Surface appearance simulation systems and methods
AssigneeIllinois Tool Works Inc.
InventorsRoger A. Fahlsing, Alan Robert Kauman
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A structural member includes a simulated surface appearance. The structural member includes a substrate, plural intermediate layers, and a top coat. The plural intermediate layers are applied over at least one surface of the substrate, with at least some of the plural intermediate layers configured to cooperate with each other to provide a simulated appearance for the structural member. The top coat is applied outward of the plural intermediate layers. The top coat is relatively thin and is configured for use with exterior applications. The top coat includes a base configured for UV resistance and an additive configured to provide abrasion resistance.
Claims20
A structural member having a simulated surface appearance, the structural member comprising:
- a substrate;
- plural intermediate layers applied over at least one surface of the substrate, two or more of the plural intermediate layers configured to cooperate with each other to provide a simulated appearance for the structural member;
- and
- a top coat applied outward of the plural intermediate layers, wherein the plural intermediate layers are interposed between the substrate and the top coat, the top coat being relatively thin and configured for use with exterior applications, the top coat comprising a base configured for ultraviolet (UV) resistance and including an additive configured to provide abrasion resistance.
A method for providing a simulated appearance to a structural member, the method comprising:
- providing a substrate;
- applying plural intermediate layers over at least one surface of the substrate, at least some of the intermediate layers configured to cooperate to provide a wood grain appearance;
- and
- applying a top coat outward of the plural intermediate layers, the top coat being relatively thin and configured for use with exterior applications, the top coat comprising a base configured for ultraviolet (UV) resistance and an additive configured to provide abrasion resistance.
A structural member coating system comprising:
- at least one intermediate coating station configured to apply plural intermediate layers over a substrate, at least some of the plural intermediate layers configured to cooperate with each other to provide a simulated appearance for the structural member;
- a top coat application station configured to apply a top coat outward of the plural intermediate layers, the top coat being relatively thin and configured for use with exterior applications, the top coat comprising a base configured for ultraviolet (UV) resistance and an additive configured to provide abrasion resistance;
- and
- a curing station configured for curing of the top coat after the top coat has been applied, wherein the curing is configured to lock in a positioning of the additive with the base.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.