US 2013/0153428 A1 · Metal Surface and Process for Treating a Metal Surface

Abstract

A surface treatment for metal surfaces can be used to create one or more desired effects, such as functional, tactile, or cosmetic effects. In one embodiment, the treatment involves selectively masking a portion of the surface using a photolithographic process. The mask can protect the masked portion of the surface during subsequent treatment processes such as texturizing and anodization. The mask can result in the creation of a surface having contrasting effects. A pattern can be formed by the contrasting effects in the shape of a distinct graphic, such as a logo or text.

Claims29

Dependent claims

A method of treating a metal surface of an article comprising:

providing an article having a metal surface;
applying a mask to a portion of the metal surface using a photolithographic process to form a masked portion and an unmasked portion;
texturizing the metal surface such that the masked portion and unmasked portion of the metal surface have contrasting effects;
and
anodizing the metal surface.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application

13/332,288Filed 20 Dec 2011

Published

20 Jun 2013

Term ends

Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification13 codes

C25D 11/022
Anodisation: anodisation on selected surface areas
B44C 1/005
Processes, not specifically provided for elsewhere, for producing decorative surface effects: by altering locally the surface material
C25D 11/12
Of aluminium or alloys based thereon: anodising more than once, e.g. in different baths
C25D 11/16
Of aluminium or alloys based thereon: pretreatment , e.g. desmutting

Metal Surface and Process for Treating a Metal Surface

Life of this patent

Metal Surface and Process for Treating a Metal Surface

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims29