic acid and sodium acetate solution to remove residual anodizing solution from holes and slits
Implementation Method 2
processed to form anodic oxide films via surface treatment process
Implementation Method 3
form anodic oxide films via surface treatment process
Implementation Method 4
The coloring of the metal articles can be carried out by submersion in a dye solution
Data Source
AI summary
A surface treatment process for a metal article provides a uniform and unblemished surface finish to the metal article. The surface treatment process anodizes the metal article to form an anodic oxide layer on a surface, and the metal article is activated using a pre-dyeing solution. The pre-dyeing solution contains complex organic acid and sodium acetate. The anodic oxide layer of the metal article is dyed for color and the dyed anodic oxide layer of the metal article is finally sealed.