Abstract: A method of treating aluminum or aluminum alloy includes providing an aluminum or aluminum alloy substrate; depositing a first zincating layer on the substrate by zincate immersion; stripping off the first zincating layer; depositing a second zincating layer on the substrate by zincate immersion; stripping off the second zincating layer; and depositing a third zincating layer on the substrate by zincate immersion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel metallic composites that are useful as coinage materials. These composites are produced through a multi-ply plating process and are designed to overcome difficulties associated with calibrating vending machines that can result in fraud. In one embodiment, the metallic composite comprises a steel core over which nickel and then a non-magnetic metal such as copper, brass or bronze is deposited as a layered pair. The magnetic and non-magnetic metals may also be applied in the reverse order, with the copper, brass or bronze applied directly over the steel and then covered by the nickel. The electromagnetic signature (EMS) of the composite is controlled by defining the thickness of the deposited metal layers. Advantageously, the invention overcomes problems associated when different coins are made from the same alloy and have similar sizes, and therefore cannot be distinguished by vending machines.

Abstract: A method of treating aluminum or aluminum alloy includes providing an aluminum or aluminum alloy substrate; depositing a first zincating layer on the substrate by zincate immersion; stripping off the first zincating layer; depositing a second zincating layer on the substrate by zincate immersion; stripping off the second zincating layer; and depositing a third zincating layer on the substrate by zincate immersion.

Abstract: A method is for plating metal or alloy blanks. The method includes heating the metal or alloy blanks at a recrystallization temperature sufficient to soften the steel for minting; plating the softened metal or alloy blanks with one or more layers of metal or alloy; and heating the plated blanks at a temperature sufficient to reduce plating stresses but below the recrystallization temperature of the outermost plating layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of a bronze plated substrate having a golden appearance thanks to a multiple-layer plating method. The method notably comprises plating a substrate having at least one layer of copper with a tin layer which thickness represents 3.5% to 12% of the copper layer thickness. The method further comprises annealing the plated substrate in an annealing furnace comprising a plurality of heating zones, the last heating zone of the furnace having an annealing temperature ranging from 600° C. to 815° C. The annealing step of the method is performed under controlled operating parameters which comprise an annealing residence time, the annealing temperature and the relative thickness of the tin layer in view of the copper layer. The operating parameters are controlled in accordance to each other to ensure obtaining the gold-like appearance of the plated bronze.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel metallic composites that are useful as coinage materials. These composites are produced through a multi-ply plating process and are designed to overcome difficulties associated with calibrating vending machines that can result in fraud. In one embodiment, the metallic composite comprises a steel core over which nickel and then a non-magnetic metal such as copper, brass or bronze is deposited as a layered pair. The magnetic and non-magnetic metals may also be applied in the reverse order, with the copper, brass or bronze applied directly over the steel and then covered by the nickel. The electromagnetic signature (EMS) of the composite is controlled by defining the thickness of the deposited metal layers. Advantageously, the invention overcomes problems associated when different coins are made from the same alloy and have similar sizes, and therefore cannot be distinguished by vending machines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel metallic composites that are useful as coinage materials. These composites are produced through a multi-ply plating process and are designed to overcome difficulties associated with calibrating vending machines that can result in fraud. In one embodiment, the metallic composite comprises a steel core over which nickel and then a non-magnetic metal such as copper, brass or bronze is deposited as a layered pair. The magnetic and non-magnetic metals may also be applied in the reverse order, with the copper, brass or bronze applied directly over the steel and then covered by the nickel. The electromagnetic signature (EMS) of the composite is controlled by defining the thickness of the deposited metal layers. Advantageously, the invention overcomes problems associated when different coins are made from the same alloy and have similar sizes, and therefore cannot be distinguished by vending machines.

Abstract: A bimetallic coin or blank is produced from a disc-shaped core and an annular outer component. The metal alloy material of the core is relatively harder than the metal alloy material of the outer member. The two components are bonded to each other by pressure flow of the material of the core toward and into the inner edge of the outer member. According to the invention, the peripheral edge of the core is shaped or nosed such that it extends radially outwardly. During minting, the pressure of the dies causes the material of the core to flow radially outwardly, thus causing the shaped peripheral edge of the core to penetrate into the softer material of the outer member's inner edge and, thereby, form a tongue and groove connection which resists relative axial and rotational movement between the outer member and the core. The shaping of the core also facilitates the fast speed placement of the core into the ring during the minting operation.