Laser-Patterned Machine Part Surfaces for Cleaner Coating Adhesion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for treating machine parts surfaces, such as those for oil-free screw compressors, generate harmful waste streams and are complex to automate, posing environmental and safety risks due to the need for mechanical and chemical cleaning and roughening processes.

Innovation Solution

A method using a pulsed laser to pattern the surface of machine parts, eliminating the need for sandblasting and ensuring good adhesion of coatings by removing impurities and creating a rough surface, with specific parameters for energy output and surface roughness to optimize coating adherence.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical and chemical cleaning and roughening operations are used to treat the surface of machine parts, then proper adhesion of coating is achieved, but harmful waste streams are generated and operator safety is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoating adhesionVSAvoidharmful waste streams
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical cleaning and roughening operations with a plasma treatment process. The plasma acts on the surface to clean and activate it without generating harmful waste streams, thereby eliminating the need for mechanical and chemical cleaning while maintaining coating adhesion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the surface through plasma treatment. The plasma modifies the surface energy, roughness, and chemical composition, creating a surface that is both clean and highly adhesive for coatings without requiring separate cleaning and roughening steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If mechanical and chemical cleaning and roughening operations are used to treat the surface of machine parts, then proper adhesion of coating is achieved, but the process becomes complex to automate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoating adhesionVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of cleaning, roughening, and surface activation into a single plasma treatment process. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple separate operations, simplifying the overall process and making it easier to automate while ensuring proper coating adhesion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical and chemical cleaning systems with a plasma treatment system that can be more easily automated. The plasma process requires fewer mechanical components and chemical handling systems, reducing overall process complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If mechanical and chemical cleaning and roughening operations are used to treat the surface of machine parts, then proper adhesion of coating is achieved, but operator exposure to hazardous materials increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoating adhesionVSAvoidoperator safety
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical and chemical cleaning operations with plasma treatment, which eliminates the need for operators to handle hazardous chemicals and mechanical cleaning media. This substitution significantly reduces operator exposure to hazardous materials while maintaining effective surface preparation for coating adhesion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 reduces environmental impact and simplifies the surface treatment process, ensuring effective adhesion of coatings while minimizing waste and operator exposure to hazardous materials, thus enhancing the performance and longevity of machine parts.

Implementation Method 1

a pulsed laser is used to pattern a surface of the machine part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Data Source

PatentEP3986657B1Method for manufacturing machine parts, such as compressor, expander or vacuum pump parts
Publication Date: 2024.11.06 ATLAS COPCO AIRPOWER NV
  • EP3986657B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3986657B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3986657B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present application relates to a method for treating a surface of a machine part, said method including the steps of applying a pattern onto said surface of said machine part by means of a laser, and applying a coating onto the patterned surface.