Infrared radiation process for a high contrast in the natural grain of a naturally pale wood

US5190791A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Mercedes-Benz Group AG · DE

Inventors

• Jurgen Gunter · Sindelfingen, DE
• Siegfried Kohler · Berlin, DE
• Siegfried Lang · Ludwigshafen, DE
• Luise Schellhorn · Sindelfingen, DE
• Erwin Lutz · Schwieberdingen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 18, 1991
• Grant date: Mar 2, 1993
• Expiry date: Oct 18, 2011

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B27K5/003
• WIPO field: Machine tools
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A process brings out a high contrast in natural grain of a naturally pale wood via infrared irradiation having a wavelength which is as long as possible. This infrared radiation can come from a conventional infrared emitter or, more preferably, from a carbon dioxide laser. Due to the contact-free heating near the surface which is effective in a stagnant ambient atmosphere, the new wood part of the grain is browned, while the harder old wood part remains essentially unbrowned. This causes the natural grain of the wood to stand out in contrast. Due to the contact-free and turbulence-free mode of operation of the heating, the grain pattern produced is uniform. Any scratches or chatter marks in the wood are simply covered over and remain invisible.