Plasma ion nitrided stainless steel press plates and applications for same
AssigneeFormica Technology, Inc.
InventorsKenneth J. Laurence, Wolfgang Kieferle
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Abstract
A press plate hardened by the use of plasma ion nitriding techniques produces wear resistant decorative laminate containing hard abrasive particles while improving associated press plate useful life. The press plate has exacting final microfinish requirements made possible due to the determination of interdependencies between parameter settings and expected results. These interdependencies include the work piece geometry, surface and subsurface structure and desired results, process temperatures, pressures, and rate of heat-up and duration of heat-up time, thermal loading, reflective radiation and heat effects, cooling systems, and gas mixture composition.
Claims10
A ferrous based press plate for producing decorative laminate from decorative laminate material in a press apparatus comprising:
- means for urging said press plate against said material, said press plate comprising:
- a planar surface substantially defining a surface finish of said decorative laminate;
- and
- a hardened case plasma ion nitrided to a hardness of at least 0.0001 inch.
A press apparatus for producing decorative laminate sheets comprising:
- means for supporting a resinous mixture and substrate material as a substantially planar layer;
- a ferrous based press plate having a planar surface substantially defining a surface finish of said decorative laminate sheet having a hardened case nitrided to a hardness of at least 55 HRc, said case having a total case depth of at least 0.0001 inch;
- and
- means to urge said planar surface against said resinous mixture and substrate material forming a generally planar laminate.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.