Metal treatment – Process of modifying or maintaining internal physical... – Surface melting
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-02
2002-07-23
Wyszomierski, George (Department: 1742)
Metal treatment
Process of modifying or maintaining internal physical...
Surface melting
C148S525000, C148S565000, C219S121820, C219S121850, C427S554000, C427S547000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06423162
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a method of using a laser to produce a decorative appearance on the surface of a bumper. More specifically, the present invention relates to a laser alloying method to create a decorative alloyed layer on the surface of a bumper.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Automotive bumpers are often chrome plated in order to give them a shiny appearance. Such chrome plating is subject to corrosion and/or pitting. The present invention provides a method for producing a bumper with an alloyed layer that has an appearance equivalent to that of chrome and resistance to environmental conditions equivalent to that of stainless steel.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a process or method for producing a decorative appearing bumper surface. The present invention comprises applying a layer of precursor comprising chromium or nickel to a metallic bumper surface. The precursor layer is applied to have a thickness in the range of 50-75 microns.
The present invention further comprises irradiating the surface of a bumper with a laser beam while the bumper is moved relative to the laser beam in a preselected pattern. The irradiation occurs at a sufficient energy level and for a sufficient time to produce an alloyed surface layer on the bumper. The alloyed surface layer has an environmental resistance equivalent to that of stainless steel and a shininess equivalent to that of chrome.
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Bible John Brice
Dahotre Narendra B.
Hopkins John A.
McCay Mary Helen
McCay T. Dwayne
Morris LLP Duane
The University of Tennesse Research Corporation
Wyszomierski George
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