Method for making bi-metallic members

Abstract

A method for making bi-metallic members includes the steps of anodizing aluminum coming off of a coil, providing a metallic outer ring member having an inner hollow section by using a die to punch out the member off of the coil, providing a metallic inner core member by using a die to punch out the member off of the coil so that its shape fits within the inner hollow section of the metallic outer ring member, inserting the metallic inner core member into the inner hollow section of the metallic outer ring member so as to form a bi-metallic member, stamping the bi-metallic member to thereby hold the metallic inner core member and the metallic outer ring member together.

Claims

1. A method for making bi-metallic members consisting in the steps of: a. anodizing aluminum coming off of a coil; b. providing a metallic outer ring member having an inner hollow section by using a die to punch out metal from said coil so as to create said metallic outer ring member; c. providing a metallic inner core member by using a die to punch out metal from said coil so as to create said metallic inner member which is configured and sized so as to fit inside said metallic outer ring member; d. inserting said metallic inner core member into said inner hollow section of said metallic outer ring member so as to form a bi-metallic member; e. stamping said bi-metallic member to thereby hold said metallic inner core member and said metallic outer ring member together.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein an engraved image upon the surfaces of said metallic inner core member and said metallic outer ring member is created, to thereby provide an identifying image upon said bi-metallic member.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein metals other than aluminum use a plating process.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein metals other than aluminum use a cladding process.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein metals other than aluminum use an alloy material.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] A method for making a colored anodized aluminum inner core (10) for making a bi-metallic member (12), such as a coin, token or a medal having a metallic outer ring member (14), consists in a first step of anodizing the inner core (10) with a coloring agent so as to create an anodized portion (15).

[0026] Once anodized, the inner core (10) is inserted into an inner hollow section (16) of the outer ring member (14) so as to make the bi-metallic member (12).

[0027] Once the bimetallic member (12) is created, it is stamped with an engraving image into a coin, token, or medal.

[0028] In a preferred method, the anodized aluminum is produced by using a roll of aluminum sheet AKA a coil that is unrolled so as to go through an anodizing process. The anodized aluminum sheet continues its course onto a cutting and stamping machine which cuts and mints the aluminum into coins. Or at least one of the two parts which constitutes a two part bi-metallic coin. A parallel process handles the other part of the two part coin in a similar fashion that is anodizing off a coil and then stamping. In the case where a metal other than aluminum is used, such as an alloy material, or steel for example, the anodizing process is skipped in favor of cladding or plating.

[0029] The two parts are then joined together in a fashion similar to the way bi-metallic coins are joined together in the art.

[0030] Alternatively, the coil of aluminum can be rewound after anodization so as to be moved to a different location where the coil is again un-rolled but for passing through the cutting and stamping machine.

[0031] In both cases, the leftover coil material is rolled again onto a coil and sent for metal recycling.

[0032] Using coils is more efficient compared to current methods because the steps of rimming, cleaning, burnishing, plating, and annealing are no longer required.

[0033] As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.

[0034] With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

[0035] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.