Ford Global Technolgoies, LLC

Steven J Simko

Ann Marie Straccia

Larry Paul Haack

Mark Edward Nichols

Janice Lisa Tardiff

Brian Schneider

Sabrina Louise Peczonczyk

Shannon Christine Bollin

Patricia Karen Konopka

A plasma vapor deposited (PVD) coating method. The method includes overlaying a primer polymer layer onto a substrate surface. The method further includes overlaying a chrome metallic layer onto the primer polymer. The method also includes depositing a plasma vapor deposited (PVD) oxide layer of a thickness of 1 to 5 nanometers onto the chrome metallic layer and having a parameter of color change of the underlying chrome metallic layer. The color change may be determined according to the following equation:&#x394;=&#x221a;{square root over ((&#x394;*)+(&#x394;*)+(&#x394;*))}L is the color brightness of the oxide layer, and a and b are the color-component dimensions of the oxide and metallic layers. &#x394;E*may be less than 2.3. The method further includes overlaying an exposed polymeric layer onto the PVD oxide layer to form a protective layer at the interface between the exposed polymeric layer and the oxide layer.

Plasma vapor deposited (PVD) coating process

Methods and systems are disclosed for analyzing the adhesiveness of enamel frits using topography. One method includes analyzing a topography of a defined area of an enamel frit surface having a plurality of peaks and determining a topographical parameter of the defined area based on peak shape and/or density. The determined topographical parameter may be compared to a threshold value. The method may then include applying an adhesive to the enamel frit and bonding the enamel frit to a substrate if the determined topographical parameter is below the threshold value. The analysis of the topography may be performed using a non-contact profilometer, such as an optical profilometer. In one embodiment, the topographical parameter may be developed interfacial roughness (S). The method may be integrated into a manufacturing/assembly line for vehicle glass components, such as windshields or side windows.

Methods to control adhesiveness using topography

An article is disclosed that includes a metallic layer overlaying a substrate surface; a plasma vapor deposited (PVD) oxide layer overlaying the metallic layer; and an exposed polymeric layer overlaying the oxide layer to form a protective layer at the interface between the exposed polymeric layer and the oxide layer.

Articles, including wheels, having plasma vapor deposited (PVD) coating

A system and a method for pretreating an aluminum assembly includes selecting a blank having a thin film pretreatment layer and a lubricant coating applied to a surface. The blank is formed to a desired shape and an adhesive is applied to a selected portion of the surface. A cleaner is applied to the assembly to remove the thin film pretreatment layer and the lubricant coating from the surface except at the selected portion and a zirconium oxide conversion coating is applied to the assembly before painting.

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Shelby Township, MI, United States of America

Steven J Simko