Conductive Watch Dial Etching via Sacrificial Metal Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for fabricating two-colored components in horology and jewelry face challenges with poor definition of contours and material degassing during vacuum treatments, particularly when using non-photosensitive sacrificial protective layers.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a conductive substrate coated with a sacrificial metal protection layer, followed by etching and application of a decorative metal or colored layer, with chemical removal of the protection layer, avoiding the need for expensive photolithography equipment and using laser etching, which allows for high-definition metallized and colored etched decorations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a sacrificial protective layer (photosensitive resin, varnish, adhesive, polymer film) is used for fabricating two-coloured components, then the decorative treatment can be performed, but the definition of contours is not very good and the material may exhibit degassing during vacuum treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a sacrificial metal protection layer that is intentionally designed to be removed after serving its protective function during etching. This disposable layer approach allows for precise contour definition during the decorative treatment process, then enables complete removal to reveal the underlying pattern without leaving residual organic material that would cause degassing issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from organic protective layers to inorganic metal protection layers. This parameter change eliminates the degassing problem inherent in organic materials during vacuum treatment while maintaining or improving the contour definition capability through controlled chemical etching processes.
2Manufacturing precision
If photosensitive resin is used as protective layer, then good contour definition can be achieved, but expensive photolithography equipment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex photolithography mechanical and chemical system with a simpler direct chemical etching system. Instead of using photosensitive resin requiring UV exposure equipment, masks, and development processes, the invention uses metal protection layers that can be directly etched by chemical solutions to define contours, eliminating the need for expensive photolithography equipment.
3Ease of manufacture
If organic protective layers are used, then the decorative treatment can be performed, but degassing occurs during subsequent vacuum treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the material parameter from organic to inorganic protection layers. This substitution maintains the ease of decorative treatment application while completely eliminating the degassing harmful effect that occurs when organic materials are subjected to vacuum treatment, as inorganic metals do not outgas in the same manner.
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 method achieves high-definition decorations on conductive substrates without organic protection layer degassing, using ordinary mechanical or laser etching equipment, and is suitable for producing metallized and colored etched components like watch dials and jewelry, enabling multi-colored components with refined aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
etching a recessed decoration (3) in base (1) and/or in first sacrificial metal protection layer (2) by means of an ultrashort pulse laser of the picosecond laser or femtosecond laser type
Implementation Method 2
removing, particularly by chemical means, each first sacrificial metal protection layer (2)
Implementation Method 3
coating, in particular in a dry process, the recessed decoration (3) and the remaining part of first sacrificial metal protection layer (2) with at least a second layer (4) of a second metal decorative treatment and/or coloured decorative treatment material
Data Source
AI summary
A method for fabricating a timepiece component made of conductive material includes: making a base from conductive material; coating the base with a first layer of sacrificial metal protection material; etching a recessed decoration mechanically or with a laser; coating the first recessed decoration and the remaining part of the first layer with a second metal and/or coloured decorative treatment layer; and removing each first sacrificial metal protection layer by chemical devices, to obtain a blank including a first decoration formed by the remaining part of the second layer.