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.

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 method, system, and apparatus for intelligent application of a finishing process a surface of a housing is described. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the surface of the housing is imaged. In one embodiment, the image can be rendered using an optical imager such as a standard or high definition camera. In one embodiment, multiple cameras can be used to assist in defining location, size, and depth of surface defects. In one embodiment, an optical imaging device can be used to image surface defects under wet conditions where the surface of the housing is covered with a layer of slurry.

Abstract: The described embodiment relates generally to the polishing of a device housing. The device housing can be formed of a thermoplastic, or a metal such as aluminum or stainless steel. More particularly, a method and an apparatus are described for calibrating a polishing process in which a precise amount of material can be removed. Accurate measurement of such a polishing process can be especially helpful in accurately determining material removal rates and pad wear occurring across curved surfaces and edges where such parameters tend to be difficult to predict.

Abstract: The described embodiment relates generally to the polishing of a device housing. The device housing can be formed of a thermoplastic, or a metal such as aluminum or stainless steel. More particularly, a method and an apparatus are described for accurately measuring the amount of material removed during a polishing process. Accurate measurement of such a polishing process can be especially helpful in measuring material removal on curved surfaces and edges where material removal rates tend to be less predictable.

Abstract: The clamp-unit is arranged in class-1 double-lever configuration. The levers carry a pair of jaws at one end, and magnets at the other end. The magnets are arranged in repulsive pairs, whereby the magnets urge the jaws together.