Method for color marking metallic surfaces

摘要

A method of color marking a metal or metal-plated part is described involving setting at least one laser parameter of a laser, such as the power, scan speed, Q-switch, spot size, line separation, and scan repetition, and then energizing a metal containing surface layer of the part using the laser to change the color reflected by the surface layer.

主权项

1. A method of color marking a metal surface of a part, said method comprising:
setting at least one laser parameter of a laser, said at least one laser parameter selected from a group consisting of power, energy, scan speed, Q-switch, spot size, line separation, and scan repetition; changing the reflectivity of said metal surface by energizing said metal surface of said part using the laser, wherein following said step of energizing said metal surface, said surface reflects a light wavelength that is different from a light wavelength reflected by the surface prior to said energizing said metal surface, such that a user views a color of the metal surface following said energizing said metal surface that is different than a color of the metal surface prior to said energizing said metal surface and wherein said metal surface is oxidized and a color change is observed as a result of oxidation of the metal surface; and treating said metal surface to inhibit further oxidation of said metal surface.