Method for Manufacturing High-Visibility Measurement Tool

Abstract

A method for manufacture of a substantially flat rigid measurement tool of the type formed of a substantially non-ferrous lightweight anodized metal plate with measurement markings thereon. The inventive method includes the steps of anodizing the metal plate to create a dark anodized layer, forming the flat rigid measurement tool from the anodized metal plate, and creating non-removable substantially white measurement markings by oxidizing selected mark-areas of the dark anodized surface to a depth below the anodized layer. The markings are created by application of a laser energy. The metal plate contains aluminum and the non-removable substantially white markings are formed by oxidized aluminum.

1 . In a method for manufacture of a substantially flat rigid measurement tool of the type formed of a substantially non-ferrous lightweight anodized metal plate with measurement markings thereon, the improvement comprising:
 anodizing the metal plate to create a dark anodized layer;   forming the flat rigid measurement tool from the anodized metal plate; and   creating non-removable substantially white measurement markings by oxidizing selected mark-areas of the dark anodized surface to a depth below the anodized layer.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the creating step is by application of a laser energy. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the metal plate contains aluminum and the non-removable substantially white markings are result of oxidized aluminum. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein:
 the metal plate is a substantially rectangular extruded aluminum segment including a main portion and two heel portions each extending along one of the parallel sides of the major portion and orthogonal thereto; and 
 the creating step is performed upon such rectangular segment. 
 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the forming step further includes the step of dividing the substantially rectangular extruded aluminum segment into two triangular components each including one of the heel portions. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the heel portion of each triangular component has a width greater than 0.875 inch (2.2 cm).