METHOD FOR LASER MODIFICATION OF SURFACE OF METAL OR ITS ALLOY

FIELD: processes for changing color of metallic surfaces by acting upon them with laser irradiation, application on surfaces of metallic articles alphabetic-numeric and graphic information, possibly in different branches of industry such as in machine engineering, medical or advertisement activity fields. ^ SUBSTANCE: method comprises steps of plotting graduation curve of relationship of modified surface color of sample of predetermined metal or its alloy from specific intensity of incident onto surface irradiation at monotonous increase of said specific intensity from value 10 J/cm x s till value when color of modified surface of sample becomes black; then acting upon modified surface of metal or its alloy at value of specific intensity of laser irradiation corresponding to predetermined color of modified surface; cooling metal surface in oxygen containing gas medium. Method provides possibility for applying onto surface of metallic articles visible patterns having regions of different colors. ^ EFFECT: increased wear resistance of applied pattern or image. ^ 10 cl, 4 dwg, 2 ex