Abstract: A plasma vapor deposited (PVD) coating method. The method includes overlaying a primer polymer layer onto a substrate surface. The method further includes overlaying a chrome metallic layer onto the primer polymer. The method also includes depositing a plasma vapor deposited (PVD) oxide layer of a thickness of 1 to 5 nanometers onto the chrome metallic layer and having a parameter of color change of the underlying chrome metallic layer. The color change may be determined according to the following equation: ?E*ab=?{square root over ((?L*)2+(?a*)2+(?b*)2)} L is the color brightness of the oxide layer, and a and b are the color-component dimensions of the oxide and metallic layers. ?E*ab may be less than 2.3. The method further includes overlaying an exposed polymeric layer onto the PVD oxide layer to form a protective layer at the interface between the exposed polymeric layer and the oxide layer.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for analyzing the adhesiveness of enamel frits using topography. One method includes analyzing a topography of a defined area of an enamel frit surface having a plurality of peaks and determining a topographical parameter of the defined area based on peak shape and/or density. The determined topographical parameter may be compared to a threshold value. The method may then include applying an adhesive to the enamel frit and bonding the enamel frit to a substrate if the determined topographical parameter is below the threshold value. The analysis of the topography may be performed using a non-contact profilometer, such as an optical profilometer. In one embodiment, the topographical parameter may be developed interfacial roughness (Sdr). The method may be integrated into a manufacturing/assembly line for vehicle glass components, such as windshields or side windows.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for analyzing the adhesiveness of enamel frits using topography. One method includes analyzing a topography of a defined area of an enamel frit surface having a plurality of peaks and determining a topographical parameter of the defined area based on peak shape and/or density. The determined topographical parameter may be compared to a threshold value. The method may then include applying an adhesive to the enamel frit and bonding the enamel frit to a substrate if the determined topographical parameter is below the threshold value. The analysis of the topography may be performed using a non-contact profilometer, such as an optical profilometer. In one embodiment, the topographical parameter may be developed interfacial roughness (Sdr). The method may be integrated into a manufacturing/assembly line for vehicle glass components, such as windshields or side windows.

Abstract: A plasma vapor deposited (PVD) coating method. The method includes overlaying a primer polymer layer onto a substrate surface. The method further includes overlaying a chrome metallic layer onto the primer polymer. The method also includes depositing a plasma vapor deposited (PVD) oxide layer of a thickness of 1 to 5 nanometers onto the chrome metallic layer and having a parameter of color change of the underlying chrome metallic layer. The color change may be determined according to the following equation: ?E*ab=?{square root over ((?L*)2+(?a*)2+(?b*)2)} L is the color brightness of the oxide layer, and a and b are the color-component dimensions of the oxide and metallic layers. ?E*ab may be less than 2.3. The method further includes overlaying an exposed polymeric layer onto the PVD oxide layer to form a protective layer at the interface between the exposed polymeric layer and the oxide layer.

Abstract: An article is disclosed that includes a metallic layer overlaying a substrate surface; a plasma vapor deposited (PVD) oxide layer overlaying the metallic layer; and an exposed polymeric layer overlaying the oxide layer to form a protective layer at the interface between the exposed polymeric layer and the oxide layer.

Abstract: A system and a method for pretreating an aluminum assembly includes selecting a blank having a thin film pretreatment layer and a lubricant coating applied to a surface. The blank is formed to a desired shape and an adhesive is applied to a selected portion of the surface. A cleaner is applied to the assembly to remove the thin film pretreatment layer and the lubricant coating from the surface except at the selected portion and a zirconium oxide conversion coating is applied to the assembly before painting.

Abstract: A system and a method for pretreating an aluminum assembly includes selecting a blank having a thin film pretreatment layer and a lubricant coating applied to a surface. The blank is formed to a desired shape and an adhesive is applied to a selected portion of the surface. A cleaner is applied to the assembly to remove the thin film pretreatment layer and the lubricant coating from the surface except at the selected portion and a zirconium oxide conversion coating is applied to the assembly before painting.

Abstract: A system and a method for pretreating an aluminum assembly includes selecting a blank having a thin film pretreatment layer and a lubricant coating applied to a surface. The blank is formed to a desired shape and an adhesive is applied to a selected portion of the surface. A cleaner is applied to the assembly to remove the thin film pretreatment layer and the lubricant coating from the surface except at the selected portion and a zirconium oxide conversion coating is applied to the assembly before painting.

Abstract: A system and a method for pretreating an aluminum assembly includes selecting a blank having a thin film pretreatment layer and a lubricant coating applied to a surface. The blank is formed to a desired shape and an adhesive is applied to a selected portion of the surface. A cleaner is applied to the assembly to remove the thin film pretreatment layer and the lubricant coating from the surface except at the selected portion and a zirconium oxide conversion coating is applied to the assembly before painting.

Abstract: An article is disclosed that includes a metallic layer overlaying a substrate surface; a plasma vapor deposited (PVD) oxide layer overlaying the metallic layer; and an exposed polymeric layer overlaying the oxide layer to form a protective layer at the interface between the exposed polymeric layer and the oxide layer.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an article includes a surface; a metallic layer including a first metal and contacting the surface; and an oxide layer including an oxide of a second metal different from the first metal and contacting the metallic layer. The article may further include a polymer layer contacting the surface of the oxide layer directed away from the article surface. In certain instances, the article is a vehicle wheel.