Watch Component Decoration via PVD Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for decorating watch components, such as galvanic processes, result in high production costs, heterogeneities in the decorative layer leading to scrapping, and limitations in achieving all possible colors, especially after diamond-cutting operations.
Innovation Solution
A method involving physical vapor deposition (PVD) processes for all stages, including preparation, corrosion protection, and coloring, without breaking vacuum conditions, to achieve a homogeneous external decorative layer, reducing waste and production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If galvanic means are used to deposit protective and decorative layers, then production can be carried out at relatively high rate, but the color of the external decorative layer becomes heterogeneous leading to scrapping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the galvanic deposition process with a PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) process. This substitution eliminates the heterogeneity problem inherent in galvanic methods while maintaining high production rates. The PVD process deposits materials in a vacuum environment, ensuring uniform coating thickness and color across the entire surface of watch components, thereby eliminating scrapping due to color variation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes a vacuum environment for PVD deposition. This inert atmosphere prevents oxidation and contamination during the deposition process, ensuring consistent material properties and color homogeneity. The vacuum conditions allow for precise control of the deposition parameters, further enhancing the uniformity of the decorative layer.
2Reliability
If galvanic technique is used to deposit corrosion protection and colored layers, then production can proceed, but production costs become high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive galvanic deposition equipment and processes with PVD technology. This substitution reduces production costs while maintaining or improving the quality of corrosion protection layers. The PVD process allows for more efficient material utilization and eliminates the need for complex galvanic cell setups, thereby reducing capital and operational expenses.
3Adaptability or versatility
If galvanic means are used for deposition, then existing process can be maintained, but it is not possible to deposit all the alloys to obtain all the possible colors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs PVD technology which allows for precise control of deposition parameters including material composition, layer thickness, and deposition conditions. This enables the deposition of a wide range of alloys and colors that are not achievable with galvanic methods. The process flexibility of PVD allows manufacturers to easily change materials and parameters to produce diverse color options without requiring separate galvanic cells for each alloy.
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
The method ensures a highly homogeneous color decoration layer with low waste rates and improved corrosion resistance, allowing for the use of various alloys and colors, thereby reducing production costs and scrapping.
Implementation Method 1
A method involving physical vapor deposition (PVD) processes for all stages, including preparation, corrosion protection, and coloring
Data Source
Figure 1~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for decorating a watch component (1) comprising: a) a preparation step for the watch component (1) optionally including a first step of depositing a first material onto the watch component (1) to form a first sub-layer (2), b) a second step of depositing a second material onto the watch component (1) obtained in step a) to form a second sub-layer (4), c) a coloring step comprising depositing a third colored material onto the watch component (1) obtained in step b) to form an external colored decorative layer (5). According to the invention, at least steps b) and c) are carried out by a physical vapor deposition (PVD) process.