EP0287746B1 - A method for producing a decorative surface structure with holographic or diffraction pattern - Google Patents

A method for producing a decorative surface structure with holographic or diffraction pattern Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0287746B1
EP0287746B1 EP19870810255 EP87810255A EP0287746B1 EP 0287746 B1 EP0287746 B1 EP 0287746B1 EP 19870810255 EP19870810255 EP 19870810255 EP 87810255 A EP87810255 A EP 87810255A EP 0287746 B1 EP0287746 B1 EP 0287746B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
producing
surface structure
holographic
decorative
decorative surface
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP19870810255
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0287746A1 (en
Inventor
Erich Bloesch
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
W BLOSCH AG
Bloesch W AG
Original Assignee
W BLOSCH AG
Bloesch W AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by W BLOSCH AG, Bloesch W AG filed Critical W BLOSCH AG
Priority to EP19870810255 priority Critical patent/EP0287746B1/en
Priority to DE8787810255T priority patent/DE3765776D1/en
Publication of EP0287746A1 publication Critical patent/EP0287746A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0287746B1 publication Critical patent/EP0287746B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B45/00—Time pieces of which the indicating means or cases provoke special effects, e.g. aesthetic effects
    • G04B45/0084—Pictures or inscriptions on the case or parts thereof, attaching complete pictures
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B44—DECORATIVE ARTS
    • B44C—PRODUCING DECORATIVE EFFECTS; MOSAICS; TARSIA WORK; PAPERHANGING
    • B44C3/00—Processes, not specifically provided for elsewhere, for producing ornamental structures
    • B44C3/04—Modelling plastic materials, e.g. clay
    • B44C3/042—Modelling plastic materials, e.g. clay producing a copy from an original structure
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B44—DECORATIVE ARTS
    • B44F—SPECIAL DESIGNS OR PICTURES
    • B44F1/00—Designs or pictures characterised by special or unusual light effects
    • B44F1/08—Designs or pictures characterised by special or unusual light effects characterised by colour effects
    • B44F1/14—Iridescent effects
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B44—DECORATIVE ARTS
    • B44F—SPECIAL DESIGNS OR PICTURES
    • B44F7/00—Designs imitating three-dimensional effects
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25D—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PRODUCTION OF COATINGS; ELECTROFORMING; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25D1/00—Electroforming
    • C25D1/10—Moulds; Masks; Masterforms

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method for producing a decorative surface structure, comprising the steps of forming a casting of the surface of a master model in a suitable polymeric material, applying a thin conducting layer to the surface of the casting, and then electroforming the polymeric casting to produce a metallic replica of the desired surface.
  • a method is known for example from the CH-A 601 500, wherein items such as a watch face can be produced by an electroforming process whereby a master model of the watch face is made - commonly in metal -, plastic copies of this master are produced by a process such as casting, and subsequent electroformed metal copies are made from the plastic intermediate.
  • This electroforming process allows considerable product enhancement because relief information (for example raised numerals) can be incorporated into the master model, and are thus also copied onto the subsequent elec- troform.
  • embossed hologram and a multiplicity of decorative diffraction foils use the presence of a micro-relief structure on a surface to create a surface enhancement which is based on optical diffraction and not on the properties of coloured inks, pigments etc.
  • embossed surfaces may be further enhanced by the application of a thin metal layer (for example vacuum coated aluminium).
  • From the US-A 4 867 264 is also known an electroforming process for duplicating the surface contour of a master form.
  • the EP-A 175 460 discloses a method of manufacturing a diffraction grating, utilizing specially adapted steps for it, wherein the master is also a grating.
  • a holographic or diffractive relief pattern is formed in a metal surface whereby this step may itself involve producing an electroformed copy of a holographic or diffractive relief pattern recorded using laser technology on a photosensitive surface.
  • this metal relief pattern are then incorporated into a master model of the finally required watch face.
  • this master model will also include non-holographic or non-diffractive areas and elements to provide macroscopic relief effects and surface texturing, and utilitarian features such as apertures for the date wheel and driving axles for the hands.
  • holographic or diffractive elements may be incorporated into different areas of the same watch face.
  • Castings in a polymer system are produced of the master model surface.
  • These castings are coated with a suitable electrically conducting layer, preferentially less than 100 nm, and then in a suitable holder, are electroformed to provide replicas of the original master model surface. It is convenient and economic to use copper as the electroforming metal.
  • the electroformed watch faces are then finished by applying a further decorative layer to the replica surface, for example of gold in a thin layer of less than 100 nm and various metal finishing operations such as stamping to the final size and machining the rear suface if necessary.
  • a further decorative layer for example of gold in a thin layer of less than 100 nm and various metal finishing operations such as stamping to the final size and machining the rear suface if necessary.
  • the resultant watch face being made of metal is inherently very stable and the final quality depends essentially upon the care and precision which was exercised in the origination of the initial master model. Only one master model is required for the production of large numbers of identical replicas.
  • the invention described here is not limited to watch faces, but includes metal surfaces where an enhancement is required.
  • the technology described here provides a security feature which can protect the surface of an object into which such a surface is intimately combined, against simulation by conventional printing or engraving methods.
  • the technology can be applied to costume jewelry to provide product enhancement, to medals and coin-like items where the inclusion of holographic or diffractive -surface elements can provide both enhancement and proof of authenticity, and to general metal objects which can be produced using an electroforming technique and which can be enhanced by the inclusion of holographic and diffractive effects.

Description

  • The present invention relates to a method for producing a decorative surface structure, comprising the steps of forming a casting of the surface of a master model in a suitable polymeric material, applying a thin conducting layer to the surface of the casting, and then electroforming the polymeric casting to produce a metallic replica of the desired surface. Such a method is known for example from the CH-A 601 500, wherein items such as a watch face can be produced by an electroforming process whereby a master model of the watch face is made - commonly in metal -, plastic copies of this master are produced by a process such as casting, and subsequent electroformed metal copies are made from the plastic intermediate. This electroforming process allows considerable product enhancement because relief information (for example raised numerals) can be incorporated into the master model, and are thus also copied onto the subsequent elec- troform.
  • It is also known that decorative effect and surface enhancement can be achieved by means of certain types of hologram and diffractive pattern. The so-called embossed hologram, and a multiplicity of decorative diffraction foils use the presence of a micro-relief structure on a surface to create a surface enhancement which is based on optical diffraction and not on the properties of coloured inks, pigments etc. Such embossed surfaces may be further enhanced by the application of a thin metal layer (for example vacuum coated aluminium). Products such as the embossed hologram and diffraction foil are available in todays marketplace in the form of thin plastic foils which have been embossed using a suitably made embossing master carrying the diffractive information as a surface relief structure, see for example US-A 4 184 700.
  • From the US-A 4 867 264 is also known an electroforming process for duplicating the surface contour of a master form.
  • The EP-A 175 460 discloses a method of manufacturing a diffraction grating, utilizing specially adapted steps for it, wherein the master is also a grating.
  • It is the object of the present invention to improve the quality and the range of the decoration of surfaces, mainly by improving the structure of the master model. This object is attained by the method disclosed in the claims.
  • The method according to the invention will be described below by way of an example for producing decorated surfaces, in particular of a watch face.
  • First, a holographic or diffractive relief pattern is formed in a metal surface whereby this step may itself involve producing an electroformed copy of a holographic or diffractive relief pattern recorded using laser technology on a photosensitive surface.
  • All or parts of this metal relief pattern are then incorporated into a master model of the finally required watch face. In general, this master model will also include non-holographic or non-diffractive areas and elements to provide macroscopic relief effects and surface texturing, and utilitarian features such as apertures for the date wheel and driving axles for the hands. Several different holographic or diffractive elements may be incorporated into different areas of the same watch face.
  • Castings in a polymer system are produced of the master model surface.
  • These castings are coated with a suitable electrically conducting layer, preferentially less than 100 nm, and then in a suitable holder, are electroformed to provide replicas of the original master model surface. It is convenient and economic to use copper as the electroforming metal.
  • The electroformed watch faces are then finished by applying a further decorative layer to the replica surface, for example of gold in a thin layer of less than 100 nm and various metal finishing operations such as stamping to the final size and machining the rear suface if necessary.
  • The resultant watch face being made of metal is inherently very stable and the final quality depends essentially upon the care and precision which was exercised in the origination of the initial master model. Only one master model is required for the production of large numbers of identical replicas.
  • It is of course also possible to use the result of the casting process, a polymer replica of the master model surface, directly as the enhanced surface in the final product. If this course is adopted then the master model must be constructed to be the "negative" of the desired final surface. A suitable decorative finish can then be applied to the surface of the polymer casting, for example a vacuum evaporated gold layer, and final operations such as stamping to size or trimming can be performed. Again, a series of replicas can be made from a single model, but the final result will be less stable both mechanically and thermally than the metal version described above.
  • The invention described here is not limited to watch faces, but includes metal surfaces where an enhancement is required. As an additional feature the technology described here provides a security feature which can protect the surface of an object into which such a surface is intimately combined, against simulation by conventional printing or engraving methods.
  • The technology can be applied to costume jewelry to provide product enhancement, to medals and coin-like items where the inclusion of holographic or diffractive -surface elements can provide both enhancement and proof of authenticity, and to general metal objects which can be produced using an electroforming technique and which can be enhanced by the inclusion of holographic and diffractive effects.

Claims (8)

1. A method for producing a decorative surface structure, comprising the steps of forming a casting of the surface of a metallic master model in a suitable polymeric material, applying a thin conducting layer to the surface of the casting, and then electroforming the polymeric casting to produce a metallic replica of the desired surface, characterized in that said metallic master model is formed by combining a macroscopic relief pattern with one or more elements carrying a microscopic relief pattern in the form of holographic or diffracting structures.
2. The method of claim 1 to which an additional thin metallic layer such as gold is applied to the finished product to enhance the decorative effect.
3. A method for producing a decorative surface structure according to claim 1, where the application of the thin conducting layer provides the decorative effect, and the casting with its conducting layer provides the decorative surface structure.
4. A method for producing a decorative surface structure according to claim 3 in the form of a watch face.
5. A method for producing a decorative surface structure according to claim 3 which provides the decorative part of a piece of jewelry.
6. A method for producing a decorative surface structure according to claim 3 in the form of a medallion or coin.
7. The method for producing a surface structure made according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the holographic or diffractive elements incorporated into the surface are provided with a security feature to guard against the simulation of a similar surface by conventional printing or non-holographic or non-diffractive finishing methods.
8. A method for producing a decorative surface structure according to claim 1 or 2, where the macroscopic relief regions of the metallic master model have been formed by conventional machining operations, and the holographic or diffracting elements are themselves in the form of an electroformed replica of an optically recorded holographic or diffractive microscopic relief structure recorded using the interference between coherent wavefronts on a suitable photosensitive recording medium.
EP19870810255 1987-04-22 1987-04-22 A method for producing a decorative surface structure with holographic or diffraction pattern Expired - Lifetime EP0287746B1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP19870810255 EP0287746B1 (en) 1987-04-22 1987-04-22 A method for producing a decorative surface structure with holographic or diffraction pattern
DE8787810255T DE3765776D1 (en) 1987-04-22 1987-04-22 METHOD FOR PRODUCING A DECORATIVE SURFACE STRUCTURE WITH A HOLOGRAM OR A DIFFUSION PATTERN.

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP19870810255 EP0287746B1 (en) 1987-04-22 1987-04-22 A method for producing a decorative surface structure with holographic or diffraction pattern

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0287746A1 EP0287746A1 (en) 1988-10-26
EP0287746B1 true EP0287746B1 (en) 1990-10-24

Family

ID=8198399

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19870810255 Expired - Lifetime EP0287746B1 (en) 1987-04-22 1987-04-22 A method for producing a decorative surface structure with holographic or diffraction pattern

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0287746B1 (en)
DE (1) DE3765776D1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN107219747A (en) * 2015-11-11 2017-09-29 尼瓦洛克斯-法尔股份有限公司 The manufacture method of Metal Substrate part with least one optical illusion pattern

Families Citing this family (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0484974A1 (en) * 1990-11-09 1992-05-13 Luis Remba A method of making artistic prints (II)
AU638881B2 (en) * 1991-06-13 1993-07-08 Farmer, Diana C. Simulated objects
DE4211235C2 (en) * 1992-04-03 2003-04-17 Gao Ges Automation Org Method and device for producing metallic surface elements on substrates and their use
DE4323554A1 (en) * 1993-07-14 1995-01-19 Reinert Udo Dipl Ing Process for producing redundant holographic information stores for the rotative reconstruction of the holograms and their projection on sheet-like image sensors
ES2159477B1 (en) * 1999-08-17 2002-04-16 Montana Exposito Vicenta De Metal coating of eg. sports shoes for decoration purposes consists of application of eg. gold by electrolysis after covering the shoe with a conductive metal and varnish mixture
CH697447B1 (en) * 2003-12-23 2008-10-15 3D Ag Substrate's i.e. embossing matrix, surface structure producing method for e.g. manufacturing decorative pattern, involves applying surface reliefs, and forming impression of substrate before formation of production unit
EP3181006A1 (en) 2015-12-18 2017-06-21 The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd. Zirconia panel element with selective colouring
EP3181007A1 (en) * 2015-12-18 2017-06-21 The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd. Zirconia panel element with selectively conductive areas for electronic applications
EP3266905B1 (en) 2016-07-04 2020-05-13 Richemont International S.A. Method for manufacturing a timepiece component
JP7051098B2 (en) * 2018-07-20 2022-04-11 アサダメッシュ株式会社 Decorative sheet and its manufacturing method

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH598970A4 (en) * 1970-04-21 1974-05-31
US3867264A (en) * 1973-03-30 1975-02-18 Bell & Howell Co Electroforming process
CH601500A5 (en) * 1975-04-25 1978-07-14 Liss Sa Decorative metal parts and jewellery
US4184700A (en) * 1975-11-17 1980-01-22 Lgz Landis & Gyr Zug Ag Documents embossed with optical markings representing genuineness information
GB8420182D0 (en) * 1984-08-08 1984-09-12 Pa Consulting Services Diffraction gratings

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN107219747A (en) * 2015-11-11 2017-09-29 尼瓦洛克斯-法尔股份有限公司 The manufacture method of Metal Substrate part with least one optical illusion pattern

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0287746A1 (en) 1988-10-26
DE3765776D1 (en) 1990-11-29

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6017657A (en) Method for embossing holograms into aluminum and other hard substrates
EP0611472B1 (en) Optical data storage disc
EP0287746B1 (en) A method for producing a decorative surface structure with holographic or diffraction pattern
US5071597A (en) Plastic molding of articles including a hologram or other microstructure
US4725111A (en) Holograms embossed into metal surfaces
US5956164A (en) Two-dimensional/three dimensional graphic material and method of making same
US7420720B2 (en) Optical element and method for the production thereof
EP1782108B1 (en) A method of creating a three-dimensional image, a diffractive element and method of creating the same
US7403309B2 (en) Method for producing printed image having 3-dimensional appearance
CA2554149C (en) Security device
US5807456A (en) Method for producing metallic planar elements on substrates
JPH01307789A (en) Method and apparatus for producing hologram
JP2001519919A (en) Method for producing an embossed light diffraction pattern
CN101419402B (en) Method for making cemented carbide punching mold
JPH04273392A (en) Data medium and manufacture thereof
DE19722575A1 (en) Process for embossing microstructures in metals or other hard materials
US6011767A (en) Optical data storage disc with a visible holographic image and method for its manufacture
KR102214046B1 (en) Manufacturing method of security hologram sticker labels
EP0421181A1 (en) Method for making a holographic image on a metallic object and tool for carrying out the method
JPS62280884A (en) Manufacture of molded parts having hologram
KR100507936B1 (en) Electro forming method for 3d hologram product
Newswanger Mass Replication of Holograms and Diffraction Gratings by Embossing
WO2005039886A1 (en) Method for the production of a stamping tool to stamp safety elements in surfaces of carrier materials, as well as carrier material with at least one safety element
JPH05221200A (en) Duplicating method of relief pattern
KR970001028B1 (en) Manufacture for mintage and medal

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19880414

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE ES FR GB GR IT LI LU NL SE

RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

Designated state(s): CH DE FR GB IT LI

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19890302

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

ITF It: translation for a ep patent filed

Owner name: BARZANO' E ZANARDO MILANO S.P.A.

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): CH DE FR GB IT LI

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 3765776

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19901129

ET Fr: translation filed
ITTA It: last paid annual fee
PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed
PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 19970321

Year of fee payment: 11

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 19970411

Year of fee payment: 11

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 19970430

Year of fee payment: 11

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19980422

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 19980427

Year of fee payment: 12

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: THE PATENT HAS BEEN ANNULLED BY A DECISION OF A NATIONAL AUTHORITY

Effective date: 19980430

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 19980422

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19990202

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19990430

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19990430

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES;WARNING: LAPSES OF ITALIAN PATENTS WITH EFFECTIVE DATE BEFORE 2007 MAY HAVE OCCURRED AT ANY TIME BEFORE 2007. THE CORRECT EFFECTIVE DATE MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE RECORDED.

Effective date: 20050422