Abstract: Embodiments described herein may take the form of a textile product having one or more regions of reduced density. These reduced density volumes may form one or more features in the product. For example, the reduced density volumes may have better acoustic transmission properties, optical transmission properties, flexibility, and the like. Sound transmission may be enhanced not only in terms of clarity, but also overall range. That is, certain audio frequencies that the textile may normally block when in an unaltered state may pass through a textile having reduced density or reduced density regions.

Abstract: A method of treating a metallic surface of an article including the steps of providing an article having a metallic surface; texturizing the surface using a laser to create a controlled pattern across the surface; and anodizing the surface. The controlled pattern may include a series of pits etched in a predetermined repeating pattern across the surface, such as an array of dots or a grid. The controlled pattern may also include a series of pits etched in a predetermined pseudo-random pattern across the surface.

Abstract: A panel with an optically transmissive portion includes a group of holes drilled from one surface to another surface and filled with an optically transmissive material. The group of holes forms a pattern. The holes on a first surface form a smooth and continuous appearance to the naked eye. The holes on the other, second surface are sized so that a light source directed to the second surface illuminates the pattern to be visible to a viewer viewing the first surface. The panel may form a portion of a housing that houses the light source.

Abstract: A panel with an optically transmissive portion includes a group of holes drilled from one surface to another surface and filled with an optically transmissive material. The group of holes forms a pattern. The holes on a first surface form a smooth and continuous appearance to the naked eye. The holes on the other, second surface are sized so that a light source directed to the second surface illuminates the pattern to be visible to a viewer viewing the first surface. The panel may form a portion of a housing that houses the light source.

Abstract: Techniques or processes for providing markings on fabric articles are disclosed. In one embodiment, the articles may be fabric carrying cases for electronic devices. For example, a fabric carrying case for a particular electronic may include a fabric base layer and a plurality of thick films coupled to the fabric base layer, wherein the plurality of thick films may comprise a top thick film and an underlying thick film. Regions of the top thick film may be selectively etched through, for selectively exposing the underlying thick film. The selectively etched regions may be arranged for marking of textual or graphical indicia on the fabric carrying case for the portable electronic device.

Abstract: Substrates having laser textured surfaces and methods for forming the same are described. The methods involve using a laser to form three-dimensional features on a surface of the substrate. The laser three-dimensional features can be designed to interact with incident light to create unique visual effects. In some embodiments, the substrate is further treated with a pre-anodizing process and an anodizing process to form a protective metal oxide coating. In some cases, the type of pre-anodizing and anodizing process are chosen based on the geometry of the three-dimensional features and to enhance the visual effects.

Abstract: Markings on products are disclosed. In one embodiment, the products have housings and the markings are to be provided on the housings. For example, a housing for a particular product can include an outer housing surface and the markings can be provided on the outer housing surface so as to be visible from the outside of the housing. The markings may be precisely formed using a laser. Processing may be used to increase reflectivity of the markings.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for laser-marking a fabric material. Some implementations may be directed to a fabric component having a surface dyed a first color using a pigment. The surface may be irradiated using a laser to form a lightened region. In some cases, the lightened region has a second color that is lighter than the first color. In some cases, the lightened region has fibers of the nylon fabric component that are fused to form a partially specular surface due to the laser irradiation. In some cases, the lightened region has fibers of the fabric component that are fused to form a partially specular surface. The fabric material may form a fabric component of a device or product. In some cases, the fabric forms a component of a keyboard or user-input device.

Abstract: Techniques or processes for providing markings on products are disclosed. In one embodiment, the products have housings and the markings are to be provided on the housings. For example, a housing for a particular product can include an outer housing surface and the markings can be provided on the outer housing surface so as to be visible from the outside of the housing. The markings may be precisely formed using a laser. Processing may be used to increase reflectivity of the markings.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing a textured pattern on a surface of a part using a laser. The part or laser may be rotated while forming the textured pattern to create a continuous textured pattern on a surface of a part. The continuous textured pattern may be substantially uniform over the entire pattern. A laser texturing system may also include an optical scanner. A first region of the surface of the part may be scanned using a first laser beam. One or more laser texturing parameters or a simulated geometric model may be created based on the scan of the first region. The textured pattern may be formed on the first region using a second laser beam. The textured pattern may be formed in accordance with the one or more laser texturing parameters or simulated geometric model.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of constructing a part using metallic glass alloys, layer by layer, as well as metallic glass-forming materials designed for use therewith. Metallic glass meshes, metallic glass actuators, three dimensional metallic glass thermal history sensors, and methods of their manufacture are also disclosed.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of constructing a part using metallic glass-forming alloys, layer by layer, as well as bulk metallic glass-forming materials designed for use therewith. In certain embodiments, a layer of metallic glass-forming alloy powder, wire, or a sheet of metallic glass material is deposited to selected positions and then fused to a layer below by suitable methods such as laser heating or electron beam heating. The deposition and fusing are then repeated as need to construct the part, layer by layer. One or more sections or layers of material that is not a metallic glass can be included as needed to form composite parts.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of constructing a part having improved properties using metallic glass alloys, layer by layer. In accordance with certain aspects, a layer of metallic glass-forming powder is deposited to selected positions and then fused to a surface layer (i.e. layer below) by suitable methods such as laser heating or electron beam heating. The deposition and fusing are then repeated as need to construct the part, layer by layer. In certain embodiments, one or more sections or layers of non-metallic glass-forming material can be included as needed to form a composite final part. In certain aspects, the metallic glass-forming powder may be crystalized during depositing and fusing, or may be recrystallized during subsequent processing to provide selectively crystalized sections or layers, e.g., to impart desired functionality. In other aspects, non-metallic glass-forming materials may be deposited and fused at selected positions, e.g.

Abstract: Techniques or processes for providing markings on products are disclosed. The markings provided on products can be textual and/or graphic. The techniques or processes can provide high resolution markings on surfaces that are flat or curved. In one embodiment, the products have housings and the markings are to be provided on the housings. For example, the housing for a particular product can include an outer housing surface and the markings can be provided on the outer housing surface. The markings can be formed using a ultra-violet (UV) curable material that can be selectively cured on a surface (e.g., housing surface) in places where markings, namely text and/or graphics, are to be provided.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of constructing a three-dimensional part using metallic glass alloys, layer by layer, as well as metallic glass-forming materials designed for use therewith. In certain embodiments, a layer of metallic glass-forming powder or a sheet of metallic glass material is deposited to selected positions and then fused to a layer below by suitable methods such as laser heating or electron beam heating. The deposition and fusing are then repeated as need to construct the part, layer by layer. One or more sections or layers of non-metallic glass material can be included as needed to form composite parts. In one embodiment, the metallic glass-forming powder is a homogenous atomized powder.

Abstract: One embodiment includes a method for creating a recessed pattern in a substrate. The method includes laser ablating the substrate to form a recessed complex edge geometry in the substrate. The recessed complex edge geometry forms at least a portion of the pattern. The method also includes machining a remainder of the pattern with a mechanical cutter.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein relate to forming anodized films that have a white appearance. In some embodiments, an anodized film having pores with light diffusing pore walls created by varying the current density during an anodizing process is described. In some embodiments, an anodized film having light diffusing micro-cracks created by a laser cracking procedure is described. In some embodiments, a sputtered layer of light diffusing aluminum is provided below an anodized film. In some embodiments, light diffusing particles are infused within openings of an anodized layer.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein relate to forming white appearing metal oxide films by forming cracks within the metal oxide films. In some embodiments, the methods involve directing a laser beam at a metal oxide film causing portions of the metal oxide film to melt, cool, contract, and crack. The cracks have irregular surfaces that can diffusely reflect visible light incident a top surface of the metal oxide film, thereby imparting a white appearance to the metal oxide film. In some embodiments, the cracks are formed beneath a top surface of a metal oxide film, thereby leaving a continuous and uninterrupted metal oxide film top surface.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein relate to forming anodized films that have a white appearance. In some embodiments, an anodized film having pores with light diffusing pore walls created by varying the current density during an anodizing process is described. In some embodiments, an anodized film having light diffusing micro-cracks created by a laser cracking procedure is described. In some embodiments, a sputtered layer of light diffusing aluminum is provided below an anodized film. In some embodiments, light diffusing particles are infused within openings of an anodized layer.

Abstract: Techniques or processes for providing markings on products are disclosed. In one embodiment, the products have housings and the markings are to be provided on the housings. For example, a housing for a particular product can include an outer housing surface and the markings can be provided on the outer housing surface so as to be visible from the outside of the housing. The markings may be precisely formed using a laser. Processing may be used to increase reflectivity of the markings.