Method for embossing holograms into aluminum and other hard substrates
AssigneeBridgestone Graphic Technologies, Inc.
InventorsBrian R. Mentz, Timothy F. Dolan
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Surface relief holograms are prepared by directly impressing them into aluminum and other hard metal substrates, without the need to preheat or otherwise soften the substrate. A holographic embossing shim is prepared from a master and possesses a unique combination of surface configuration, hardness, and strength. The embossing shim can be mounted on a cylindrical support. In one embodiment, the shim is used to emboss a hardenable material, which is later hardened to form a tool.
Claims9
A method for preparing an aluminum article having an embossed hologram thereon, comprising:
- preparing a surface-relief holographic master by exposing a photo resist layer to an interfering light pattern and developing;
- electroforming a layer of metal onto the holographic master to prepare a negative master;
- removing the negative master from the holographic master and electroforming metal onto the negative master surface to form a positive reproduction of the negative master;
- forming an embossing shim by then electroforming nickel in a hardening bath of composition and under conditions effective to produce a layer of nickel of enhanced hardness and durability;
- and
- pressing the embossing shim against the surface of an unheated aluminum can or can stock substrate to transfer thereto the intended hologram.
A method for preparing an aluminum article having an embossed hologram thereon, comprising:
- preparing a surface-relief holographic master by exposing a photo resist layer and developing;
- electroforming a layer of metal onto the holographic master to prepare a negative master;
- removing the negative master from the holographic master and electroforming metal onto the negative master surface to form a positive reproduction of the negative master;
- forming an embossing shim by then electroforming nickel in a hardening bath of composition and under conditions effective to produce a layer of nickel of enhanced hardness and durability;
- and
- pressing the embossing shim against the surface of an unheated aluminum substrate to transfer thereto the intended hologram.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.