Laser Structuring Metallic Coatings on Glass-Ceramic Appliance Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing household appliance cover plates with metallic coatings lack the ability to introduce clear and detailed structures without damaging the base body, and struggle with precise incorporation of functional or marking areas.
Innovation Solution
A method involving laser processing with a laser beam of specific wavelengths (300 nm to 1500 nm) is used to post-process the metallic coating, creating structures with different optical and electrical properties by laser ablation, allowing for the introduction of recesses in the layer while minimizing damage to the base body, using a diode-pumped solid-state laser with controlled peak power and scanning speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If laser processing is used to introduce structures into the metallic coating, then manufacturing precision and clarity of structures are improved, but risk of damage to the base body increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by selecting specific laser wavelengths (300-1500 nm range, particularly 532 nm and 1064 nm) that are absorbed by the metallic coating but transmitted through the glass-ceramic base body. This wavelength selection changes the energy absorption parameters to achieve selective processing of the coating without damaging the base body.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic pulsed laser action with controlled pulse duration and repetition frequency. This periodic action allows energy to be delivered in controlled bursts, enabling precise ablation of the metallic coating while providing cooling intervals that prevent heat accumulation and potential damage to the base body.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional masking techniques are used to create structures, then base body damage is avoided, but manufacturing time and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical masking system with a direct laser processing approach. Instead of using physical masks to define structures during coating deposition, the invention uses laser ablation to directly create structures in the already-deposited metallic coating, eliminating masking steps and reducing manufacturing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by first depositing the complete metallic coating uniformly across the base body, then subsequently using laser processing to create the desired structures. This sequence allows the coating to be applied without complex masking, followed by precise structural definition through laser ablation.
3Productivity
If high power density is used for laser ablation, then processing speed is improved, but risk of base body damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the energy distribution parameters by using pulsed laser operation with high peak power during short pulse durations. This allows achieving high instantaneous power density for rapid ablation while the low average power (due to duty cycle) prevents excessive heat accumulation that could damage the base body.
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 enables the introduction of clear and detailed structures into the layer reproducibly and quickly, reducing damage to the base body and offering advantages over traditional masking techniques, with increased operational reliability and power density.
Implementation Method 1
creating structures with different optical and electrical properties by laser ablation
Implementation Method 2
The irradiation of the laser beam leads to a physical change, in particular evaporation
Data Source
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AI summary
The method for producing a structure in a layer (16) arranged on a side portion (12) of a base body (14) by laser processing, is claimed, where a laser beam (18, 18') used in the laser processing has a wavelength of 300-1500 nm. The laser: is a diode-pumped solid laser or a pulsed laser with a pulse frequency of 10-40 kHz; and has a peak power output of 25-90 kW. The laser beam is focused on a surface of the layer at a diameter of 10-200 mm. A vertical distance between a focus of laser beam and the surface of the layer is 4 mm. A scanning speed of laser is 700-2500 mm/s. The method for producing a structure in a layer (16) arranged on a side portion (12) of a base body (14) by laser processing, is claimed, where a laser beam (18, 18') used in the laser processing has a wavelength of 300-1500 nm. The laser: is a diode-pumped solid laser or a pulsed laser with a pulse frequency of 10-40 kHz; and has a peak power output of 25-90 kW. The laser beam is focused on a surface of the layer at a diameter of 10-200 mm. A vertical distance between a focus of laser beam and the surface of the layer is 4 mm. A scanning speed of laser is 700-2500 mm/s, and, in the surface processing of the layer, a line spacing is observed between adjacent laser lines, where the line spacing is equivalent to a diameter of the laser beam on one surface of the layer. An independent claim is included for a domestic appliance device.