Timepiece Component Dual-Laser Texturing for Matte-Gloss Surfaces
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing timepiece components using femtosecond lasers struggle to impart gloss to fine cutting surfaces, resulting in reduced productivity and aesthetic limitations, as additional processes are difficult to execute effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of a first femtosecond laser to create a patterned surface with high roughness and low glossiness, followed by a second laser with a pulse width of femtoseconds or more to form a surface with smaller roughness and higher glossiness, achieving a combination of matte and glossy appearances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If femtosecond laser processing is used to form patterns on metal surfaces, then manufacturing precision and pattern quality are improved, but surface glossiness deteriorates and additional processing steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines pattern formation and gloss processing into a single integrated laser processing step. By using a femtosecond laser with specific parameters (pulse width 100fs-10ps, energy density 0.1-10J/cm², scanning speed 1-1000mm/s) and controlling the number of passes (1-10 times), the system simultaneously creates precise patterns and imparts gloss to the surface, eliminating the need for separate gloss processing steps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting laser processing conditions including pulse width (100fs-10ps), energy density (0.1-10J/cm²), scanning speed (1-1000mm/s), and number of passes (1-10 times). By optimizing these parameters, the femtosecond laser can control the melting and resolidification process to produce both high-precision patterns and glossy surfaces without requiring additional processing
2Ease of manufacture
If additional gloss processing is provided after femtosecond laser processing, then surface glossiness is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to increased process time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges pattern formation and gloss processing into one simultaneous operation using the femtosecond laser. By controlling laser parameters (energy density 0.1-10J/cm², scanning speed 1-1000mm/s, passes 1-10 times), the system achieves both pattern precision and surface gloss in a single processing step, eliminating the need for separate gloss processing and thereby maintaining high productivity
3Manufacturing precision
If femtosecond laser creates high roughness surface for pattern formation, then pattern visibility is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to low glossiness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by adjusting laser energy density (0.1-10J/cm²), scanning speed (1-1000mm/s), and number of passes (1-10 times) to control the surface morphology. The first pass creates patterns with sufficient visibility, while subsequent passes at optimized parameters smooth the surface and impart gloss, achieving both pattern visibility and aesthetic appearance in a single continuous process
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 approach allows for an aesthetic appearance with both matte and glossy surfaces on timepiece components, enhancing the visual appeal without compromising the patterns formed by the initial femtosecond laser processing.
Implementation Method 1
Abrasion processing is performed to instantaneously vaporize and disperse a solid at a metal surface by irradiating a timepiece component with a femtosecond laser
Implementation Method 2
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
Data Source
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.