Galvanically decorated component and method for producing a galvanically decorated component

Abstract

A method for producing a galvanically decorated component with a symbol or structure of a transilluminatable design incorporated in the surface produces the component from an electroplatable plastic in an injection-molding process, and the symbol or structure is produced from a non-electroplatable, electroplating-resistant printed image. The printed image is transferred from a carrier onto the component using thermal transfer by being activated using a laser. A galvanically decorated component is produced by the method.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a divisional of and Applicant claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §§ 120 and 121 of U.S. application Ser. No. 15 / 754,705 filed on Feb. 23, 2018, which application is a national stage application under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of PCT Application No. PCT / EP2016 / 070578 filed on Sep. 1, 2016, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 from German Patent Application No. 20 2015 006 095.1 filed on Sep. 3, 2015, the disclosures of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference. A certified copy of priority German Patent Application No. 20 2015 006 095.1 is contained in parent U.S. application Ser. No. 15 / 754,705. The International Application under PCT article 21(2) was not published in English.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention[0002]The invention relates to a method for the production of a component decorated by electroplating, having a symbol or structure introduced into the surface, through which light can pass, ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a method for producing components decorated by electroplating, using laser-activated thermal transfer imprinting to create a symbol or structure through which light can pass. This method uses a plastic that can be electroplated, making it cost-advantageous and suitable for mass-produced products, while also providing the required wear resistance of the operating elements without additional treatment. The method allows for very fine contours to be produced, increased flexibility, and avoids mechanical influences on components. Compared to other methods, the invention only requires one electroplating process and can produce high-quality components that meet the requirements of automotive industry against friction wear and resistance to media, such as cosmetics. The use of varnishes further enhances the flexibility of the method and allows for the depiction of any desired shape. The symbol is preferably imprinted onto the component using a laser-activated thermal transfer method.

Problems solved by technology

However, it has proven to be problematical that the symbol produced from metal does not demonstrate sufficient strength against wear and corrosion without an additional protective layer.

However, the costs are significantly increased by this additional work step.

However, the method has the disadvantage that for one thing, the additional work step of laser use for production of the symbol increases the costs.

Furthermore, the symbols are exposed down to the plastic material of the unfinished part, and this can lead to problems in the event of subsequent contact with cosmetics, in particular sun creams, since the plastic materials used are not or only conditionally resistant.

In total, the method is not well suited for mass-production components because of the method sequences that exist.

Images