Embossing method and apparatus for producing diffraction-active structures
AssigneeSchuler Pressen GmbH
InventorJürgen Fahrenbach
Life of this patent
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Abstract
In an apparatus and a method for producing diffraction- and interference-active structures by micro-pattern stamping a metal object, a micro-stamping arrangement is provided including a micro-stamping station with a micro-pattern stamp for generating a diffraction-active structure on the metal object, an application station for applying a protective layer to the diffraction-active structure and a macro-stamping station for applying a macroscopic image relief over the diffraction active structure while it is protected by the protective layer.
Claims7
A method for applying a diffraction-active structure to a metal object comprising the steps of:
- a) providing a metal object (M) and introducing the metal object into a micro-stamping station (2),
- b) performing a micro-stamping step for forming a diffraction-active structure (16) on the metal object (M),
- c) applying a protective medium layer (22) at least to the diffraction-active structure (16) formed on the metal object (M) during the micro-stamping step,
- d) transferring the metal object (M) to relief stamping station (4), and
- e) performing a macro relief pattern stamping step for generating a macroscopic relief stamping pattern (23) overlaying the diffraction-active structure (16) applied to the metal object in the micro-stamping station.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.