DE102005041375A1 - Method of producing decorative surface structures or patterns on objects of decorative layer on sanitary involves metal layer, partial removal of this, e.g. by electromagnetic radiation, and deposition toned down surface structure - Google Patents

Abstract

Method of producing decorative surface structures or patterns on objects, especially sanitary ware by deposition of a first metal layer, preferably in Cu or Ni or alloys of these, followed by partial removal of the upper layer by electromagnetic irradiation, e.g. electron beam, UV or laser radiation, or by treatment with a particle beam to give the surface structure, and deposition of a second layer so that the surface structure is obtained in toned down form. The metal first layer can be in a rare metal, Cr or Ni-W or Pd-Ni alloy, or in brass or Zn. An independent claim is included for a sanitary object obtained by the method.

Description

The The invention relates to a method for the production of decorative surface structures or like on objects, especially sanitary items, as well the corresponding objects even.

at a variety of items, in particular articles of daily use, not only plays their technical function, but also their Design a significant role. This is especially true for sanitary items, d. H. For objects in the bathroom and in the kitchen Find use. These are, for example, fittings and showers such as hand showers, shower heads and the like, as well so-called bathroom accessories such as lights, mirrors, shelves and much more.

One appealing design is increasingly finding it not only in shape of the object alone its realization, but also in the Design of the surfaces such objects, be it in the form of surface paint or surface structure, surface pattern or similar.

In It is common in this context he wishes, that such surfaces have a "metallic" character in a broader sense. This means that the surface should either be formed by a metal or at least to give the impression that they are made of a metal. Accordingly, today many sanitary items, the either made of metal or for practical reasons or cost reasons are made of plastic, provided with metallic cover layers. These metallic cover layers then take over the one addressed decorative function and give the object to other necessary technical characteristics, such as corrosion resistance, Abrasion resistance, easy-to-clean function and the same.

at The said metallic cover layers are particularly pleasing with sanitary objects always still the chrome plating of a big one Popularity. This means that the corresponding objects a final one chrome finish receive. These chrome layers can in a known manner, either shiny (Gloss chrome) or matte (Matt chrome) be formed.

Around to the customer the two ways Gloss chrome and matt chrome, addition, further decorative surfaces for disposal To put it, it is already known to chrome surfaces or surfaces roughen or brush other cover metals. In this way, additional surface effects, which are limited in number but provided become.

All in all However, there is still a need further surface structures, patterns and the like are available to make that stand out from the previously known surfaces. On the one hand, customers have the desire to design their bathrooms kitchens want to get more options. However, this also applies to the manufacturers who themselves by providing new surfaces from their competitors make it distinguishable. In this context, it is of course desirable that the corresponding surface structures with all objects, especially sanitary articles, from program in order to achieve a coherent Bathroom design, d. H. at least about Armature, wall bar, shower and the like to allow.

Accordingly The invention has the task of such new surface structures objects especially sanitary articles. These surface structures are intended generate in a comparatively simple manner and as possible integrate into existing manufacturing and surface treatment processes to let. The application of this procedure is intended for a whole product program possible be, d. H. preferably for different Substrates (metal and plastic) be applicable.

These Task is solved by the method having the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments This method is described in the dependent claims 2 to 16 shown. The invention also includes the correspondingly manufactured articles which in the claims 17 and 18 and in the dependent claims 19 to 24 are described. The wording of all claims becomes hereby incorporated by reference into the content of this specification.

In the aforementioned method for producing decorative surface structures, patterns or the like on objects, in particular sanitary articles, these objects consist either of a (first) metal or of metal or plastic, which are coated with at least one (first) metal. According to the invention, the article and / or at least the uppermost applied layer is partially removed to form a surface structure. This removal takes place with the help of electromagnetic radiation or with the help of particles (corpuscular) radiation. In a further method step is then before preferably applied at least one further layer, wherein the surface structure previously generated at least in attenuated form, preferably substantially unchanged, is maintained.

at a first group of embodiments exist the mentioned objects made of metal or have metallic surfaces. In these cases can then the partial erosion by electromagnetic radiation or by particle radiation directly into the object into it. The surface structure will then be directly in the surface of the object. Alternatively, this can be done that too at such objects Metal or with metallic surfaces, first at least one layer is applied from the first metal and then at least the sun applied layer by electromagnetic radiation or by Particle radiation partially removed to produce the surface structure becomes.

at a second group of embodiments exist the mentioned objects made of plastic or have plastic surfaces. A partial removal such surfaces by electromagnetic radiation or by particle radiation usually not possible. That is why such objects are used preferably at least one layer of a first metal applied and then at least the uppermost deposited layer by electromagnetic Radiation or by particle radiation to produce the surface structure partially worn away.

The Principle of the present invention can also be formulated that the decorative surface structures, pattern or the like in the respective articles, in particular Sanitary items, by direct partial removal of the object itself or on the Object applied metal layers are generated. It will So not with the help of temporary applied layers, which act in the manner of masks worked. By applying the electromagnetic radiation or by the particle radiation becomes parts of the surface of the object or parts (At least the topmost) metal layer removed, for example evaporated with the help of a laser. Depending on the energy input such deep or less deep holes, ditches and structures arise, for example between 1 μm and 20 μm can be deep. The nature of the generated structures can not only be introduced by the Energy, for example, the power of the laser, but also by the Feed rate at which the radiation / particle radiation over the surface to be led, affected become. With low energy input and high feed rate For example, only one type of roughening of the treated surface takes place. because, for example, only a partial punctiform erosion of the respective Place takes place. With high energy input and low feed rate arise the already mentioned deeper, for example, trench-like, structures. It understands yourself, that up this way both regular structures in the manner of a pattern or depending on the way in which the radiation is transmitted through the surface guided will arise, even irregular structures can.

characteristic is that yourself after the partial removal the different surface areas visually can be distinguished from each other. For example, if you go from shiny or high-gloss surfaces from (for example, diamond milled or polished surfaces) or creates such surfaces by applying corresponding layers of a first metal, This allows the remaining shiny after the removal Areas of the dull (radiation removed) areas clearly distinguish. It arises so on the surface so to speak two different optical impressions, so that one speaks of the receipt of a "two-tone" surface can. This optical impression can depending on the further process by the application of the at least one further layer either in essentially completely preserved stay or weakened become. Become, for example, subsequently galvanic nickel layers Applied, this usually causes a certain leveling the previously obtained surface structure, So that the Unevenness / roughness and thus their fatigue is reduced. Of course you can do this effect both by the previously introduced depth of the initial structure as also by the layer thickness of the applied further layers influence. Usually In the invention, a final metallic cover layer is applied, for example, chrome. In this way you can with the same End layer material, so for example in chromium, different contrasted end surfaces dependent on from the previous erosion and from the choice and thickness of the Create intermediate layers.

According to the invention the partial removal, as already mentioned, by electromagnetic radiation / particle radiation. This radiation must be energetic be enough to the material to form a surface texture can be removed with material-free areas in the desired manner. To is basically any radiation with sufficient energy suitable, here UV radiation and Laser radiation are particularly noteworthy. In a special way is the use according to the invention of laser radiation, since in this way defined structures and patterns can be easily generated.

In cases where initially at least a layer of a first metal is applied, it is preferred if at least one nickel layer is applied. This nickel layer may preferably be on a previously applied copper layer. In these cases, the radiation / particle radiation is then applied to the nickel surface and at least partially removed this nickel layer. The structure is therefore produced in the nickel layer and, if appropriate, in the further layers located below the nickel layer or additionally in the article located below the nickel layer. The nickel layers are preferably so-called sulfamate nickel layers.

As already mentioned, is in the inventive method finally preferably at least one further layer on the previously formed surface structure applied.

at this additional layer will usually be one (several) final Outer layers) which, in particular for reasons of corrosion resistance, the abrasion resistance or to provide an easy-to-clean function. In particular, the further layers are metal layers or metal alloy layers, preferably a chrome plating. For this purpose, in these cases, for example first a nickel layer (preferably sulfamate nickel) is applied, wherein then aware of this nickel layer contains little or no additives, as they usually do for leveling the substrate for subsequent chrome plating be used. The application of the nickel layer is followed then the subsequent one Chrome plating on in the usual Way done. Also metallic cover layers of NiW or PdNi are possible. Instead of chrome plating, it is also possible to have final cover layers by means of a PVD (physical vapor deposition) method. Here is for example on functional and decorative cover layers think of ZrN, TiN, CN or various oxides. Next can for example, a final one Layer of polysiloxane be provided, as known from the prior art is known.

In Training is preferred in the inventive method, if it is with the objects at the beginning mentioned Plumbing items. Reference is made to the introductory notes. Especially are these sanitary items around so-called fittings and showers of all kinds such as Hand showers, shower heads and the same. In accordance with the previous versions These are sanitary items either made of metal, for example made of brass, zinc die casting or stainless steel. This is especially true for Fittings. Showers are made of plastic, in particular here in particular those made of ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer) or ABS / PC (polycarbonate) are mentioned.

Next The process of the invention comprises the invention also the objects obtained and obtainable by the process itself, in particular the said sanitary articles.

• – Ein erfindungsgemäßer Gegenstand aus Kunststoff mit einer Beschichtung aus einem ersten Metall, das die entsprechende Struktur (Oberflächenstruktur) trägt. Oberhalb dieses strukturierten ersten Metalls befindet sich dann vorzugsweise mindestens eine weitere Schicht, vorzugsweise eine Chromschicht. In Übereinstimmung mit der Offenbarung zu den Verfahrensansprüchen kann sich oberhalb der Schicht aus dem ersten Metall noch eine Schicht aus einem weiteren Metall befinden, wobei dann die (endgültige) Oberflächenstruktur zusammen von dem ersten Metall und dem weiteren Metall gebildet wird.
• – Ein erfindungsgemäßer Gegenstand aus Messing, Zinkdruckguß oder Edelstahl, der an seiner Oberfläche eine strukturierte Schicht aus einem ersten Metall (Oberflächenstruktur) aufweist. Auch hier kann sich vorzugsweise oberhalb dieser Schicht aus dem ersten Metall mindestens eine weitere Schicht, insbesondere eine Chromschicht, befinden. Auch hier kann bei besonderen Ausführungen die zweite Oberflächenstruktur zusammen von dem ersten Metall und einem oberhalb vom ersten Metall angeordneten anderen Metall gebildet sein.

Accordingly, as preferred products are particularly noteworthy:

• - An inventive article of plastic with a coating of a first metal, which carries the corresponding structure (surface structure). Above this structured first metal is then preferably at least one further layer, preferably a chromium layer. In accordance with the disclosure of the method claims, a layer of a further metal may be located above the layer of the first metal, in which case the (final) surface structure is formed together by the first metal and the further metal.
• - An inventive article of brass, zinc die-cast or stainless steel, having on its surface a structured layer of a first metal (surface structure). Here too, preferably at least one further layer, in particular a chromium layer, can be located above this layer of the first metal. Here, too, in special embodiments, the second surface structure may be formed together by the first metal and another metal arranged above the first metal.

• – Bei einem dritten bevorzugten Gegenstand nach der Erfindung handelt es sich um einen solchen, der aus Messing, Zinkdruckguß oder Edelstahl gefertigt ist. Hier ist in diesem Material selbst eine Strukturierung (Oberflächenstruktur) vorhanden. Gegebenenfalls wird die Oberflächenstruktur zusammen mit einem anderen Metall, das darauf aufgebaut wurde, vorzugsweise Nickel oder Kupfer, gebildet. Darüber kann sich dann vorzugsweise mindestens eine weitere Schicht befinden, die die Oberflächenstruktur im wesentlichen erhält. Auch hier kann es sich bei der weiteren Schicht insbesondere um eine Verchromung handeln, wobei unterhalb der Chromschicht insbesondere eine Nickelschicht angeordnet sein kann.

In the case of the two preferred objects mentioned, the first metal is preferably copper or, in particular, nickel. It should also be emphasized that a nickel layer can be located below the final chromium layer.

• - A third preferred article according to the invention is one which is made of brass, zinc die-cast or stainless steel. Here, a structuring (surface structure) is present in this material itself. Optionally, the surface structure is formed together with another metal that has been built thereon, preferably nickel or copper. In this case, at least one further layer may preferably be located, which substantially preserves the surface structure. Here, too, the further layer may in particular be a chrome plating, with a nickel layer in particular being able to be arranged below the chromium layer.

The described features and other features of the invention from the following description of preferred embodiments in conjunction with the subclaims. Here Kings NEN the individual features for each be realized in one or more in combination with each other.

example 1

to Coating of sanitary items and to produce the desired decorative surfaces becomes a basic body a polished brass armature.

The polished surface this basic body, d. H. the brass itself, is using an Nd-YAG laser (company Trumpf, Germany) locally evaporated to form a surface structure (Ablated). Can do this for example, the wavelength of 1,064 nm and feed rates between 200 mm / s and 1,000 mm / s can be used. This procedure can be create a variety of structures and patterns that are both small area than also formed over a large area could be. These can be abstract structures and patterns around the Sequence of regular geometric Structures such as squares, but also to emblems, logos and the like act. With a high feed rate can only be appropriate surface roughness produce. To the explanations given in this connection becomes explicit Referenced and referenced.

There the abraded parts of the surface one opposite the have remaining dullness in the remaining polished areas, arises for the Viewer the visual impression of two different surface areas (Two-tone-surface). This impression can not be made only by the Art the surface structure, how it is introduced with the laser vary, but also over the depth the abraded areas and with the help of the layer thickness of the afterwards control applied layers.

Of the by the laser treated body is now in the usual Way in a so-called electroplating for applying further layers brought in. In this case, for example, first a bright nickel layer and subsequently a Glanzchromschicht in usual Layer thicknesses are applied. Of course it is possible to have different ones to apply further layers and cover layers, for example first a sulfamate nickel layer and then nickel phosphorus or palladium nickel or chrome. Also a final one Polysiloxane capping layer can be applied.

Example 2

As in Example 1 is polished from a base body of a fitting Brass went out.

On this body then becomes first one Copper layer and then a Sulfamatnickelschicht (layer thickness between 2 microns and 6 microns) applied. In this Sulfamatnickelschicht into then with the in Example 1 Laser lasered, with corresponding surface structures can be generated. Depending on the power of the introduced laser radiation can (preferably) only the sulfamate kinematic layer is locally vaporized or additionally still the underlying copper layer.

Of the thus obtained laser-treated base body can then in the usual Way with further layers, in particular cover layers, be provided. For this becomes explicit Refer to Example 1 and referenced.

Example 3

to Coating of a sanitary object and To produce the decorative surfaces of the main body of a Shower head made of the plastic material ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer) provided.

This Plastic part is on usual Way galvanically coated with copper (thickness about 40 microns). On this copper layer is galvanically a sulfamate nickel layer in a layer thickness of about 10 microns deposited. The nickel surface thus obtained is then as explained in Example 1, treated with the laser to produce surface textures. On the corresponding versions Reference is made in Example 1.

The so laser-treated surface of the basic body will follow in usual Way by applying further layers, in particular cover layers, further treated. Again, reference may be made to Example 1 again become.

Example 3 shows that not only surfaces of a basic body made of metal, for example brass, can be coated with the method according to the invention, but also surfaces of a base body made of plastic, which has been previously coated with metal. In this way, the desired decorative surfaces of identical structure can be produced on both starting materials, so that within a program of For example, sanitary items, for example, brass fittings and showers made of plastic in the same surface structure can be provided.

Claims (24)

Method of producing decorative surface structures, patterns or the like on objects, in particular sanitary objects such as Sanitary fittings, sanitary showers and the like, in which - possibly at least one layer of a first metal, preferably made of Copper, nickel or a copper-nickel alloy is applied to the object, - the object and / or at least the topmost layer applied by electromagnetic radiation or by particle radiation to form a surface structure is partially removed, and Preferably at least one another layer is applied, the surface structure at least in weakened Form is preserved. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that that the objects consist of metal or have metallic surfaces. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that that the objects consist of plastic or have plastic surfaces. Method according to claim 3, characterized that at least the topmost layer applied by electromagnetic radiation or partially removed by particle radiation. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that it the radiation used is electron radiation, UV radiation or in particular is laser radiation. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that the object first a copper layer and then a nickel layer is applied and at least this nickel layer is partially removed. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that it the nickel layer is a so-called sulfamate nickel layer is. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that further layer consists of a metal or a metal alloy. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that that it The metal is a precious metal or, in particular, chromium is. A method according to claim 8 or claim 9, characterized characterized in that it The metal alloy is a nickel-tungsten or a palladium-nickel alloy is. Method according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized that the Metal layer or metal alloy layer by deposition from a solution or applied by a PVD (physical vapor deposition) method becomes. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that the layer of a noble metal, a precious metal alloy or from chromium at least one layer of copper, nickel or a Copper-nickel alloy is applied. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that that it in the layer around a nickel layer, preferably a so-called Sulfamatnickelschicht acts. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that applied metal layers at least partially, preferably all are applied by electrodeposition. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that over the further Layer at least one siloxane and / or polysiloxane cover layer is applied. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that it with the sanitary object to a fitting or a shower, especially a hand shower, is. Object, in particular sanitary article, produced according to a method according to any one of the preceding claims. Object, in particular sanitary article, producible according to A method according to any one of claims 1 to 16. An article, in particular a sanitary article, preferably according to claim 17 or claim 18, characterized in that it is made of plastic and has on its surface at least one structure, at least one pattern or the like, which is formed by a correspondingly structured layer of at least one metal, preferably above the metal layer at least one of the surface structure following another layer is present. Subject, in particular sanitary article, preferably after Claim 17 or claim 18, characterized in that the object made of brass, zinc or stainless steel and on its surface at least has a structure, at least one pattern or the like, which by a correspondingly structured layer of at least a metal is formed, preferably above the metal layer at least one of the surface structure the following additional layer is present. Object, in particular sanitary article, according to claim 19 or claim 20, characterized in that it is the metal to Copper or nickel, preferably nickel. Object, in particular sanitary article, according to one of claims 19 to 21, characterized in that as a further layer initially nickel and then chrome is applied. Subject, in particular sanitary article, preferably after Claim 17 or claim 18, characterized in that it consists of Brass, zinc or stainless steel is made and the brass that Zinc or the stainless steel on its surface at least one structure, has at least one pattern or the like, preferably above the metal layer at least one of the surface structure the following additional layer is present. Object, in particular sanitary article, according to claim 23, characterized in that as another layer first Nickel and then chrome is applied.