Systems and methods are disclosed for fabricating a metal or ceramic component using a 3D printer. An entire 3D printed piece, including both the metal or ceramic component and one or more support structures, is created of a first metal or ceramic material. A sensitization layer is applied to all or part of the 3D printed piece to chemically alter portions of the first metal or ceramic material near the surface making those portions of the material more sensitive to the etching process. The etching process causes the affected material to deplete and separates the component from the support structures without requiring mechanical machining.

Systems and methods are disclosed for fabricating a metal or ceramic component using a 3D printer. An entire 3D printed piece, including both the metal or ceramic component and one or more support structures, is created of a first metal or ceramic material. A sensitization layer is applied to all or part of the 3D printed piece to chemically alter portions of the first metal or ceramic material near the surface making those portions of the material more sensitive to the etching process. The etching process causes the affected material to deplete and separates the component from the support structures without requiring mechanical machining.

An electrolyte solution is provided for an electrochemical machining process. The electrolyte solution includes a substantially water free ionic solvent, an ionisable material in the form of an inorganic salt; and a viscosity modifier. The electrolyte has a viscosity in the range of 1 to 50 mPa.Math.s at 20° C.

An electrolyte solution is provided for an electrochemical machining process. The electrolyte solution includes a substantially water free ionic solvent, an ionisable material in the form of an inorganic salt; and a viscosity modifier. The electrolyte has a viscosity in the range of 1 to 50 mPa.Math.s at 20° C.

A method for creating a chrome-plated surface having a matte finish that typically includes: controlling a resistance of a current bridge circuit; depositing a first chromium layer on a substrate positioned in a chromium bath, wherein the first chromium layer is deposited by supplying current from a power source that is electrically connected to the substrate and to anodes positioned in the chromium bath; etching the first chromium layer by engaging a current bridge that closes the current bridge circuit; depositing a first intermediate chromium layer, wherein the first intermediate chromium layer is deposited by supplying current from the power source; etching the first intermediate chromium layer, wherein the first intermediate chromium layer is etched by engaging the current bridge; and depositing a final chromium layer, wherein the final chromium layer is deposited by supplying current from the power source.

A method for creating a chrome-plated surface having a matte finish that typically includes: controlling a resistance of a current bridge circuit; depositing a first chromium layer on a substrate positioned in a chromium bath, wherein the first chromium layer is deposited by supplying current from a power source that is electrically connected to the substrate and to anodes positioned in the chromium bath; etching the first chromium layer by engaging a current bridge that closes the current bridge circuit; depositing a first intermediate chromium layer, wherein the first intermediate chromium layer is deposited by supplying current from the power source; etching the first intermediate chromium layer, wherein the first intermediate chromium layer is etched by engaging the current bridge; and depositing a final chromium layer, wherein the final chromium layer is deposited by supplying current from the power source.

The disclosed embodiments include a housing of a handheld mobile device. The housing includes a ceramic layer forming a continuous outermost surface of the handheld mobile device, and an antenna layer adjacent to the ceramic layer. The antenna layer including conductive elements formed from a metal injection molded substrate, and an antenna break formed of non-conductive material electrically separating the conductive elements to collectively form an antenna of the handheld mobile device that is hidden by the ceramic layer from an exterior view of the handheld mobile device.

A method for producing round stock (10) which is provided with at least one inscription and/or marking (16), at least the surface (12) of the round stock (10) consisting of a metallic material, in particular of chromium or steel, for example of hardened steel, chromium-plated steel or stainless steel. In order to improve this method such that disadvantages and shortcomings are avoided, the method includes the following steps: placing on the surface (12) at least one cover (20) which is adapted to the shape of the surface (12) and in particular has the inscription and/or marking (16), such that the region to be provided with the inscription and/or marking (16) is not covered by the cover (20),—exposing the round stock (10) to a first electrolyte (30) together with the cover (20), material being removed from the surface (12) by said electrolyte in the region to be provided with the inscription and/or the marking (16) while producing depressions (14), and—exposing the round stock (10) together with the cover (20) and the depressions (14) not covered by the cover (20) to a second electrolyte (32) by which the depressions (14) are filled to produce the inscription and/or marking (16) which differs from the surface (12) optically, in particular with respect to color. The present invention also relates to round stock (10) which is manufactured from a metallic material, with the round stock being provided with a correspondingly produced inscription and/or marking (16).

A method for producing round stock (10) which is provided with at least one inscription and/or marking (16), at least the surface (12) of the round stock (10) consisting of a metallic material, in particular of chromium or steel, for example of hardened steel, chromium-plated steel or stainless steel. In order to improve this method such that disadvantages and shortcomings are avoided, the method includes the following steps: placing on the surface (12) at least one cover (20) which is adapted to the shape of the surface (12) and in particular has the inscription and/or marking (16), such that the region to be provided with the inscription and/or marking (16) is not covered by the cover (20),—exposing the round stock (10) to a first electrolyte (30) together with the cover (20), material being removed from the surface (12) by said electrolyte in the region to be provided with the inscription and/or the marking (16) while producing depressions (14), and—exposing the round stock (10) together with the cover (20) and the depressions (14) not covered by the cover (20) to a second electrolyte (32) by which the depressions (14) are filled to produce the inscription and/or marking (16) which differs from the surface (12) optically, in particular with respect to color. The present invention also relates to round stock (10) which is manufactured from a metallic material, with the round stock being provided with a correspondingly produced inscription and/or marking (16).

A process for removing metallic support structures, sinter cakes and/or discharge lugs on an additively manufactured metal component, wherein the metal component is treated electrolytically in an acidic electrolyte, the metal component being operated as an anode for a defined period of time, wherein, during the defined period of time, a higher voltage and then a lower voltage or a higher current density and then a lower current density are alternately applied to the metal component multiple times.