Formica Technology, Inc.

Kenneth J Laurence

Wolfgang Kieferle

Michel J Broussard

Shot peening with a mixture of at least two sizes of shot can be used to obtain a textured finish press plate with desirable gloss features. The press plate is impacted with a mixture of shot having at least two different sizes to simultaneously obtain a texture and gloss control. A separate overblasting step to obtain a desired gloss uniformity is thereby avoided.

Press plate having textured surface formed by simultaneous shot peening

A process and apparatus is disclosed for the fabrication of press plates hardened by the use of plasma ion nitriding techniques to produce wear resistant decorative laminate containing alumina grit while improving associated press plate useful life. The application of this process to press plates having exacting final microfinish requirements is possible due to the determination of interdependancies between parameter settings and expected results. These interdependancies include the work piece geometry, surface and subsurface structure and desired results, process temperatures, pressures, and duration of heat-up time, thermal loading, reflective radiation and heat effects, cooling systems, and gas mixture composition.

Method for manufacture of plasma ion nitrided stainless steel plates

A press plate hardened by the use of plasma ion nitriding techniques produces wear resistant decorative laminate containing hard abrasive particles while improving associated press plate useful life. The press plate has exacting final microfinish requirements made possible due to the determination of interdependencies between parameter settings and expected results. These interdependencies include the work piece geometry, surface and subsurface structure and desired results, process temperatures, pressures, and rate of heat-up and duration of heat-up time, thermal loading, reflective radiation and heat effects, cooling systems, and gas mixture composition.

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West Chester, OH, United States of America

Kenneth J Laurence