Patent ID: 6217695
Filing Date: 2001-04-17
Classification: B05D,B32B,H05B

Abstract:
A method for applying a heat-activatable material to a solid substrate to form a bond, comprising:(a) heating the material above its melting temperature, so that it becomes molten;(b) irradiating the substrate in an area with light from a radiant heat source, the substrate being substantially opaque to the light, with an energy density on the substrate that is greater than approximately 50 mJ/mm.sup.2 and is less than an amount which would cause substantial pyrolysis of the substrate; and(c) subsequently applying the material in a molten state to the heated area of the substrate within approximately 1 minute after the step of irradiating the substrate, wherein a portion of the material proximal to the heated area on the substrate is heated by contact with the substrate so that the portion of the material becomes relatively less viscous and thereby conforms to the substrate.