Demetallizing method and apparatus
AssigneeBeckett Packaging Limited
InventorDonald E. Beckett
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Abstract
Demetallizing method and apparatus capable of high speed continuous production of selectively patterned metallized polymeric film useful in packaging products are disclosed. Aqueous etchant solution is spray applied to the metallized surface having a pattern of etchant-resistant material applied thereto, the spent etchant solution is spray washed from the surface, and the washed web is dried by hot air drying. Etchant removes metal from exposed areas of the surface of the film while leaving the pattern unaffected, so as to provide a desired visible pattern.
Claims29
A continuous method of forming a pattern on a metallized polymer film, which comprises:
- providing said metallized polymer film as a continuous web and conveying said continuous web successively through an etchant solution-applying zone, a washing zone and a drying zone,
- continuously spray applying an aqueous etchant solution to the metallized surface of said continuous web in said etchant solution applying zone, said continuous web having also located thereon a pattern of etchant-resistant material corresponding to the desired pattern and masking metal from the etchant solution, thereby to effect removal of metal only from the areas of said web contacted by the etchant solution and not having the etchant-resistant material applied thereto,
- continuously washing spent etchant solution from said continuous web in said washing zone, and
- continuously drying the resulting washed web in said drying zone.
An apparatus for effecting continuous formation of a repetitive pattern on a web of metallized polymer film, which comprises:
- feed means for continuously feeding said web having applied thereto a pattern of etchant-resistant material on the metallized surface of the film and masking metal underlying the etchant-resistant material,
- flow path defining means defining the flow path of said web through said apparatus and further sequentially defining etchant solution applying station means for applying and maintaining etchant-solution in contact with said web as said web passes therethrough, wash water applying station means for applying wash water to said web to remove spent etchant-solution therefrom as said web passes therethrough, and drying station means for drying said washed web as said washed web passes therethrough,
- said etchant-solution applying station means including etchant solution spray application means for impinging aqueous etchant solution onto the patterned surface of said web, and
- take up means for continuously accumulating the dried web exiting said drying station means.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.