Abstract: A method for anodizing a bonded assembly may include attaching a first electrode to a first component of the bonded assembly, and forming a first oxide layer on the first component. The bonded assembly may comprise the first component and a second component bonded to the first component. The second component may be electrically isolated from the first component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for treating an anodically oxidized surface of aluminum or an aluminum alloy by means of a wet chemical process, wherein the surface of aluminum or the aluminum alloy is pretreated, anodically oxidized, flushed and partially subjected to hot compacting. The present invention also relates to a corresponding aluminum surface obtainable, in particular, with the aid of the process according to the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a colored metal film comprising a metal article and a plurality of pores. The plurality of pores further comprises a high layer, an intermediate layer, and a low layer, in which the three layers together forms an embossed image. The present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing colored metal films. The method is used to manufacture a flat image or an embossed image on a metal article. The method comprises a finishing process, a first coating process, a color adjustment, a first printing process, an etching process, a second coating process, a second printing process, a sealing process, and a cleaning process.

Abstract: A metal surface treated to have two anodized layers or regions may be used in electronic devices. The surface treatment may include performing a first anodization process to create a first anodized layer, removing the first anodized layer at select locations, and performing a second anodization process to create a second anodized layer at the select locations. The first and second anodized regions may have different decorative properties, such as color, and different structural properties, such as degree of abrasion resistance. One of the anodization processes may be hard anodization and the other may be standard anodization.

Abstract: A method for forming a pattern multiple patterns of identical or different pattern materials can be formed on a support in a short time, a structural body, a method for producing a comb-shaped electrode, and a secondary cell. The pattern forming method, in which n patterns (n?2) are formed on a support, includes forming a first resist layer on the support surface; repeating: forming a guide hole through all resist layers by exposure and development, filling a kth pattern material into the guide hole by a screen printing process, and forming a (k+1)th resist layer on the kth resist layer and the pattern materials, regarding kth (k=1 to n?1) pattern material and resist layer in order of k=1 to n?1; performing guide hole formation and nth pattern material filling similarly, and removing all of the resist layers.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forming a multi-layered metal structure that includes an anodized surface are disclosed. According to one aspect, a housing arrangement can include a stainless steel layer and at least a first layer. The first layer can have a first bonding surface and a first exterior surface. The first bonding surface can be substantially bonded in direct contact with the stainless steel layer, and the first exterior surface can be an exterior of the housing arrangement. The first exterior surface is an anodized surface. In one embodiment, the first layer can be formed from an anodizable material such as aluminum, titanium, niobium, or tantalum.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a part with relief, wherein portions in relief are at least partially coated with a decorative layer. The method a) forms the body of the part; b) selectively alters the surface state of the body of the part to change the adherence thereof locally relative to the decorative layer; c) directly deposits the decorative layer over the entire body; d) removes the portions of the deposited layer which have not adhered to the body of the part. The method can be utilized in decorating timepieces.

Abstract: Decorative shape cast products and methods, systems, compositions and apparatus for producing the same are described. In one embodiment, the decorative shape cast products are produced from an Al—Ni or Al—Ni—Mn alloy, with a tailored microstructure to facilitate production of anodized decorative shape cast product having the appropriate finish and mechanical properties.

Abstract: A method for the antimicrobial provision of implant surfaces with silver, in which the method comprises an anodizing of the implant surface with an electrolyte, in which the electrolyte has a silver-yielding substance. Alternatively, the method comprises a silver implantation or a silver PVD deposition.

Abstract: A mold comprising alumina having a microscopic pattern, in which distances between adjacent recesses or salients therein are not longer than wavelength of visible light, formed by anodic oxidation on a surface of an aluminum pre-mold without a rolling mark, wherein height or depth difference at a crystal grain boundary is 300 nm or less.

Abstract: Methods for forming aluminum enclosures for consumer products are described. Included are methods for forming features, such as brackets or supports for supporting one or more internal components of the consumer product. In some embodiments, methods involve shaping integral features into the aluminum enclosures. In some embodiments, methods involve molding resinous or plastic features onto the aluminum enclosures. Some methods involve one or more of an extrusion, rolling, stamping, bending, forging and other shaping techniques. Some methods involve a metal softening technique such as an annealing process. Some methods involve post-shaping treatments including one or more of an impurity removal process, hardening process and surface finishing process. Some embodiments involve forming nano-pores in aluminum enclosures and inserts to enhance bonding of plastic features to the aluminum enclosures and inserts.

Abstract: The described embodiments relate generally to methods to enhance cosmetic surfaces of friction stir processed parts. More specifically a method for applying cold spray over a weld line generated by the friction stir processing is disclosed. Methods are also disclosed for blending the cold spray applied over the weld line in with a cosmetic surface portion of friction stir processed parts. In some embodiments cold spray can be used to on its own to create a cosmetic join between various parts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coating mask (1) for electrolytically coating the piston ring groove (39) of a piston (38), which is made of an elastically deformable material and has openings (3 to 10) that are arranged axially and are distributed in a uniform manner over the periphery, into which rods (11 to 18) of an expansion device (19) can be introduced, the rods being arranged in a displaceable manner such that the expansion device (19) can increase the radial diameter of the coating mask (1) and also the inner opening (2) so that the piston (38) can be introduced into the inner opening (2). The radial diameter of the coating mask (1) is selected in such a manner that after the reduction of radial diameter of the coating mask (1) and the inner opening, the elastically tensed coating mask (1) presses sealing lips (44, 45) of the coating groove (37) against the piston (38), on both sides of the piston ring groove (39).

Abstract: A method is provided for marking a tool. The method subsequently includes the steps of hardening the surface of the tool, making inscription in the surface of the tool, filling colorant in the inscription, clearing the surface of the tool of an excessive portion of the colorant placed outside the inscription, and electroplating the surface of the tool.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forming a multi-layered metal structure that includes an anodized surface are disclosed. According to one aspect, a housing arrangement can include a stainless steel layer and at least a first layer. The first layer can have a first bonding surface and a first exterior surface. The first bonding surface can be substantially bonded in direct contact with the stainless steel layer, and the first exterior surface can be an exterior of the housing arrangement. The first exterior surface is an anodized surface. In one embodiment, the first layer can be formed from an anodizable material such as aluminum, titanium, niobium, or tantalum.

Abstract: A trim structure for a vehicle includes at least two surface regions having different surface appearances and is manufactured in one unit. A method for providing a trim structure for a vehicle with at least two surface regions having different surface appearances comprises the steps of: a) providing a first surface appearance on at least a portion of an external surface of a trim structure body; b) providing a second surface appearance by applying a material layer on top of at least a part of the at least a portion having the first surface appearance; and c) removing a portion of the applied material layer, thereby revealing at least a portion of the under-lying first surface appearance.

Abstract: An article having a metal surface is treated to have one or more desired effects, such as desired functional properties or a desired cosmetic appearance. The surface is anodized to create an oxide layer having pores therein and a metal deposition process is performed to deposit multiple different metals within the pores. A pretreatment act, such as degreasing, chemical etching, chemical polishing, and desmutting can also be conducted on the surface prior to anodization. The surface can also be dyed, sealed, and polished.

Abstract: Anodized aluminum cookware having an exposed copper base or ring is formed by anodizing the completed vessel using a protective cap to cover most of the copper. The portion of copper that is exposed to the anodizing bath only tarnishes slightly and is preferably polished off after a protective lacquer is applied, creating a clean even margin with the anodized aluminum portion of the vessel.

Abstract: A metal surface treated to have two anodized layers or regions may be used in electronic devices. The surface treatment may include performing a first anodization process to create a first anodized layer, removing the first anodized layer at select locations, and performing a second anodization process to create a second anodized layer at the select locations. The first and second anodized regions may have different decorative properties, such as color, and different structural properties, such as degree of abrasion resistance. One of the anodization processes may be hard anodization and the other may be standard anodization.

Abstract: An anodized layer on a metallic substrate is treated in a manner to directly electrodeposit a metal sulfide solid lubricant material represented by MS2, where M is Mo, W or other suitable metal, in pores of the anodized layer without any subsequent thermal and/or chemical treatment being needed.

Abstract: Herein disclosed are an electrode and a method for making an electrode having an enhanced electrically effective surface providing an increased signal to noise ratio. The electrode having a metal surface selected from gold, tungsten, stainless steel, platinum, platinum-tungsten, platinum-iridium, and combinations thereof; and an electrically conductive coating on said metal surface, said coating consisting essentially of polymerized pyrrole.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing a structure, which is capable of easily obtaining a structure of the nanometer scale by using an anodic oxidation method. A method of producing a structure with a hole includes: forming first projected structures regularly arranged on a substrate; forming a first anodic oxidating layer on the substrate having the first projected structures, thereby forming first recessed structures at center portions of cells formed by the projected structures on the anodic oxidating layer; removing the first projected structures to form holes; and subjecting the first anodic oxidating layer to anodic oxidation to form holes at positions of the first recessed structures.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to an article, comprising: a substrate having a surface comprising aluminum or an aluminum alloy; a sealed anodic coating layer overlying at least part of the surface of the substrate; and a layer of a silicon-containing polymer overlying the sealed anodic coating layer. The article may be useful as a brake or wheel component.

Abstract: A method for surface treatment of a metal base includes the steps of: (a) anodizing the base to obtain a first layer of oxidation film on a surface of the base; (b) removing or covering a first area of the oxidation film; and (c) anodizing the base to obtain a second layer of oxidation film. A second area of the oxidation film is thus formed on the base which is different from the first area of the oxidation film. The second area is either higher or lower than the first area, therefore an anaglyphic decorative effect is obtained on the surface of the base.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods for electroplating a substrate that substantially reduce or eliminate protrusions and decrease WID thickness variations. The number of protrusions formed on the plating surface is highly dependent upon the electroplating current density. Embodiments of the invention vary the electroplating current waveform by implementing an initial current step sufficient to fill substrate features and a terminal current step sufficient to achieve the specified plating thickness while suppressing protrusions and within die thickness variations.

Abstract: A method of producing a structure having narrow pores includes a first step of bringing pore-guiding members into contact with upper and lower surfaces of a member comprising aluminum as a principal ingredient and a second step of anodizing the member comprising aluminum as the principal ingredient to form narrow pores. The pore-guiding members contain the same material as a principal ingredient. The second step includes preferably a step of transforming the member comprising aluminum as the principal ingredient into a porous body comprising alumina having narrow pores oriented substantially parallel to the interfaces between the pore-guiding members and the member comprising aluminum as the principal ingredient.

Abstract: An aluminum workpiece, e.g. sheet for containerstock, having an anodic oxide film whose thickness varies from location to location on the surface, whereby interference contrast effects are visible on the surface. Aluminum foil having on a surface thereof an unsealed anodic oxide film 5-1000 nm thick which provides a clean surface with fretting resistance. A method of anodizing thin aluminum foil is also described.

Abstract: A process for producing anodized aluminum with enhanced electrical conductivity, comprising anodic oxidation of aluminum alloy substrate, electrolytic deposition of a small amount of metal into the pores of the anodized aluminum, and electrolytic anodic deposition of an electrically conductive oxide, including manganese dioxide, into the pores containing the metal deposit; and the product produced by the process.

Abstract: Novel arrays of nanowires made of semi-metallic Bismuth (Bi) is disclosed made by unique electrodeposition techniques. Because of the unusual electronic properties of the semi-metallic Bi and the nanowire geometry, strong finite size effects in transport properties are achieved. In addition, very large positive magnetoresistance, 300% at low temperatures and 70% at room temperature, with quasilinear field dependence have been attained.

Abstract: A structure and method for forming an anodized row electrode for a field emission display device. In one embodiment, the present invention comprises depositing a resistor layer over portions of a row electrode. Next, an inter-metal dielectric layer is deposited over the row electrode. In the present embodiment, the inter-metal dielectric layer deposited over portions of the resistor layer and over pad areas of the row electrode. After the deposition of the inter-metal dielectric layer, the row electrode is subjected to an anodization process such that exposed regions of the row electrode are anodized. In so doing, the present invention provides a row electrode structure which is resistant to row to column electrode shorts and which is protected from subsequent processing steps.

Abstract: A method for forming relatively thick composite coatings on a region of the surface of a metallic member includes exposing the surface region to an electrolyte fluid, either by immersion or by spraying the electrolyte against the surface region. A preferred electrolyte fluid is an aqueous solution including an electrolytic agent, a passivating agent and a modifying agent in the form of a solute or a powder suspended in the solution. A voltage signal is applied to induce a current flow of constant magnitude between the metallic member and the electrolyte fluid so that the metallic member interacts with the passivating agent to form a passive oxide layer on the surface region. The voltage signal increases in magnitude until local voltage reaches a breakthrough level across separate highly localized discharge channels along the surface region of the metallic member.

Abstract: A color filter is made easily and uniformly employing electrodeposition.A specific positive type photosensitive resin layer is formed on a transparent electrode formed on a transparent substrate and, then a step for exposing and developing to obtain a desired pattern and a step for forming a desired colored layer by electrodeposition are repeated without peeling of the resin layer.

Abstract: A process for obtaining a range of colors of the visible spectrum includes a first phase to form an anodic film, a second phase to modify a barrier film and a third phase to deposit metallic particles on the barrier film. During the formation of the anodic film, a thickness in excess of 0.3 .mu.m is obtained. The electrolytic modification of the barrier film is carried out in a low dissolving power electrolyte, applying a predetermined low voltage and a predetermined low current density. The third phase is carried out by an electrolytic deposition of metallic particles in order to increase internal reflections under the deposit. The average voltage applied in the electrolytic modification of the barrier film is below 5 volts of a complex alternating current, and the average density of the current applied is less than 200 mA/dm.sup.2 of the complex alternating current.

Abstract: A broad range of colors within the visible spectrum can be obtained by light interference and multiple refraction in an anodized aluminum product, by electrolytically depositing on an aluminum-based substrate an aluminum oxide anodic film separated from the substrate by an aluminum/aluminum oxide interface. The aluminum oxide anodic film comprises at least three superimposed aluminum oxide anodic layers having different porosities and separated by interfaces between each other, the innermost one of said anodic layers having a non porous barrier layer arranged between the bottom of the pores thereof and the aluminum/aluminum oxide interface. Pigmentary inorganic material is deposited within the pores of the superimposed anodic layers and at least in portions of the interfaces between them, the different colors being produced by varying the current and/or time conditions when depositing the innermost one of the aluminum oxide anodic layers.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium having a substrate made of aluminum or aluminum alloy and an anodic-oxide film, e.g., alumite film, formed by effecting the anodic oxidation process, wherein the surface of the alumite film has protruding portions formed in addition to micro-irregularities which are formed in response to the cell-pore structure of the alumite film and height of the protruding portions is higher than that of the micro-irregularity, and density of the protruding portions is ranging from 10.sup.2 to 10.sup.7 per one square millimeter, these protruding portions are formed by processing the alumite film in the fluorine-contained solution (e.g., hydrofluoric acid) or in solution containing one of the acid (HCl), base (NaOH) and strong-acid salt ((NH.sub.4)SO.sub.4), Cr film and magnetic film are sequentially formed on the alumite film by the sputtering process.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a metallic ornamental plate is provided comprising the steps of press-forming a light metal plate to provide a first planar region having a first surface, and a second planar region having a second surface elevated from the first surface; and machine-finishing the elevated second surface of the second planar region to define a distinct ornamental pattern against the first surface wherein the machine-finishing step removes material from the elevated second surface.

Abstract: A process for producing a structure including an anodic film exhibiting a colored pattern, and the resulting structures. The process involves anodizing a surface of a metal substrate or article made of or coated with aluminum or an anodizable aluminum alloy to produce an anodic film, preferably having pores extending from the film surface inwardly towards the underlying metal. A semi-reflective layer of a non-noble metal is then deposited within the pores of the film in order to generate a color by effects including light interference. Limited areas of the resulting film are then contacted with a solution of an acid or other leaching material, preferably by a maskless procedure, in order to leach the non-noble metal from the film, at least partially. The film is then contacted by a solution of a more noble metal compound (e.g. Pd, Au or Pt). The more noble metal from the solution at least partially replaces the non-noble metal remaining in or on the film and stabilizes the deposits against further leaching.

Abstract: A process for producing a structure including an anodic film exhibiting a colored pattern, and the resulting structures. The process involves anodizing a surface of a metal substrate or article made of or coated with aluminum or an anodizable aluminum alloy to produce an anodic film preferably having pores extending from the film surface inwardly towards the underlying metal. A semi-refective layer of a non-noble metal is then deposited on or within the pores of the film in order to generate a color by effects including light interference. Limited areas of the resulting film are then contacted with a solution of a noble metal compound (e.g. Pd, Au or Pt) by a procedure which avoids the use of an adhering mask. The noble metal from the solution at least partially replaces the non-noble metal in the contacted areas and creates a different color in these areas.