Assistant Professor Hung-Wen Chen and his team at National Tsing Hua University have developed a deep learning-driven, pollution-free, green metal coloring technology. By integrating sub-pixel laser color mixing with a deep learning model, the technology overcomes the environmental issues of traditional coloring methods while achieving wide-gamut gradient colors with exceptional stability and precision.

Emerging Demand for Metal Coloring Challenges Current Technologies

The demand for metal surface coloring technologies is rapidly increasing, particularly in fields such as medical devices, consumer electronics, and customized products. Traditional methods like electroplating, anodizing, and physical vapor deposition (PVD) are well-established but face significant limitations, including environmental pollution, high energy consumption, and limited color options. In contrast, laser coloring technology offers pollution-free and highly precise features, making it a promising alternative. However, current laser technologies are constrained by a limited color range and insufficient stability, creating an urgent need for more efficient and eco-friendly solutions.

Sub-Pixel Laser Color Mixing: Achieving Diversity and Precision

The new technology combines sub-pixel laser color mixing with a deep learning model, significantly expanding the color gamut while enhancing color stability and durability. Its core mechanisms include:

Sub-Pixel Laser Color Mixing: By precisely controlling laser power, focal distance, and scanning speed, the technology creates microstructures on metal surfaces that generate visible light interference effects, enabling diverse color combinations.

Deep Learning-Driven Color Prediction: Utilizing deep learning algorithms, the system predicts the relationship between laser processing parameters and resulting colors, achieving high-precision color control and eliminating the need for trial-and-error processes inherent in traditional methods.

Test results demonstrate that colors generated on metal surfaces using this technique maintain long-term stability, with superior abrasion resistance and oxidation resistance compared to conventional methods. Furthermore, it allows for higher profit margins without increasing costs. This technology has shown significant application potential in various fields, including high-precision color coding for medical devices, aesthetic designs for consumer electronics, and high-quality printing for customized gifts.

Driving Industry Transformation and Promoting Sustainable Development

Professor Hung-Wen Chen emphasized that as sustainability becomes increasingly vital, this technology not only meets market demands for high performance and eco-friendliness but also advances global laser coloring technology. The research team has partnered with New Bell Technologies to integrate this innovation into advanced laser coloring equipment, accelerating market adoption. Looking ahead, the technology is expected to be introduced first in Taiwan and subsequently expanded to major global markets, achieving international application and promoting industrial transformation.

Resource: 深度學習加持精準控制雷射 著色金屬更穩定