Anodized aluminum etching process and related apparatus
Patent 7029597 Issued on April 18, 2006. Estimated Expiration Date: 
July 5, 2021. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.
July 5, 2021. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent References 3622472 3671333 3776783 3898095 Etching apparatus for accurately making small holes in thick materials System for etching patterns of small openings on a continuous strip of metal Process for producing good adherence between a metal and polysulphide material and articles produced thereby Method for forming three-dimensional objects from sheet metal Sealing solution and process to prevent deposits forming during the sealing of anodized aluminum surfaces Apparatus and process for making lithographic printing plate with reinforced image InventorsAssigneeApplicationNo. 09899591 filed on 07/05/2001US Classes:216/102, Metal is elemental aluminum, an alloy, or compound thereof205/214, Graining or roughening chemically or electrolytically205/220, Treating electrolytic or nonelectrolytic coating after it is formed205/223, Etching of coating216/103, Etchant contains acid362/341, Reflector148/272, Coating or treating a metal oxide with a specified composition134/3, Including acidic agent156/345.19, With mechanical mask or shield or shutter for shielding workpiece216/92, Projecting etchant against a moving substrate or controlling the angle or pattern projection of the etchant or controlling the angle or pattern of movement of the substrate430/323, Including etching substrate205/204, Sealing agent includes organic constituent355/100, With further developing processing205/50, PRODUCT PRODUCED BY ELECTROLYSIS INVOLVING ELECTROLYTIC MARKING, BATTERY ELECTRODE ACTIVE MATERIAL FORMING, ELECTROFORMING, OR ELECTROLYTIC COATING216/54, PATTERN OR DESIGN APPLIED BY TRANSFER430/278.1, Aluminum205/148, Agitating or moving electrolyte during coating257/787, ENCAPSULATED438/706Vapor phase etching (i.e., dry etching)ExaminersPrimary: Hassanzadeh, ParvizAssistant: Culbert, Roberts Attorney, Agent or FirmForeign Patent References
International ClassesB44C 1/22C03C 15/00 C03C 25/68 C23F 1/00 C25F 3/00 AbstractA process for selectively etching a surface of an anodized aluminum article. A preferred process includes: providing an aluminum sheet or web including first and second sides having anodized finishes; etching the first side to improve the adhesion capabilities of that side but not etching the second side so that the second side retains its anodized finish. The anodized aluminum may be colored before etching, thus the second side retains its color after etching. In a more preferred embodiment, sodium hydroxide or phosphoric acid is used to etch the anodized aluminum. Optionally, the etching of the second side is prevented by administering gas or liquid over the second side, masking the second side with a protective film, or shielding the second side with a shield. Further, the gas or liquid administered over the second side may be controlled to increase or decrease the rate of etching on the first side.Other References
Field of SearchMetal is elemental aluminum, an alloy, or compound thereofRelative movement between the substrate and a confined pool of etchant Rotating, repeated dipping, or advancing movement of substrate Projecting etchant against a moving substrate or controlling the angle or pattern projection of the etchant or controlling the angle or pattern of movement of the substrate Using film of etchant between a stationary surface and a moving surface (e.g., chemical lapping, etc.) Etchant contains solid particle (e.g., abrasive for polishing, etc.) NONGASEOUS PHASE ETCHING OF SUBSTRATE Substrate contains elemental metal, alloy thereof, or metal compound Etching of a compound containing at least one oxygen atom and at least one metal atom Etchant contains acid FORMING OR TREATING AN ARTICLE WHOSE FINAL CONFIGURATION HAS A PROJECTION ETCHING TO PRODUCE POROUS OR PERFORATED ARTICLE Graining or roughening chemically or electrolytically Selected area With one or more phosphoric acids With sulfuric acid Etching of coating For liquid etchant Liquid etchant spray type With mechanical mask or shield or shutter for shielding workpiece |
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