Timepiece Component Laser Finishing for Pattern Precision and Gloss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing timepiece components using femtosecond laser processing struggle to impart gloss to fine cutting surfaces, requiring additional processes that reduce productivity and achieve inconsistent aesthetic results.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of two lasers with different pulse widths, where a first femtosecond laser forms a patterned surface with high surface roughness and low glossiness, and a second laser, either femtosecond or nanosecond, further processes the surface to reduce roughness and increase glossiness, while forming an oxide film thicker than the first surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a femtosecond laser is used to form patterns on a metal surface, then fine cutting precision and pattern definition are achieved, but the surface has low glossiness and high roughness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two laser processing steps into a single integrated process: first using a femtosecond laser to create the pattern with high precision, then immediately using a nanosecond laser to treat the same surface area to enhance glossiness. This merging of operations allows both fine pattern definition and surface gloss to be achieved on the same component without separate processing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the laser pulse width parameter from femtoseconds to nanoseconds between the two processing steps. The femtosecond laser (pulse width: fs) creates precise patterns with controlled roughness, while the nanosecond laser (pulse width: ns) modifies the surface to increase glossiness. This parameter change allows the system to achieve different surface properties at different stages of the same process.
2Shape
If additional gloss processing is provided after femtosecond laser processing, then surface glossiness is improved, but productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pattern formation and gloss enhancement operations into a single integrated laser processing system. By using two different laser types (femtosecond and nanosecond) in sequence within one manufacturing step, the process achieves both fine pattern definition and surface gloss without requiring separate processing stations or additional manual operations, thereby maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous laser processing where the nanosecond laser immediately follows the femtosecond laser treatment on the same surface area. This continuous action eliminates idle time between pattern formation and gloss enhancement, maintaining manufacturing efficiency while achieving both desired surface properties.
3Shape
If another process is provided to impart gloss after femtosecond laser processing, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (pattern formation and gloss enhancement) into a single integrated laser processing system that uses two different laser types in sequence. This merging approach simplifies the overall manufacturing process by eliminating the need for separate processing equipment and operations, reducing process complexity while achieving superior aesthetic appearance.
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 effectively achieves an aesthetic appearance by creating surfaces with varying glossiness within the same timepiece component, enhancing both the decorative properties and the manufacturing efficiency of the timepiece components.
Implementation Method 1
forming a first processed surface having a predetermined pattern by irradiating a surface of a metal component with a first laser having a pulse width of femtoseconds
Implementation Method 2
when forming the first processed surface, an oxide film is formed on the first processed surface
Implementation Method 3
forming a second processed surface having a surface roughness smaller than that of the first processed surface by irradiating at least a part of the first processed surface with a second laser having a pulse width of femtoseconds or more
Implementation Method 4
when forming the second processed surface, an oxide film thicker than the oxide film of the first processed surface is formed on the second processed surface
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for manufacturing a timepiece component includes: forming a first processed surface having a predetermined pattern by irradiating a surface of a receiving plate with a femtosecond laser; and forming a second processed surface having a surface roughness smaller than that of the first processed surface by irradiating at least a part of the first processed surface with a nanosecond laser.