Laser Oxide Coloring of Metal Components Without Cutting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing metal component decorating methods using laser processing struggle to achieve selective coloring without simultaneous cutting, making it difficult to satisfy the need for only coloring when desired.

Innovation Solution

A metal component decorating method involving laser irradiation with scanning patterns that form an oxide film with varying thickness based on the overlap density of irradiation spots, allowing for gradation effects through light interference, enabling selective coloring without cutting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple laser processing rounds are performed with different overlap amounts, then decoration versatility is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecoration versatilityVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic laser irradiation with varying overlap amounts between successive rounds of processing. By systematically adjusting the overlap amount in each periodic cycle, diverse decoration patterns and oxide film thicknesses are achieved while maintaining efficient processing through repeated application of the same fundamental laser coloring mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 efficiently creates various decorations, including radial and concentric gradations, by controlling the overlap density of laser irradiation spots, allowing for precise color changes and efficient oxide film formation on metal components without simultaneous cutting.

Implementation Method 1

an oxide film is formed at a front surface of the metal component by the laser irradiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 2

gradation due to interference of light is provided in accordance with the density

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInterference of light: Interference

Data Source

PatentEP4026701A1Metal component decorating method, metal component, and watch component
Publication Date: 2022.07.13 SEIKO EPSON CORP
  • EP4026701A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4026701A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4026701A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a decorating method for decorating a metal component by laser irradiation. The method includes performing laser irradiation while scanning, with a first element as a starting point, along a direction toward the metal component, and an oxide film is formed on the front surface of the metal component by the laser irradiation.