Abstract: The described embodiments relate generally to adjusting output or conditioning of an electron beam. More specifically various configurations are disclosed that relate to maintaining a footprint of the electron beam incident to a workpiece within a defined energy level. Such a configuration allows the electron beam to heat only specific portions of the workpiece to a superheated state in which intermetallic compounds are dissolved. In one embodiment a mask is disclosed that prevents low energy portions of an electron beam from contacting the workpiece. In another embodiment the electron beam can be focused in a way that maintains the electron beam at an energy level such that substantially all of the electron beam is above a threshold energy level.

Abstract: The described embodiments relate generally to adjusting output or conditioning of an electron beam. More specifically various configurations are disclosed that relate to maintaining a footprint of the electron beam incident to a workpiece within a defined energy level. Such a configuration allows the electron beam to heat only specific portions of the workpiece to a superheated state in which intermetallic compounds are dissolved. In one embodiment a mask is disclosed that prevents low energy portions of an electron beam from contacting the workpiece. In another embodiment the electron beam can be focused in a way that maintains the electron beam at an energy level such that substantially all of the electron beam is above a threshold energy level.

Abstract: A highly polished surface on an aluminum substrate is formed using any number of machining processes. During the machining process, intermetallic compounds are typically generated at a top surface area of the aluminum substrate caused by spot heat generated between the tool edge and the cut tip of the aluminum substrate during the cutting process. The intermetallic compounds can leave surface imperfections after conventional mechanical polishing operations that render the surface of the aluminum substrate difficult to obtain a desired high glossiness due to exfoliation of the intermetallic compounds from the top surface. In order to remove the effect of the intermetallic compounds, an acid etching solution is applied to the surface resulting in removal of intermetallic compounds across a surface portion of the aluminum substrate.

Abstract: A highly polished surface on an aluminum substrate is formed using any number of machining processes. During the machining process, intermetallic compounds are typically generated at a top surface area of the aluminum substrate caused by spot heat generated between the tool edge and the cut tip of the aluminum substrate during the cutting process. The intermetallic compounds can leave surface imperfections after conventional mechanical polishing operations that render the surface of the aluminum substrate difficult to obtain a desired high glossiness due to exfoliation of the intermetallic compounds from the top surface. In order to remove the effect of the intermetallic compounds, an electron beam is applied to the surface resulting in Joule heating to melt down a top surface zone. In this way, any tooling traces and intermetallic compounds are eliminated.