Patent ID: 6106627
Filing Date: 2000-08-22
Classification: B05D,C23C

Abstract:
Apparatus for patterning metal deposition on multilayer polymer/metal structure or web substrates comprising mask means for defining regions in which metal is deposited, said apparatus comprising:(a) a rotating drum;(b) means for depositing an organic monomer film on said rotating drum;(c) means for radiation-curing said organic monomer film to form a cross-linked polymer film; and(d) means for depositing a metal film on said cross-linked polymer film, said rotating drum, said means for depositing said monomer film, said means for radiation curing said organic monomer film, and said means for depositing said metal film enclosed in a vacuum chamber, said apparatus further comprising either:(e1) a web mask and a metal mask, both provided with openings for depositing said metal film therethrough, said web mask and said metal mask each including a portion adapted for positioning between said means for depositing said metal film on said cross-linked polymer film and said rotating drum, said web mask permitting deposition of said metal film in selected regions across said rotating drum and said metal mask permitting deposition of said metal film in selected regions in a direction along that of said drum rotation; or(e2) a rotating means for transferring liquid from a source to said rotating drum, said rotating means adapted to transfer said liquid to said rotating drum after said means for depositing said polymer film and before said means for depositing said metal film, said rotating means permitting masking of said metal film by said liquid both in a direction along that of said drum rotation and perpendicular thereto.