Anodizing and pre-anodizing processes based on incoming laser textured part
AssigneeApple Inc.
InventorsMax A. Maloney, Michael S. Nashner, Sean R. Novak
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Substrates having laser textured surfaces and methods for forming the same are described. The methods involve using a laser to form three-dimensional features on a surface of the substrate. The laser three-dimensional features can be designed to interact with incident light to create unique visual effects. In some embodiments, the substrate is further treated with a pre-anodizing process and an anodizing process to form a protective metal oxide coating. In some cases, the type of pre-anodizing and anodizing process are chosen based on the geometry of the three-dimensional features and to enhance the visual effects.
Claims19
A method of forming a housing for a portable electronic device, the method comprising:
- forming surface features on a planar surface of a metal substrate by using a laser, wherein the surface features are arranged according to a regular and repeating pattern, wherein at least one of the surface features includes a cavity defined by walls that (i) extend from the planar surface and into the metal substrate to a depth of at least 10 micrometers, and (ii) include a first reflective micro-feature and a second reflective micro-feature;
- and
- forming an anodized layer from the metal substrate such that the anodized layer overlays the surface features, wherein the first and second reflective micro-features are oriented at first and second angles, respectively, relative to an external surface of the anodized layer.
A housing for a portable electronic device, the housing comprising:
- a metal substrate having a planar external surface including a repeated and regular pattern of surface features, wherein at least one of the surface features includes a cavity defined by walls that (i) extend from the planar external surface and into the metal substrate to a depth of at least 10 micrometers, and (ii) include a first reflective micro-feature and a second reflective micro-feature;
- and
- an anodized layer overlaying the surface features, wherein the first and second reflective micro-features are oriented relative to an external surface of the anodized layer at a first angle and a second angle different than the first angle.
A housing for a portable electronic device, the housing comprising:
- a metal substrate including a planar surface having a regular and repeating pattern of reflective features, wherein at least one of the reflective features includes a cavity defined by walls that (i) extend from the planar surface and into the metal substrate to a depth of at least 10 micrometers, and (ii) include a first reflective micro-feature and a second reflective micro-feature;
- and
- an anodized layer overlaying the reflective features, wherein the first and second reflective micro-features are oriented at first and second different angles, respectively, relative to an external surface of the anodized layer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.