Transfer film, plastic injection-molded part, and method for manufacturing the same

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing a transfer film (1), in particular an IMD transfer film (1), wherein the following steps are carried out, in particular in the order given: a) providing a carrier layer (3), b) providing a transfer layer (2) comprising a decorative layer (21), wherein the transfer layer (2) is arranged or will be arranged on the carrier layer (3), c) applying one or more shaped elements (40) to the carrier layer (3), wherein the one or more shaped elements (40) have a three-dimensional shape and are applied in exact register with the decorative layer (21). The invention also relates to a method for coating a plastic injection-molded part with a transfer film, as well as a transfer film and a plastic injection-molded part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to transfer films, plastic injection molded parts, and methods for manufacturing the same. Background Technology

[0002] It is known to embed a decorative film into an injection mold using the IMD method and then perform post-injection molding using a plastic pellet. The decorative film has a shape complementary to the injection mold during post-injection molding. After post-injection molding, the carrier layer of the decorative film is extracted. It is also known to introduce surface structures into the thus exposed surfaces. However, the transformation of the desired shape requires a change in the injection mold, and the surface structures are not precisely aligned with the decoration of the decorative film. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, the objective of this invention is to describe a transfer film having improved properties, particularly improved decorative and / or functional properties, and a plastic injection molded part coated with the transfer film, as well as an improved method for manufacturing the same.

[0004] This task is accomplished using methods for manufacturing transfer films, particularly IMD transfer films (IMD = in-mold decoration). In this method, the following steps are performed, in particular, in the given order:

[0005] a) Provide a carrier layer,

[0006] b) Provide a transfer layer including a decorative layer, wherein the transfer layer is disposed or will be disposed on the carrier layer.

[0007] c) Applying one or more molding elements to the carrier layer, wherein the one or more molding elements have a three-dimensional shape, and applying the one or more molding elements in precise alignment with the decorative layer.

[0008] This task is also accomplished using transfer films, particularly IMD transfer films. The transfer film is preferably manufactured using the method according to the invention. The transfer film has a carrier layer and a transfer layer including a decorative layer, wherein the transfer layer is disposed on the carrier layer. Furthermore, the transfer film includes one or more forming elements, wherein the one or more forming elements are applied to the carrier layer and precisely aligned with the decorative layer.

[0009] This task is also addressed by means of a method for manufacturing plastic injection molded parts coated with a transfer film, particularly an IMD transfer film. Here, the transfer film is preferably manufactured according to the method for manufacturing a transfer film according to the invention and / or is a transfer film according to the invention. The method for manufacturing the plastic injection molded part includes the following steps, particularly in the given order:

[0010] x1) Provides a transfer film, wherein the transfer film has a carrier layer and a transfer layer including a decorative layer, wherein the transfer layer is disposed or is to be disposed on the carrier layer.

[0011] x2) One or more molding elements are provided on the carrier layer, wherein the one or more molding elements have a three-dimensional shape and are applied with precise alignment relative to the decorative layer.

[0012] x3) ​​Injection molding the transfer film after injection molding, wherein the three-dimensional shape of the one or more molding elements is precisely aligned with the decorative layer by the action of the injection molding on the transfer film in the transfer layer.

[0013] Therefore, methods used to manufacture plastic injection molded parts, especially IMD injection molding methods, are employed.

[0014] This task is also solved by a plastic injection molded part. The plastic injection molded part is manufactured, in particular, using the method for manufacturing plastic injection molded parts according to the invention. The plastic injection molded part includes a transfer layer, particularly an IMD transfer film, injection molded after injection molding, comprising injection molding of the plastic and a transfer film. The transfer film is manufactured, in particular, using the method for manufacturing transfer films according to the invention and / or a transfer film according to the invention. The transfer layer includes a decorative layer and has a three-dimensionally shaped molding portion, wherein the molding portion is precisely fitted relative to the decorative layer.

[0015] Therefore, the three-dimensional molding portion involves more than just the shape of the mold half of the injection molding machine. Preferably, the molding portion is a molding portion that is additionally introduced in the shape of a transfer layer, which is produced by the mold half, and during post-injection molding of the transfer film using injection molding material, a carrier layer and / or one or more molding elements are attached to the mold half.

[0016] This specifically enables the fabrication of tactile elements and / or tactile sensing elements and / or depth effects on the surface of plastic injection molded parts. Furthermore, it allows for the precise alignment of these tactile elements and / or tactile sensing elements and / or depth effects with respect to decorative elements and / or backlight covers and / or functional components, such as the backlight portion of the plastic injection molded part and / or touch sensors. This ensures that the transmissive properties of the plastic injection molded part remain unaffected. In particular, it enables the provision of tactile elements and / or tactile sensing elements and / or depth effects on plastic injection molded parts, which, through their precisely aligned arrangement with decorative layers and optionally with shielding layers and / or functional components, ensure improved operation and / or feel when using the plastic injection molded part.

[0017] Furthermore, it enables the reduction of the need for new molds for manufacturing different surface structures and / or allows the shape provided by the mold to be supplemented by additional three-dimensional shapes and, in particular, personalized. It also enables the low-cost, small-batch production of transfer films and thus coated plastic injection molded parts. If the shape provided by the mold is supplemented by a three-dimensional shape, a further advantage is that the positioning of the transfer film in the injection molding machine can be designed more efficiently. Depending on the application, for example, deviations from the nominal positions of the relative positions between the decorative layer and the mold of the injection molding machine can be at least partially negligible. Since the three-dimensional molding portion is always precisely aligned with the decorative layer by applying one or more molding elements precisely aligned with it, the impression of precise arrangement of the different parts of the plastic injection molded part is maintained. Here, all functional components can be further precisely aligned with the three-dimensional molding portion and simultaneously with the decorative layer and optional masking layer, so that the functional components can work and operate precisely.

[0018] The terms "registriert," "register," "precise matching," "accurate registration," "precise matching," or "register accuracy" can be understood as the positional accuracy of two or more layers relative to each other. Here, registration accuracy should operate within a predetermined tolerance, i.e., the registration tolerance, and be as small as possible. Simultaneously, the registration accuracy of multiple elements and / or layers is an important characteristic to improve process reliability. Precise positioning can be achieved, in particular, by means of sensing, preferably optically detectable, mating marks or registration marks. These mating marks or registration marks can represent specific individual elements, regions, or layers, or are themselves part of the element, region, or layer to be positioned.

[0019] Layers and / or sheets can be understood in particular as formations of a basic plane, preferably constructed as a whole or patterned surface and preferably single-layered or multi-layered.

[0020] Tactile elements are understood in particular as elements that can be sensed by touch.

[0021] Functional components, especially those with electrical or electronic functions. Preferably, a functional component should be understood as a component that enables interaction with a user through information input and / or information output.

[0022] Possibly, during step b), the provision includes applying a transfer layer, comprising at least a decorative layer, to the carrier layer. The one or more molding elements are preferably applied locally to the carrier layer and / or to a portion having a greater thickness than other portions. Applying the layer to the carrier layer can be done either directly to the carrier layer or indirectly via one or more additional layers.

[0023] The area, and especially a portion thereof, is preferably described when viewed perpendicular to a plane and / or main surface supported by the transfer film or the corresponding layer, and includes portions of the transfer film and / or the plastic injection molded part that preferably overlap entirely with the plane and / or main surface.

[0024] The transfer layer may be applied to a first side of the carrier layer and one or more molding elements may be applied to a second side of the carrier layer opposite to the first side.

[0025] In advantageous embodiments of plastic injection molded parts and / or methods for manufacturing such plastic injection molded parts, and / or particularly in such a manner as to ensure that the molding portion does not impair the transmission characteristics of the transfer layer, especially the decorative layer and / or the shielding layer and / or the injection molding material. "Not impairing" is understood in particular to mean that the molding portion is arranged in such a way that it has virtually no effect on the radiation transmitted through the visible area of ​​the transfer layer, especially the wavelength, especially the color, and / or scattering and / or brightness and / or light density of the light transmitted through the visible area of ​​the transfer layer. For example, the transfer layer, especially the protective layer of the transfer layer, can be uniformly transmitted through the visible area, especially when the transfer layer already has a molding portion.

[0026] Suitablely, the molding portion does not overlap with the visible area, or when the molding portion overlaps with the visible area, it is ensured that the transfer layer, especially the protective layer of the transfer layer, has substantially no change in layer thickness within the visible area. This can be achieved, for example, when the entire visible area overlaps with the molding portion. Furthermore, it is possible that one or more molding elements thus have a constant layer thickness, at least within the visible area.

[0027] In other words, this means that the transmission characteristics are not impaired or are not significantly impaired. Transmission characteristics are understood, for example, in particular, as light scattering and / or light intensity and / or light color and / or wavelength and / or light density and / or radiation angle.

[0028] The injection molding of the transfer film using injection molding compound is preferably carried out at an injection molding temperature in the range of 200°C to 300°C. The injection molding compound preferably comprises ABS, ASA, PA, PP, PC, PMMA, SAN, TPO, or a mixture of two or more of the above materials, or particularly constitutes such a compound.

[0029] Before post-injection transfer molding, the transfer film is preferably arranged on the mold half in the injection molding machine, particularly between two mold halves, wherein the mold half is closed before post-injection. By post-injection transfer molding with the injection molding material, the transfer film is pressed against the mold half and forms a shape complementary to the mold half. The molded portion of the plastic injection molded part is formed here particularly by means of one or more molding elements. It is possible that one or more molding elements and / or carrier layers are then removed from the plastic injection molded part or removed from the plastic injection molded part, particularly in the manufactured form.

[0030] The three-dimensional shape of the molding element and / or molding part should be understood in particular as the dimensions in all three spatial directions contributing to the shaping of one or more molding elements or molding parts. This three-dimensional shape, especially in addition to the curvature achieved by the mold half of the injection molding machine, particularly causes at least one surface of the transfer layer to be curved.

[0031] The one or more molding elements preferably form one or more patterns or include the one or more patterns and / or are introduced into the transfer film, particularly for constructing one or more patterns in a plastic injection molded article, especially molding portions. It is particularly likely that the outer contour of the projection of one or more molding elements and / or molding portions in a plane follows the outer contour of a particularly two-dimensional pattern. Three-dimensional shapes may also include two-dimensional patterns, and the two-dimensional patterns are preferably provided with a spatial structure, for example, by providing a height for the two-dimensional pattern in a third spatial direction. The height of the two-dimensional pattern is, for example, the thickness or height of the molding element and / or the height of the molding portion. Furthermore, it is possible that the three-dimensional shape is a pattern that can only be imaged through a spatial structure. For example, patterns or combinations thereof are selected from graphic representations, images, symbols, logos, heraldry, portraits, styles, alphanumeric characters, especially 3D handwriting, wherein, preferably, positive and / or negative imaging can be provided. Thus, patterns can be provided for depth effects and / or tactile elements and / or sensory elements.

[0032] Especially when the transfer film is post-injection molded using the injection molding compound in step x3), recessed regions are formed in the transfer layer, wherein the recessed regions are preferably formed by molding portions and particularly have a positive image of one or more molding elements. It is also possible that, during post-injection molding of the transfer film using the injection molding compound in step x3), raised regions are formed in the transfer layer, which particularly have a negative image of one or more molding elements. Therefore, it is possible that the raised regions and / or recessed regions and / or molding portions can form one or more patterns, which are particularly complementary to one or more patterns of one or more molding elements. Raised regions are particularly regions where there are no molding elements in the transfer film and / or where the transfer layer deforms towards the carrier layer during post-injection molding with the injection molding compound. Recessed regions are particularly regions where there are molding elements in the transfer film and / or where the transfer layer does not or substantially does not move in the direction of the carrier layer during post-injection molding with the injection molding compound. Raised regions and / or recessed regions can be associated regions, or alternatively or additionally include one or more partial regions separated from each other. The transfer layer is preferably disposed at least on the boundary line between the area having one or more molding elements and the area without molding elements, preferably when viewed perpendicular to a plane stretched by the transfer film. This makes it possible, for example, by applying pressure and / or heat to the transfer film to deform the transfer layer with precise alignment relative to the decorative layer, particularly by creating raised and recessed areas.

[0033] It is possible that one or more first layers of the one or more molding elements have digital printing inks or are composed of digital printing inks, preferably inkjet printing inks, and more preferably UV inkjet printing inks or are composed of inkjet printing inks, and more preferably UV inkjet printing inks. In particular, in the method for manufacturing a transfer film, in step c), one or more first layers of the one or more molding elements are applied by a digital printing method, preferably an inkjet printing method, and more preferably a UV inkjet printing method.

[0034] Furthermore, it is possible that one or more layers of one or more molded elements are crosslinkable or crosslinked, particularly by means of radiation, preferably UV radiation.

[0035] Digital printing methods, in particular, enable small-batch production, especially single-batch production. Furthermore, digital printing methods, especially UV inkjet printing, improve registration tolerances.

[0036] Preferably, in the digital printing method, one or more layers are printed using one or more printing inks selected from CMYK colors (CMYK = cyan, magenta, yellow, black) or special colors (e.g., white or metallic).

[0037] It is also conceivable that, particularly in step c), one or more layers of one or more forming elements are applied by means of gravure printing and / or flexographic printing and / or screen printing. Therefore, it is also possible that one or more layers of one or more forming elements of the transfer film comprise gravure printing inks and / or flexographic printing inks and / or screen printing inks.

[0038] In particular, it is possible that one or more molding elements are single-layered or multi-layered. Preferably, in step c) and / or in the transfer film, two or more layers of one or more molding elements are applied overlapping each other and / or one or more molding elements are applied at least partially by means of 3D printing. This, for example, enables the increase of the height of one or more molding elements emanating from the carrier layer. Furthermore, it is possible that multiple layers of one or more molding elements will be applied or have been applied by means of the same printing method and / or multiple layers will be applied or have been applied by means of different printing methods. 3D printing can be understood as, for example, selective laser sintering (SLS), fused deposition modeling (FDM), and / or stereolithography (SLA).

[0039] In particular, it is possible to apply one or more molding elements using at least two different printing methods. For example, it is possible to apply one or more first layers of one or more molding elements by means of a printing method (preferably not a digital printing method), such as by means of screen printing. This is particularly useful for applying large, non-personalized surfaces of one or more molding elements. Furthermore, it is possible that at least one layer of the one or more molding elements, applied last in step c), is applied using a digital printing method, preferably an inkjet printing method, and preferably a UV inkjet printing method. In particular, at least one layer of the one or more molding elements forming the outer surface of the transfer film has digital printing ink or is composed of digital printing ink, especially inkjet printing ink, preferably UV inkjet printing ink or is composed of inkjet printing ink, preferably UV inkjet printing ink. This, for example, allows for spatial separation of the application of different layers in step c). This, for example, enables personalization, preferably in the form of small areas, especially before and / or after transportation and storage, and especially shortly before and / or at the location of manufacturing the plastic injection molded part.

[0040] Furthermore, it is possible to create molded portions with different heights in plastic injection molded parts by means of one or more molding elements at different heights. This is achieved, in particular, by using appropriate settings in digital printing methods, preferably by the number of overlapping printing ink and / or molding element layers, the size of each ink droplet, UV curing parameters, the applied weight of each printing ink, and / or combinations thereof. Thus, it is possible for the transfer film to have one or more molding elements with different heights, and / or for the plastic injection molded part to have molded portions with different heights and / or depths, particularly portions with raised areas of different heights and / or recessed areas of different heights.

[0041] The layer thickness of the layer applied by means of digital printing for one or more molded elements is preferably in the range of 0.5 μm to 50 μm, and particularly in the range of 1 μm to 25 μm.

[0042] Furthermore, it is possible that at least one of the molding elements, printed by digital printing, has a layer thickness of 1 μm to 200 μm. The layer thickness of at least one of the molding elements is particularly in the range of 1 μm to 200 μm. Here, it is preferable to apply multiple layers, preferably all layers, of at least one molding element by digital printing, and particularly by overlapping.

[0043] Additionally, it is possible that the layer of one or more molding elements printed by gravure printing has a layer thickness in the range of 1 μm to 25 μm, and / or the layer of one or more molding elements printed by screen printing has a layer thickness in the range of 1 μm to 100 μm.

[0044] The height of the molded portion of the plastic injection molded part is preferably in the range of 1 μm to 200 μm, especially in the method used to manufacture the plastic injection molded part.

[0045] Alternatively, the method may include the following steps:

[0046] - Specifically, one or more molded elements are irradiated with UV radiation, wherein one or more irradiation steps are performed, preferably after and / or during step c), particularly before at least one layer of the one or more molded elements is applied overlappingly onto at least one of the two or more layers of the one or more molded elements. Irradiation during step c), particularly before at least one layer of the one or more molded elements is applied overlappingly onto at least one of the two or more layers of the one or more molded elements, is advantageous because it increases the viscosity of the corresponding lower layer, so that the layer does not extend on the one hand and the subsequent layers obtain a more stable substrate on the other hand. It is conceivable that the overlapping layers are cured during this period, thereby, for example, preventing the layers from extending and thus enabling, for example, a higher height-to-width ratio.

[0047] The one or more molding elements are preferably composed of polyacrylates and / or polymethacrylates, polyurethanes, and especially of the group comprising polyester polyols, polyether polyols, polycarbonate polyols, polyacrylate polyols and / or combinations of these polymers, polyesters, polyethers, polyolefins, epoxy resins and / or derivatives of the above substances. These formulations can be particularly uncrosslinked and further crosslinked, preferably by isocyanates, carbodiimides, melamine and / or aziridine and / or derivatives of said compounds.

[0048] The one or more molding elements may be further, and particularly, made of radiation-cured acrylates and / or methacrylates, including polyacrylates (“acrylates”), polyurethanes, polyesters, polycarbonates, and / or polyethers and / or copolymers of the above. The radiation-cured formulation, especially radiation-cured acrylates and / or methacrylates, is preferably an oligomer. The oligomer, in particular, has a monomer number in the range of 2 to 100.

[0049] In particular, in addition to the polyacrylates described above, the one or more molding elements preferably comprise additional UV-curable acrylate monomers and / or methacrylate monomers and / or are prepared therefrom. According to embodiments, these monomers particularly comprise one or more acrylate groups and / or preferably additional subgroups, such as alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylaryl, alkoxyalkyl, alkoxyaryl, thionyl, thionylaryl, cyclothionyl, cyclothionylaryl, alkoxythionyl, cycloalkoxythionyl, alkoxycyclothionyl, cycloalkoxycyclothionyl, alkoxythionylaryl, cycloalkoxythionylaryl, alkoxycyclothionylaryl, and / or cycloalkoxycyclothionylaryl groups.

[0050] This allows for the setting of specific paint properties, such as viscosity during radiation curing and optimized construction of the three-dimensional network. By selecting monomers or combinations of these monomers, other properties of the one or more molded elements, such as surface hardness or residual tack (often referred to by the term "tack"), can be controlled in a particularly targeted manner.

[0051] The one or more molding elements may be composed of radiation-cured dual-curing varnishes, particularly in the sense of the combination of the aforementioned substances. The dual-curing varnish may consist of different polymers or oligomers having unsaturated acrylate groups and / or methacrylate groups. These functional groups may also be free-radical crosslinked with each other during the radiation curing step. For the thermal pre-crosslinking in the first step, at least two or more alcohol groups are preferably also used in these polymers or oligomers. These alcohol groups may be crosslinked, particularly with polyfunctional isocyanates or melamine-formaldehyde resins. Preferred unsaturated oligomers or polymers include, for example, various UV raw materials such as epoxy acrylates, polyether acrylates, polyester acrylates, and especially polyacrylate acrylates. As isocyanates, representatives based on TDI (TDI = toluene-2,4-diisocyanate), HDI (HDI = hexamethylene diisocyanate), or IPDI (IPDI = isophorone diisocyanate) groups, both blocked and / or unblocked, are used. The melamine crosslinking agent may be derived from the group consisting of fully etherified imino-type and / or benzoguanamines.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, one or more molding elements are configured as a colored layer, for example, to improve readability during later positioning and, in particular, to facilitate precise alignment of later-applied parts. Here, the colored layer may consist of or include colorants and / or pigments, especially optically variable pigments and / or metallic pigments. In particular, to optimize rheological properties, the one or more molding elements may also be equipped with or will be equipped with fillers, such as HDK (highly dispersed silica).

[0053] In particular, to improve the separation characteristics of the injection mold, especially the mold half that contacts one or more molding elements in step x3), the one or more molding elements are provided with a release agent. The release agent is preferably a silicone resin. These silicone resins may, in particular, be equipped with side chains carrying radiation-curable groups to better integrate into the three-dimensional network of one or more molding elements. These groups are preferably composed of radiation-curable acrylates and / or methacrylates, consisting of and / or including acrylate acrylates, urethane acrylates, acrylates, carbonate acrylates and / or ether acrylates and / or copolymers of these substances. Each of these groups, as well as the silicone resin itself, may in particular carry end groups, which preferably facilitate thermal crosslinking in the one or more molding elements. These end groups may, in particular, be alcohol groups, polyfunctional isocyanates, or melamine-formaldehyde resins. As isocyanates, it is preferred to use blocked and unblocked representatives based on TDI (TDI = toluene-2,4-diisocyanate), HDI (HDI = hexamethylene diisocyanate), or IPDI (IPDI = isophorone diisocyanate). Melamine crosslinking agents are particularly selected from the group consisting of fully etherified imino-type and / or benzoguanidine-type agents. Silicone resins may also contain subgroups, which are particularly unfavorable for crosslinking, but still selectively influence the properties of the associated silicone resins. These subgroups may be selected, for example, from one or more of the following classes of substances: alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylaryl, alkoxyalkyl, alkoxyaryl, thionyl, thionylaryl, cyclothionyl, cyclothionylaryl, alkoxythionyl, cycloalkoxythionyl, alkoxycyclothionyl, cycloalkoxycyclothionyl-alkoxythionylaryl, cycloalkoxythionylaryl, alkoxycyclothionylaryl, or cycloalkoxycyclothionylaryl group.

[0054] Preferably, the one or more molding elements comprise a so-called UV initiator, particularly for initiating radiation curing, especially UV radiation curing. The UV initiator is preferably selected from α-alkoxy, α-hydroxy, or α-aminoaryl ketones and / or acylphosphine oxides. Acylphosphine oxides are particularly preferred for use in combination with UV inkjet printing of one or more molding elements due to their particularly suitable absorption characteristics in the UV-LED range.

[0055] In particular, to improve specific and typical paint properties, such as wetting, leveling, and foaming, the one or more molding elements may contain additives. To incorporate these additives into the three-dimensional network, these additives typically possess radiation-curing or thermally crosslinking groups, or combinations thereof.

[0056] In particular, to minimize chain breakage during radiation curing through the reaction of the free radicals formed with oxygen molecules in the air and / or to reduce the migration of free radical chains to the surface of the molded element, it is preferable to add tertiary amines and / or acrylate amines, especially so-called amine synergists, to the surface of one or more molded elements. Especially for introducing these additives into a three-dimensional network, these additives preferably also have radiation-curing or thermal crosslinking groups or combinations thereof.

[0057] It is possible that the raised and / or recessed areas have a minimum linewidth and / or minimum dot size in the range of 0.025 mm to 0.1 mm. The minimum linewidth should be understood in particular as the minimum width of an area. The minimum dot size is, in particular, the minimum diameter with a circular base.

[0058] Furthermore, it is possible that the recessed area preferably has a minimum linewidth and / or minimum dot size greater than 0.025 mm, in order to produce a positive image of one or more molded elements, especially when one or more molded elements are applied by means of digital printing.

[0059] Furthermore, it is possible that the raised area preferably has a minimum linewidth and / or minimum dot size greater than 0.040 mm, in order to generate negative imaging of one or more molded elements, especially when one or more molded elements are applied by means of digital printing.

[0060] Furthermore, it is possible that the recessed area preferably has a minimum line width and / or minimum dot size greater than 0.075 mm, in order to produce a negative image of one or more molded elements, especially when one or more molded elements are applied by means of gravure printing.

[0061] Furthermore, it is possible that the raised area preferably has a minimum line width and / or minimum dot size greater than 0.12 mm, in order to produce a negative image of one or more molded elements, especially when one or more molded elements are applied by means of gravure printing.

[0062] Furthermore, it is possible that the recessed area preferably has a minimum line width and / or minimum dot size greater than 0.10 mm, in order to produce a negative image of one or more molded elements, especially when one or more molded elements are applied by means of screen printing.

[0063] Furthermore, it is possible that the raised area preferably has a minimum line width and / or minimum dot size greater than 0.15 mm, in order to generate negative imaging of one or more molded elements, especially when one or more molded elements are applied by means of screen printing.

[0064] For example, when producing a tactile surface of approximately 0.5 cm × 0.01 cm, it can be determined that there is no perceptible and / or fingertip-touchable difference between positive and negative molded elements. A positive molded element is understood as a single molded element that causes a recessed area in the carrier layer when viewed in cross-section after post-injection molding. A negative molded element is understood as one or more molded elements covering an entire surface that causes a raised area in the carrier layer when viewed in cross-section after post-injection molding.

[0065] In particular, one or more molding elements have higher shape stability than the carrier layer and / or transfer layer, preferably at least one layer of the transfer layer. Higher shape stability can be understood in particular as higher deformation resistance when the transfer film is post-injected with injection molding compound.

[0066] Especially during post-injection molding with injection molding compound, particularly in the IMD injection molding process, especially in step x3), the one or more molding elements are preferably mechanically stable and / or possess mechanical stability. Mechanical stability is here understood in particular as the stability of the one or more molding elements relative to the load exerted by the injection molding compound, especially during post-injection molding of the transfer film with injection molding compound. In other words, the one or more molding elements are preferably sufficiently rigid and establish a sufficiently strong bond with the carrier film in order to withstand the high pressure generated during post-injection molding, in particular. Preferably, the one or more molding elements have a glass transition temperature greater than 200°C for this purpose. Furthermore, the one or more molding elements can have substantially constant compressive strength up to 200°C. Thus, deformation of the transfer layer is ensured, especially when the transfer film is loaded with pressure and / or heat, especially during post-injection molding of the transfer film with injection molding compound. Furthermore, high edge sharpness of the molded portion is particularly achieved.

[0067] It is possible that when comparing the heights of one or more molding elements before and after post-injection molding of the transfer film using injection molding, mechanical stability can be determined based on the height difference, wherein the height of one or more molding elements after post-injection molding of the transfer film using injection molding corresponds to the height of the molding portion of the plastic injection molded part.

[0068] Preferably, the molding section has a height in the range of 90% to 100% of the height of one or more molding elements of the transfer film prior to post-injection molding with injection molding material. It is possible that the temperature occurring in the injection mold during post-injection molding, particularly the temperature of the injection molding material, is in the range of 150°C to 500°C, particularly in the range of 200°C to 300°C. It is also possible that the pressure occurring in the injection mold during post-injection molding, particularly the internal pressure of the injection mold, is in the range of 300 bar to 1000 bar, particularly in the range of 400 bar to 800 bar.

[0069] Preferably, the height of the molded portion on the plastic injection molded part is determined, in particular, based on the height difference between the outer surface of the transfer layer in the recessed region and the adjacent outer surface of the transfer layer in the raised region. The outer surface, especially the exposed surface, is preferably after the carrier layer has been separated. The height of one or more molded elements is measured, particularly before post-injection molding of the transfer film. Measurements of the height and / or linewidth and / or dot dimensions of the molded portion and / or one or more molded elements are performed, in particular, using a scanning electron microscope (SEM).

[0070] For example, especially when the carrier layer has a thickness of 50 μm and is preferably made of PET, the molded portion after injection molding has a height of 90% of the height of one or more molded elements before injection molding the transfer film. It is also possible, especially when the carrier layer has a thickness of 75 μm and is preferably made of PET, that the molded portion after injection molding has a height of 100% of the height of one or more molded elements before injection molding the transfer film. Particularly when the carrier layer, preferably made of PET, has a thickness of at least 75 μm, the height of one or more molded elements remains constant, or is the same before and after injection molding the transfer film using injection molding.

[0071] Advantageously, it has been shown that the layer thickness of the carrier layer does not affect edge sharpness, thus the one or more molded elements do not need to have a coarser structure relative to the edge sharpness. Edge sharpness describes the "sharpness" or precision or accuracy to which the resulting structure penetrates or protrudes from the carrier film.

[0072] The decorative layer particularly has one or more decorative elements. The decorative layer and / or one or more decorative elements preferably include one or more of the following layers: one or more colored layers, especially one or more colored paint layers; one or more reflective layers, especially one or more metallic layers and / or one or more HRI layers (HRI = High Refractive Index); one or more optically active and / or optically variable structures, especially one or more optically active undulating structures, preferably one or more diffractive structures and / or holograms and / or refractive structures and / or matte structures. The decorative layer and / or one or more decorative elements are preferably applied in a method for manufacturing a transfer film. The decorative layer and / or one or more decorative elements may exist entirely or partially on each other. The decorative layer and / or one or more decorative elements may overlap and / or exist adjacent to each other on the surface area. Adjacent arrangements may be spaced apart from each other or may exist directly adjacent to each other without any distance between them.

[0073] Preferably, in the transfer film or in step c), one or more molding elements are precisely aligned with the decorative layer along at least two different directions. These two different directions are, in particular, orthogonally oriented and / or unfold into a plane parallel to the main surface of the carrier layer. Thus, for example, it is possible, in a method for manufacturing a transfer film, for example, that one or more molding elements are precisely aligned with the decorative layer not only in the direction of travel of the carrier layer but also transverse to the direction of travel of the carrier layer, especially for decorative elements separate from each other in the decorative layer, such as separate patterns. It is particularly possible that at least one molding element of one or more molding elements is precisely aligned with at least one decorative element of one or more decorative elements, wherein the at least one decorative element preferably forms a separate pattern. The separate pattern is in particular not a continuous pattern and / or has boundary lines visible in two different directions in the transfer film and / or the plastic injection molded part. The one or more molding elements and the one or more decorative elements may overlap and / or exist adjacent to each other in the surface area, respectively. Adjacent arrangements may be spaced apart from each other or may exist directly adjacent to each other without distance.

[0074] The registration tolerance between one or more molded elements and the decorative layer is preferably in the range of 0.05 mm to 1.0 mm, and more preferably in the range of 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm. The registration tolerance between one or more molded elements and the decorative layer is particularly maximum of 1.0 mm, and preferably maximum of 0.2 mm. Therefore, it is also possible that the registration tolerance between the molded portion and the decorative layer is preferably in the range of 0.05 mm to 1.0 mm, more preferably in the range of 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm, and / or maximum of 1.0 mm, preferably maximum of 0.2 mm.

[0075] If one or more molding elements are applied by means of digital printing methods, preferably by means of inkjet printing, and most preferably by UV inkjet printing, then a registration tolerance in the range of 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm is particularly achieved. If one or more molding elements are applied by means of screen printing, then a registration tolerance in the range of 0.2 mm to 1.0 mm is particularly possible. Preferably, the registration tolerance is achieved between one or more of the one or more molding elements and one or more of the one or more decorative elements respectively.

[0076] Preferably, before applying one or more molded elements to the carrier layer in step c), the position of the decorative layer, particularly the position of the one or more decorative elements disposed on the one or more molded elements, is detected by means of at least one sensor. Then, preferably when applied to the carrier layer in step c), the one or more molded elements are oriented according to the position of the decorative layer, particularly according to the position of the one or more decorative elements disposed on the one or more molded elements.

[0077] The transfer layer particularly has a masked area and / or a visible area. The method preferably, especially before and / or after step c), includes the following steps:

[0078] b1) Providing and / or creating a shielded area and / or a visible area in the transfer layer. Preferably, the visible area and / or the transfer film is created in the transfer layer in step b1) or thereafter. Preferably, the transfer layer already has a visible area in step b1).

[0079] The visible area preferably has a transmittance that is particularly higher than that of the shielded area, especially by at least 10% and / or in the range of 10% to 100%. Preferably, the visible area has a transmittance greater than 50%, particularly greater than 75%. Preferably, the shielded area has a transmittance less than 50%, particularly less than 20%, preferably less than 5%. Transmittance here particularly relates to electromagnetic waves, and preferably has a wavelength visible to the human eye.

[0080] In possible implementations, the transfer layer in the visible region is transparent, particularly to light visible to the human eye. In the shaded region, the transfer layer is opaque, particularly to light visible to the human eye. Opacity specifically means having a transmittance of 0% to 10%. Transparency specifically means having a transmittance of 10% to 100%.

[0081] The shielded area is formed or has been formed specifically by means of a shielding layer that reduces the transmittance of the transfer layer in the shielded area. In particular, the shielding layer may be used as a backlight shield, for example, when a plastic injection molded part is equipped with one or more light-emitting devices, especially one or more LEDs and / or one or more displays.

[0082] The shielding layer is formed or comprises one or more layers, which are selected from: one or more colored layers, especially one or more colored paint layers, one or more reflective layers, especially one or more metal layers and / or one or more HRI layers (HRI = High Refractive Index), one or more optically active and / or optically variable structures, especially one or more optically active undulating structures, preferably one or more diffractive structures and / or holograms and / or refractive structures and / or matte structures.

[0083] Preferably, at least one of the one or more reflective layers is arranged on the undulating structure, particularly directly on the undulating structure and / or at least partially or entirely on the undulating structure.

[0084] Furthermore, it is possible that the one or more colored layers are colored, uncolored, differently colored, transparent, and / or opaque. Additionally, another transparent layer may be disposed between the colored layers. Preferably, the one or more colored layers comprise one or more binders, colorants, and / or pigments, especially optically variable pigments and / or metallic pigments. Furthermore, it is possible that the one or more colored layers may be constructed from a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) based varnish. The one or more reflective layers are preferably opaque and / or transparent. Furthermore, it is possible that the one or more reflective layers are applied over the entire surface or partially.

[0085] The HRI layer, in particular, is a layer with a high refractive index, preferably higher than 1.5. The one or more HRI layers preferably comprise or are composed of one or more of the following materials: ZnS, SiO2, TiO2, and / or ZrO2, etc. The one or more metal layers preferably comprise or are composed of one or more of the following materials: aluminum, chromium, indium, copper, and / or alloys thereof. It is also possible that one or more of the one or more reflective layers possess multiple different properties described above.

[0086] The aforementioned characteristics can be particularly manifested by one or more layers of a masking layer and / or one or more layers of a decorative layer and / or one or more decorative elements. Furthermore, the masking layer and / or decorative layer can be a single layer or multiple layers.

[0087] The masking layer is preferably applied or has been applied using digital printing methods, particularly inkjet printing, especially UV inkjet printing, gravure printing, and / or screen printing. The masking layer particularly has a layer thickness in the range of 1 μm to 100 μm. Especially when the masking layer is applied using digital printing methods, preferably inkjet printing, and especially UV inkjet printing, the layer thickness can be in the range of 1 μm to 50 μm. When the masking layer is applied using gravure printing, the layer thickness is preferably in the range of 1 μm to 30 μm. When the masking layer is applied using screen printing, the layer thickness is preferably in the range of 5 μm to 100 μm.

[0088] It is also conceivable that the following steps be performed before and / or after step x3):

[0089] b2) A visible area is formed in the transfer layer, wherein the visible area is precisely aligned with one or more molding elements, the molding portion, and / or the decorative layer, and wherein the masking layer is partially removed in the visible area and / or the transmittance of the transfer layer is increased in the visible area. Preferably, in this case, a masking layer is first applied to an area in which the visible area is formed after the masking layer is processed. In particular, the visible area is generated here by means of a laser. Particularly preferably, after performing step x3), especially where the transfer film is post-injected using injection molding compound and the visible area is manufactured by means of a laser after the injection molding compound has cured.

[0090] Advantageously, one or more forming elements and visible and / or shielding areas, especially shielding layers, are precisely aligned with each other in the transfer film. In this method, particularly during step c) and / or step b1, the one or more forming elements and the visible and / or shielding areas, especially the shielding layers, are precisely aligned with each other.

[0091] The registration tolerance between one or more molded elements and the visible area and / or the masking area, especially between one or more molded elements and the masking layer, is preferably in the range of 0.05 mm to 1.0 mm, and more preferably in the range of 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm. The registration tolerance between one or more molded elements and the visible area and / or the masking area, especially between one or more molded elements and the masking layer, is particularly maximum of 1.0 mm, preferably maximum of 0.2 mm. Therefore, it is also possible that the registration tolerance, especially between the molded portion and the visible area and / or the masking area, and especially between the molded portion and the masking layer, is preferably in the range of 0.05 mm to 1.0 mm, more preferably in the range of 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm, and / or maximum of 1.0 mm, preferably maximum of 0.2 mm.

[0092] If one or more molding elements are applied by means of digital printing methods, preferably by means of inkjet printing, and most preferably by means of UV inkjet printing, then a registration tolerance in the range of 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm is particularly achieved. If the molding elements are applied by means of screen printing, then a registration tolerance in the range of 0.2 mm to 1.0 mm is particularly possible.

[0093] The registration tolerance between the decorative layer and the visible area and / or the masking area, especially between the decorative layer and the masking layer, is preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.4 mm and / or at a maximum of 0.4 mm. A registration tolerance in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.4 mm is particularly achieved if the masking layer is preferably applied online by means of a gravure printing method. Here, the masking layer is applied online, especially with step c). Furthermore, it is possible that the application of the decorative layer and the application of the masking layer are performed online, especially with step c).

[0094] The steps of the "online" process are performed directly, sequentially, or simultaneously. Here, the carrier layer is preferably unrolled from the roll and, particularly, not rolled up or temporarily stored between steps. Furthermore, it is also possible that the application of decorative layers, masking layers, release layers, protective layers, and / or primers is performed online.

[0095] In particular, it enables the plastic injection molded part to have a visible area and / or a masked area precisely aligned with the molding section and the decorative layer, the masked area being formed, in particular, by means of the masking layer. Thus, for example, it is possible to backlight the visible area and enable interaction by means of additional functional components, such as touch sensors, which can be performed particularly simply, intuitively, or precisely.

[0096] Furthermore, it is possible that the maximum overfitting tolerance between the one or more molded elements and / or the decorative layer and / or the visible area and / or the shielding area, especially the shielding layer, is in the range of 0.15 mm to 0.6 mm. Therefore, it is also possible that the maximum overfitting tolerance between the molded portion and / or the decorative layer and / or the visible area and / or the shielding area, especially the shielding layer, is in the range of 0.15 mm to 0.6 mm. Here, the maximum overfitting tolerance specifically refers to the maximum deviation of the nominal value of the relative position of two components in the component relative to each other.

[0097] The visible area is formed and / or includes one or more vacancies and / or gaps, particularly in the shielding layer. Furthermore, it is possible that the visible area coincides with the one or more molding elements, at least in a partial area, and / or the shielding area does not overlap with the one or more molding elements. For example, it is possible that the visible area of ​​the one or more vacancies and / or gaps can be formed in an opaque layer and / or includes one or more vacancies and / or gaps, wherein the opaque layer forms, for example, the shielding area or a portion thereof and / or the shielding layer. Particularly in plastic injection molded parts or in methods for manufacturing plastic injection molded parts, it is also possible that the visible area is formed and / or includes one or more vacancies and / or gaps, particularly in the shielding layer. Thus, it is possible that the visible area coincides with the recessed area of ​​the molding part and / or the transfer layer, at least in a partial area, and / or the shielding area does not overlap with the molding part. It is conceivable that the one or more vacancies and / or empty spaces are at least partially filled with the transfer layer. In particular, it is possible that during post-injection molding of the transfer film with injection molding compound in step x3), the transfer layer is deformed such that the one or more empty spaces and / or empty spaces are at least partially filled with the transfer layer. This can particularly improve the edge sharpness and registration accuracy of the molded portion.

[0098] The term "overlap" is preferably understood here as meaning that the boundary lines of one or more molding elements and the visible area overlap each other, especially when viewed perpendicular to a plane stretched by the transfer film, preferably the visible area.

[0099] Furthermore, it is possible that the transfer layer, particularly the outer surface facing the carrier layer, has already been provided with or will be provided with at least one first protective layer. Here, it is possible that the first protective layer is at least partially and / or entirely disposed in the transfer layer. The protective layer is, in particular, a protective coating layer. The protective layer preferably has a thickness in the range of 2 μm to 10 μm.

[0100] At least one first protective layer preferably comprises at least one adhesive selected from the group consisting of polyurethane resins, polyurethane dispersions, acrylic resins, methacrylic resins, phenolic resins, epoxy resins, polyurea, melamine resins, amino resins, polyester resins, alkyd resins, polyamide resins, vinyl ester resins, and mixtures thereof, preferably polyurethane resins, polyurethane dispersions, phenolic resins, epoxy resins, polyurea, melamine resins, amino resins, polyester resins, alkyd resins, polyamide resins, and mixtures thereof.

[0101] At least one first protective layer, particularly in the state before it is fully cured, includes preferably at least one adhesive having free isocyanate groups and / or free groups that can react with isocyanate groups, preferably amino and / or hydroxyl and / or their corresponding end-capped analogs.

[0102] Suitable adhesives are preferably selected from the group consisting of polyurethane resins, polyurethane dispersions, phenolic resins, epoxy resins, polyurea, melamine resins, amino resins, polyester resins, alkyd resins, polyamide resins, and mixtures thereof, more preferably polyurethane resins, polyurethane dispersions, phenolic resins, polyurea, melamine resins, amino resins, polyester resins, alkyd resins, polyamide resins, and mixtures thereof.

[0103] More preferably, at least one first protective layer, especially in a state where it is not yet fully cured, comprises at least one adhesive having free isocyanate groups and / or free groups that can react with isocyanate groups, preferably amino and / or hydroxyl and / or their corresponding end-capped analogs, in a proportion of at least 15% by weight (wt% = weight percentage), preferably in the range of 20% to 90% by weight, based on the total weight of the layer.

[0104] More preferably, the at least one adhesive, particularly when contained in the at least one first protective layer in a state that is not yet fully cured, does not have free olefinic unsaturated groups. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one first protective layer, particularly in a state that is not yet fully cured, comprises at least one aqueous, uncrosslinked or crosslinked polyurethane dispersion, which preferably has free groups that react with isocyanate groups, more preferably amino and / or hydroxyl groups, or comprises at least one uncrosslinked or crosslinked polyurethane resin, which preferably has isocyanate groups and / or their end-capped analogues or groups that react with isocyanate groups, more preferably amino and / or hydroxyl groups and / or their corresponding end-capped analogues, or is composed of them.

[0105] In particular, the protective coating layer may be constructed from PMMA-based varnishes. Furthermore, the protective coating layer may comprise or consist of radiation-cured dual-curing varnishes. Dual-curing varnishes are pre-crosslinked by heat, especially during and / or after the application of the dual-curing varnish in liquid form in the first step. Furthermore, the dual-curing varnish undergoes free radical re-crosslinking, particularly by high-energy radiation, preferably UV radiation, especially after processing the transfer film in the second step, especially after post-injection molding of the transfer film with injection molding material, and / or preferably after forming the molded portion in step x3). This type of dual-curing varnish may consist of different polymers or oligomers having unsaturated acrylate groups or methacrylate groups. These functional groups will be or have already been free-radical crosslinked with each other in the second step. For the heat pre-crosslinking in the first step, at least two or more alcohol groups are preferably present in these polymers or oligomers. These alcohol groups can be crosslinked with polyfunctional isocyanates or melamine-formaldehyde resins. As preferred unsaturated oligomers or polymers, UV raw materials are preferably used, such as epoxy acrylates, polyether acrylates, polyester acrylates, and / or acrylates, in particular. As the isocyanate, it is preferred to use representatives based on TDI (TDI = toluene-2,4-diisocyanate), HDI (HDI = hexamethylene diisocyanate), or IPDI (IPDI = isophorone diisocyanate) that are blocked or unblocked. It is possible to use melamine crosslinking agents, especially fully etherified ones and / or those comprising imino and / or benzoguanamines, or composed of them. It may also be specified that the first protective layer is constructed as a protective varnish based on a non-UV crosslinkable PMMA (PMMA = polymethyl methacrylate).

[0106] Preferably, the first protective layer, especially in the form of a protective paint layer, is applied by gravure printing and / or slot casting, and is preferably applied to the carrier layer.

[0107] The carrier layer particularly comprises one or a combination of the following materials, or is composed of one or a combination of the following materials: polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), or biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP). The carrier layer particularly has a layer thickness in the range of 12 μm to 100 μm, preferably in the range of 50 μm to 75 μm. A sufficiently thick carrier layer particularly ensures that the transfer film is not damaged during injection molding after injection molding, for example, by preventing the edges of one or more molding elements from being excessively squeezed through the carrier layer.

[0108] In particular, the carrier layer has a tensile strength in the range of 110% to 135% up to tearing. Tensile strength is specifically the quotient of the length of the carrier layer in the tensile direction relative to the corresponding length of the carrier layer in its unstretched state. Tensile strength is also understood, in particular, as the average tensile capacity. Furthermore, the carrier layer may have a tensile strength in the range of 15 kpsi to 50 kpi, preferably in the range of 27 kpi to 31 kpi, and / or an elastic modulus in the range of 100 kpi to 1000 kpi, preferably in the range of 300 kpi to 700 kpi.

[0109] It is possible that the carrier layer is not coated. Alternatively, it is possible that the carrier layer has a coating or has a coating on at least one of its main surfaces, and particularly on at least one side opposite to the transfer layer, or on two of its main surfaces. The coating is particularly formed of a polymer. For example, it is possible that the sides of the carrier layer where one or more molding elements are provided and / or where one or more molding elements are provided have a coating, which particularly ensures sufficient adhesion of one or more molding elements to the carrier layer. Furthermore, it is possible that the coating is used to protect the transfer layer during transport or post-injection molding. The coating of the carrier layer preferably has a layer thickness in the range of 0.2 μm to 5 μm, preferably in the range of 1 μm to 3 μm. The coating of the carrier layer is particularly formed of one or more of the following components, including or composed of one or more of the following components: polyacrylate, polymethacrylate, polyurethane, especially polyester polyol, polyether polyol, polycarbonate polyol and / or polyacrylate polyol, polyester, polyether, polyolefin, epoxy resin and / or derivatives of the above components.

[0110] Furthermore, the coating of the carrier layer may be crosslinkable or crosslinkable, particularly through one or more of the following components: isocyanate, carbodiimide, melamine, aziridine, and / or derivatives of the above components. Preferably, the coating of the carrier layer is radiation-curable. In particular, the coating has been or will be radiation-cured. Preferably, the coating has a dual-curing varnish. Regarding dual-curing varnishes, reference is made particularly to the above-described embodiments.

[0111] Furthermore, it is suitable that, particularly for constructing the outer surface of the transfer layer away from the carrier layer, the transfer film will have or has had a primer layer. This primer layer, especially an adhesive layer and / or an adhesion promoter layer, preferably comprises or consists of one or more of the following substances: PMMA, PVC, polyester, polyurethane, chlorinated polyolefin, polypropylene, epoxy resin, polyurethane polyol, combined with inactive isocyanate and inorganic filler. This primer layer particularly has a layer thickness in the range of 1 μm to 50 μm. Furthermore, the primer layer can be applied or has been applied by means of inkjet printing, gravure printing, screen printing, and / or slot casting.

[0112] It is also preferable that the transfer membrane has a separation layer between the carrier layer and the transfer layer. Preferably, the carrier layer can be separated from the transfer layer by means of the separation layer.

[0113] In particular, it is possible that the decorative layer is disposed indirectly on the carrier layer, and one or more layers, such as a separation layer, are disposed between the carrier layer and the decorative layer.

[0114] The release layer preferably has a thickness in the range of 0.1 μm to 50 μm. It is possible that the release layer has one or more wax systems, particularly selected from one or more waxes chosen from: carnauba wax, beeswax, lignite esters, polyethylene wax, polypropylene wax, and / or polytetrafluoroethylene wax (PTFE). Furthermore, it is possible that the release layer has one or more layers composed of a melamine-formaldehyde resin crosslinked paint and / or a surface-active substance, such as, in particular, silicone resin.

[0115] Preferably, the release layer has been applied or will be applied by means of gravure printing and / or slot casting, and is preferably applied to the carrier layer.

[0116] In particular, the method for manufacturing plastic injection molded parts may include the following steps: x4) separating the carrier layer from the transfer layer by means of and / or using a separation layer. In plastic injection molded parts, the transfer layer is preferably separated from the carrier layer. Therefore, it is possible that the plastic injection molded parts, in particular, do not have one or more molding elements consisting of a carrier layer and a transfer film.

[0117] Furthermore, it is possible that the plastic injection molded part is provided with one or more functional components and / or one or more functional components are provided during or after injection molding of the transfer film using the injection molding compound. The one or more functional components are particularly arranged on the side of the injection molding compound opposite to the transfer layer.

[0118] The one or more functional components preferably have at least one of the following components: one or more sensors, especially one or more touch sensors, one or more light-emitting devices, especially one or more displays, one or more LEDs, one or more light guide components, one or more circuit boards, and / or combinations thereof.

[0119] The one or more light-emitting devices, such as backlighting units, are integrated into the plastic injection molded part. It is possible that the backlighting unit is provided as a separate component on the circuit board, comprising one or more LEDs, wherein the one or more LEDs are preferably connected to the circuit board by soldering. The one or more light-emitting devices, especially those in the form of LEDs, preferably backlighting units, are particularly arranged to precisely overlap with the visible area, preferably directly behind and / or in the visible area.

[0120] Furthermore, it is possible that the plastic injection molded part has one or more diffuser layers and / or one or more light guide layers. The one or more light-emitting devices, especially those in the form of LEDs, preferably in the form of backlighting parts, are preferably integrated into the plastic injection molded part by means of adhesive, screws, ultrasonic welding, brazing, clamping; heat sealing seams, infrared welding.

[0121] The one or more light-emitting devices, preferably one or more LEDs, are arranged in the plastic injection molded part, particularly in step x3), preferably arranged on the side of the transfer layer opposite to the carrier layer before post-injection molding of the transfer film and / or connected to the transfer layer during post-injection molding, and optionally connected to the transfer layer via the injection molding material. Furthermore, it is possible that one or more light-emitting devices, preferably one or more LEDs, will be introduced or have been introduced into the plastic injection molded part, particularly after post-injection molding using a plastic pellet in step x3), especially wherein the light-emitting devices are introduced into the injection molding material and / or will be connected or have been connected to the injection molding material.

[0122] It is possible that one or more sensors, particularly touch sensors, are arranged on or inside the transfer film before post-injection molding of the transfer film using injection molding compound. Furthermore, it is possible that the one or more sensors, particularly the one or more touch sensors, are preferably arranged on the side of the transfer layer opposite to the carrier layer in step x3) before post-injection molding of the transfer film and are connected to the transfer layer during post-injection molding, and optionally connected to or already connected to the transfer layer via the injection molding compound.

[0123] It is possible that at least one of the one or more sensors, particularly at least one touch sensor, is preferably not part of the transfer film and / or not a part of the transfer film, and is integrated into the plastic injection molded part. Furthermore, it is possible that the at least one sensor (especially the touch sensor) is subsequently preferably applied to the side of the injection molded part opposite to the transfer layer. In this case, it is possible that at least one sensor is preferably bonded or already bonded to the injection molded part over a large area in an optional opening formed by the geometry of the component.

[0124] Alternatively, it is possible to introduce one or more touch sensors into the plastic injection molded part after post-injection molding using the plastic mass of step x3), particularly to connect to and / or fasten to the injection molded part.

[0125] Alternatively, the one or more sensors, particularly the one or more touch sensors, may be introduced by means of bonding, lamination, in-mold lamination (IML), and / or functional film bonding (FFB).

[0126] During lamination, especially after the injection molding compound has cured, the one or more sensors, preferably touch sensors, are manually and / or mechanically bonded to the injection molding compound. For this purpose, an adhesive layer, preferably a transparent adhesive layer, is arranged on the side of the one or more sensors, and more preferably an OCA (Optically Optically Clear Adhesive = High-Quality Optical Double-Sided Tape and / or Adhesive Film).

[0127] In IML (In-Mold Labelling), before injection of the plastic material, one or more sensors, especially touch sensors, are preferably placed manually and / or mechanically, for example by means of a robot, into the injection molding machine, suitably arranged between the mold halves of the injection molding machine. A primer is pre-applied or applied to the back side of the one or more sensors, preferably touch sensors, to ensure adhesion to the plastic material. Here, the one or more sensors, especially touch sensors, connect to the plastic material during injection. Furthermore, it is possible to perform post-injection molding of the transfer film simultaneously with the injection of the plastic material. This makes it possible to decorate the front side of the plastic injection molded part with the transfer film and simultaneously mount one or more sensors, especially touch sensors, on the back side of the plastic injection molded part.

[0128] In FFB (Functional Film Bonding), one or more sensors (9), particularly touch sensors, are preferably imprinted onto the plastic injection molded part by means of a lifting imprinter or also an unwinding machine under elevated temperature and pressure. For this purpose, the one or more sensors, particularly touch sensors, preferably have a primer on the back side, which ensures adhesion to the plastic injection molded part.

[0129] One or more functional components and one or more molded elements, molded portions, decorative layers, visible areas and / or shielding areas, preferably shielding layers, are preferably arranged in precise alignment with each other. Furthermore, it is possible that the alignment tolerance between one or more functional components and one or more molded elements, molded portions, decorative layers, visible areas and / or shielding areas, especially shielding layers, is at most 0.3 mm, and particularly at most 0.2 mm. Here, the one or more functional components, especially the one or more sensors, preferably one or more touch sensors, and / or the one or more light-emitting devices, especially the one or more LEDs and / or the one or more displays. More preferably, especially when using IML and / or lamination, the alignment tolerance between the molded portion and one or more functional components, especially one or more sensors, preferably touch sensors and / or one or more light-emitting devices, preferably displays and / or LEDs, is at most 0.3 mm. More preferably, especially when using FFB, the alignment tolerance between the decorative layer and one or more functional components, especially one or more sensors, preferably touch sensors and / or one or more light-emitting devices, preferably displays and / or LEDs, is at most 0.2 mm.

[0130] To perform step c) and / or in step c), the position of applying one or more molding elements to the carrier layer is set, in particular, based on the position of one or more mating marks. For this purpose, one or more mating marks are detected, in particular by means of at least one sensor, wherein the position of one or more of the decorative layers, in particular one or more decorative elements, visible areas, masking areas, in particular masking layers, first protective layers, and / or primer layers, relative to the carrier layer and / or to each other, is detected by means of the one or more mating marks.

[0131] For one or more of the following layers—decorative layers, particularly one or more decorative elements, visible areas, masking areas, particularly masking layers, first protective layers, and / or primer layers—especially each layer, it is preferable to apply and / or generate corresponding mating marks for the respective layers when applying them. Such mating marks are, for example, crosses, circles, and / or triangles. Preferably, the mating marks are applied to at least one outer side and / or edge of the transfer film, such that they can be read, particularly by means of at least one sensor. It is also possible that at least a portion of one or more patterns of the decorative layer and / or masking layer can also serve as mating marks. Particularly in subsequent steps, one or more molding elements and preferably dependent mating marks are applied to the side of the carrier layer opposite the transfer layer.

[0132] Furthermore, when one or more functional components are provided for a plastic injection molded part, the position of one or more functional components may be oriented according to the mating marks provided on one or more of the following layers: decorative layer, in particular one or more decorative elements, visible area, masking area, in particular masking layer, first protective layer, primer layer and / or one or more molding elements.

[0133] In particular, the application of one or more touch sensors utilizes printed and / or injection-molded sensor profiles. These printed and / or injection-molded sensor profiles are marks printed and / or injection-molded on a corresponding transfer film or present in the injection-molded part through mold design. Here, the printed and / or injection-molded sensor profiles are preferably arranged relative to one or more mating marks disposed on one or more molded elements, decorative layers, visible areas and / or shielding areas, especially shielding layers. Particularly through corresponding mold design and mating marks, the corresponding touch sensor is preferably precisely aligned and connected to the plastic injection-molded part and its components by means of the printed and / or injection-molded sensor profiles.

[0134] It is also possible that the method for manufacturing plastic injection molded parts may include the following steps, especially after the separation of the carrier layer in step x4:

[0135] - The transfer layer and / or injection molding compound are at least partially coated with a polyurethane-containing composition and / or a polyurea-containing composition, particularly for constructing at least one second protective layer. Therefore, it is possible for the plastic injection molded part to have at least one second protective layer on its outer surface, preferably on the transfer layer, which is constructed with a polyurethane-containing composition and / or a polyurea-containing composition.

[0136] Preferably, in this case, at least the molding portion and / or the pattern cast by the molding portion are included. This specifically achieves the effect that the plastic injection molded part, while appearing to have a tactile appearance, is smooth to the touch. Therefore, it is possible to provide a particular optical depth effect to the plastic injection molded part through the combination of the molding portion and polyurethane casting and / or polyurea casting.

[0137] Advantageously, at least one first protective layer and at least one second protective layer are coordinated with each other. A distinction is made, particularly between polyurethane casting and / or polyurea casting, within the scope of the IMD method, between casting and open-loop casting.

[0138] Polyurethane casting and / or polyurea casting are performed here, particularly within the scope of the IMD process, i.e., preferably in a closed system.

[0139] Casting with polyurethane-containing compositions is particularly carried out in the range of post-injection molding of the transfer layer, preferably during or immediately after step x3), i.e., preferably in a closed system, especially in the closed state of the mold half of the injection molding machine. The preferred flowable polyurethane reaction mixture for the polyurethane-containing composition preferably consists of a polyurethane precursor (2K-PUR system, PUR = polyurethane) and / or a mixture thereof, said precursor preferably having equally free reactive groups, preferably isocyanate groups or groups that react with isocyanate groups, preferably polyol groups, and / or respective end-capped reactive groups that re-release the corresponding reactive groups at temperatures from 30°C to 180°C.

[0140] Therefore, during the curing, preferably complete curing, of at least one first protective layer of the transfer layer and / or, in particular, at least one second protective layer applied thereon, free isocyanate groups, for example, contained in at least one first protective layer of the transfer layer, can react with free, isocyanate-reactive groups of a preferably flowable, polyurethane-containing two-component material used to manufacture at least one second protective layer. This preferably significantly improves the adhesion of the at least one second protective layer to the at least one first protective layer of the transfer layer after curing.

[0141] Preferably, and particularly as described above, the at least one flowable polyurethane-containing reaction mixture can be applied to at least one first protective layer of the transfer layer as a composition of a polyurethane precursor (2K-PUR system), particularly as a mixture of at least one of the above-mentioned compounds having two or more isocyanate groups and at least one of the above-mentioned compounds having two or more groups that react with isocyanate groups. Preferably, either at least one compound having two or more isocyanate groups or at least one compound having two or more groups that react with isocyanate groups can be used in molar excess. Further preferably, the preferably flowable polyurethane-containing reaction mixture used to prepare at least one second protective layer is anhydrous.

[0142] When using a two-component polyurethane system, the polyurethane precursor, preferably containing a polyol, and the component containing a polyisocyanate are preferably stored separately and, in particular, added to the mixing head only when needed. Specifically, due to the heat of reaction generated in the polyurethane precursor reaction, heating to a temperature of 60°C to 180°C, preferably 80°C to 120°C, is preferred.

[0143] It is also possible that casting with polyurethane-containing compositions can be carried out within the scope of open casting. In open casting, the surface tension of a solvent-free or solvent-containing, preferably flowable, polyurethane-containing reaction mixture used to create at least one second protective layer is utilized, particularly in the outer edge region of the component to be cast. In particular, the at least one second protective layer is preferably cast onto the component, especially the plastic injection molded part, without forming a mold profile. In particular, the corresponding plastic injection molded part is preferably stored for a period of time in the range of 2s to 60s and cured at a temperature in the range of 20°C to 100°C.

[0144] In particular, the preferred flowable polyurea reaction mixture for polyurea-containing compositions preferably consists of a polyurea precursor (2K-PUR system, PUR = polyurea) and / or a mixture thereof, said precursor preferably having equally free reactive groups, preferably isocyanate groups or groups that react with isocyanate groups, preferably (poly)amine groups, and / or respective end-capped reactive groups that release the corresponding reactive groups again at temperatures from 30°C to 180°C. Therefore, during the curing, preferably complete curing, of at least one first protective layer, for example, the free isocyanate groups contained in at least one first protective layer can react with the preferably flowable, polyurea-containing two-component, free, isocyanate-reactive groups used to manufacture at least one second protective layer. This preferably significantly improves the adhesion of the at least one second protective layer to the at least one first protective layer of the transfer layer after curing.

[0145] In particular, as described above, a preferred flowable polyurea-containing reaction mixture can be applied to at least one first protective layer of the transfer layer as a composition of a polyurea precursor (2K-PUA system), especially as a mixture of at least one of the above-mentioned compounds having two or more isocyanate groups and at least one of the above-mentioned compounds having two or more groups that can react with isocyanate groups. Preferably, either at least one compound having two or more isocyanate groups or at least one compound having two or more groups that can react with isocyanate groups can be used in molar excess.

[0146] Further preferably, the preferably flowable, polyurea-containing reaction mixture used to prepare at least one second protective layer is anhydrous.

[0147] When using a two-component polyurea system, it is preferable to store the polyurea precursor, preferably the component containing (poly)amine and / or polyisocyanate, separately and add it to the mixing head only when needed. Due to the heat of reaction generated in the polyurea precursor reaction, it is preferable to heat to a temperature of 60°C to 180°C, preferably 80°C to 120°C. Attached Figure Description

[0148] The present invention will now be illustrated by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings and several embodiments.

[0149] Here it is shown:

[0150] Figure 1 The method for manufacturing a transfer film is illustrated schematically.

[0151] Figure 2 The diagram schematically illustrates a method for manufacturing plastic injection molded parts.

[0152] Figure 3a , 3b 3c schematically shows the transfer film and the plastic injection molded part.

[0153] Figure 4a , 4b 4c schematically shows the transfer film and the plastic injection molded part.

[0154] Figure 5a , 5b 5c schematically shows the transfer film and the plastic injection molded part.

[0155] Figure 6a , 6b 6c schematically shows the transfer film and the plastic injection molded part.

[0156] Figure 7a , 7b 7c schematically shows the transfer film and the plastic injection molded part.

[0157] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a plastic injection molded part.

[0158] Figure 9 The transfer membrane is shown schematically.

[0159] Figure 10a , 10b The diagram schematically shows the positive molding elements before and after post-injection molding.

[0160] Figure 11a , 11b The negative forming element is schematically shown before and after post-injection molding. Detailed Implementation

[0161] Figure 1 A method for manufacturing a transfer membrane is schematically illustrated. The transfer membrane is, in particular, an IMD transfer membrane. Here, the following steps are performed in the given order:

[0162] a) Provides a 101 carrier layer,

[0163] b) Providing 102 a transfer layer including a decorative layer, wherein the transfer layer is arranged or will be arranged on the carrier layer.

[0164] c) Applying one or more molding elements 103 onto the carrier layer, wherein the one or more molding elements have a three-dimensional shape and are applied in precise alignment with the decorative layer.

[0165] Figure 2 A method for manufacturing a plastic injection molded part, wherein the plastic injection molded part is coated with a transfer film, is schematically shown. The transfer film is, in particular, an IMD transfer film. It is possible that the transfer film is a transfer film as described with respect to the other figures and / or manufactured using the method described herein. The method for manufacturing the plastic injection molded part includes at least the following steps, particularly in the given order:

[0166] x1) Provides a 201 transfer film, wherein the transfer film has a carrier layer and a transfer layer including a decorative layer, wherein the transfer layer is disposed or is to be disposed on the carrier layer.

[0167] x2) One or more molding elements 202 are provided on the carrier layer, wherein the one or more molding elements have molding portions and are applied with precise alignment relative to the decorative layer.

[0168] x3) ​​After injection molding, the transfer film is injection molded 203, wherein the three-dimensional shape of the one or more molding elements is precisely aligned with the decorative layer by the action of the injection molding on the transfer film in the transfer layer.

[0169] Figure 3a The transfer membrane 1 is schematically shown. The transfer membrane 1 is particularly an IMD transfer membrane. Preferably, the transfer membrane 1 is, for example, related to... Figure 1 It is manufactured as described. The transfer film 1 has a carrier layer 3 and a transfer layer 2. The transfer layer 2 includes a decorative layer 21 and is disposed on the carrier layer 3. In addition, the transfer film 1 includes a forming element 40, wherein the forming element 40 is applied on the carrier layer 2 and precisely aligned with the decorative layer 21. It is also possible that a plurality of forming elements 40 are disposed on the carrier layer 3.

[0170] During post-injection molding 203 of the transfer film 1 using injection molding compound, the one or more molding elements 40 are particularly attached to one mold half of the injection molding machine. The injection molding compound can adhere to the transfer film 1 on the side opposite to the one or more molding elements 40, particularly on the exposed side of the primer. After post-injection molding 203, the desired result can be achieved as follows: Figure 3b or Figure 3c The plastic injection molded part 10 is shown as an example.

[0171] Figure 3b A plastic injection molded part 10 is schematically shown. The plastic injection molded part 10 is, for example, for... Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3a To manufacture as described in any of the diagrams.

[0172] The plastic injection molded part 10 includes injection molding compound 5 and a transfer layer 2 formed by injection molding the transfer plastic compound 5 after the transfer film 1 is formed. The transfer film 1 is particularly an IMD transfer film, preferably as intended for... Figure 1 and / or Figure 3a As described and / or as per the description Figure 1 and / or Figure 3a It is manufactured as described. The transfer layer 1 includes a decorative layer 21 and has a three-dimensional shaped molding portion 41. Here, the molding portion 41 is precisely fitted relative to the decorative layer 21.

[0173] Observation of regions, such as regions 71, 72, 81, and 82, is particularly performed on the main surface supported by the respective layers or transfer film 1, preferably from right to left or vice versa in FIG. 3. Regions, and especially portions thereof, preferably include portions of the transfer film 1 and / or the plastic injection molded part 10 that preferably overlap with the plane and / or main surface when viewed perpendicular to the plane and / or main surface supported by the transfer film 1 or the respective layers.

[0174] The molding portion 41 of the plastic injection molded part is formed, in particular, by means of one or more molding elements 40. Thus, the molding portion 41 is formed in particular a shape complementary to the three-dimensional shape of the one or more molding elements 40. For example... Figure 3b and Figure 3cAs exemplarily illustrated, the one or more molding elements 40 are preferably removed from the plastic injection molded part 10, particularly together with the carrier layer 3. It is also conceivable that at least the carrier layer 3 and optionally one or more molding elements 40 and / or their remainders remain adhered to the plastic injection molded part 10. Thus, protection of the surface of the plastic injection molded part 10 can be particularly ensured, for example, during transport and / or storage.

[0175] In areas where no molding elements are arranged, during post-injection molding 203 of the transfer film using injection molding 5 in step x3), the carrier layer 3 is pressed at least partially onto the mold half, thereby forming a molding portion 41 of one or more molding elements 40 in the transfer layer 21, wherein the molding portion 41 is particularly capable of achieving tactile and / or depth effects.

[0176] One or more molding elements 40 here have a three-dimensional shape, particularly compared to the carrier layer 3 and the transfer layer 2, in that not only the height of the molding element 40 but also its dimensions along other spatial directions significantly contribute to the shaping of the molding element 40, especially since the height of the molding portion 41 of the plastic injection molded part 10 is related to the shape of the molding element 40. The three-dimensional shape includes, for example, a two-dimensional pattern, and the two-dimensional pattern preferably has or will have a spatial structure, for example, by specifically increasing the thickness or height (here along the horizontal plane) of the two-dimensional pattern.

[0177] The carrier layer 3 is preferably a PET carrier layer. Reference is made in particular to the embodiments described above regarding other possible materials and optional coatings for the carrier layer 3. The carrier layer 3 may have a layer thickness of 75 μm, for example, particularly for applications in the automotive field. It is also possible that the carrier layer 3 has a layer thickness of 50 μm, for example, in the manufacture of laptop casings. It is particularly likely that the carrier layer 3 has a tensile strength in the range of 110% to 135% up to tearing. Tensile strength is specifically the quotient of the length of the carrier layer in the tensile direction relative to the corresponding length of the carrier layer in its unstretched state. Tensile strength is also understood in particular as the average tensile capacity. For example, the carrier layer particularly has an average tensile capacity of 25%. The direction of the average tensile capacity here particularly relates to the X direction and / or the Y direction. Here, the X direction, for example, is... Figure 3a Preferably shown along the horizontal plane, and / or in the Y direction, for example in Figure 3a The image is shown along the vertical line. Furthermore, the carrier layer may have a tensile strength in the range of 15 kpsi to 50 kpi, preferably in the range of 27 kpi to 31 kpi, and / or an elastic modulus in the range of 100 kpi to 1000 kpi, preferably in the range of 300 kpi to 700 kpi.

[0178] Furthermore, it is possible that during step b), the providing includes applying a transfer layer, including at least the decorative layer 21, to the carrier layer 3. The one or more molding elements 40 are preferably applied locally to the carrier layer 3. It is also possible that the one or more molding elements 40 are applied to a portion of the carrier layer 3 having a greater thickness than in other portions. Applying the one or more molding elements 40 to the carrier layer 3 can be done either directly to the carrier layer 3 or indirectly via one or more additional layers. Height or thickness, for example, in... Figure 3b Especially along the horizontal line.

[0179] Preferably, the transfer layer 2 is first applied to the carrier layer 3, and then one or more molding elements 40 are applied to the carrier layer 3 with precise alignment relative to the decorative layer 21, particularly to the side of the carrier layer 3 opposite to the transfer layer 2.

[0180] One or more first layers of one or more molding elements 40 are particularly characterized by digital printing ink or constituted by digital printing ink. Preferably, the digital printing ink is inkjet printing ink, more preferably UV inkjet printing ink. In particular, in the method for manufacturing transfer film 1, the one or more first layers of one or more molding elements 40 described in step c) are applied by a digital printing method, preferably an inkjet printing method, and most preferably a UV inkjet printing method. Furthermore, it is possible that the one or more layers of one or more molding elements are crosslinkable or crosslinkable, especially by means of radiation, preferably UV radiation. This is particularly achieved by means of digital printing methods, enabling small batches, especially a single batch. In addition, registration tolerances are improved by means of digital printing methods, especially UV inkjet printing methods. Preferably, in the digital printing method, one or more layers are printed by means of one or more printing inks selected from CMYK colors (CMYK = cyan, magenta, yellow, black).

[0181] It is also conceivable that, particularly in step c), one or more layers of one or more forming elements 40 may be applied by means of gravure printing and / or screen printing. Therefore, it is also possible that one or more layers of one or more forming elements 40 of the transfer film comprise gravure printing inks and / or screen printing inks.

[0182] In particular, it is possible that one or more molding elements 40 are single-layered or multi-layered. Preferably, in step c) and / or in transfer film 1, two or more layers of one or more molding elements 40 are applied overlapping each other and / or one or more molding elements 40 are applied at least partially by means of 3D printing. This, for example, enables an increase in the height of one or more molding elements 40 extending from carrier layer 3. Furthermore, it is possible that multiple layers of one or more molding elements 40 will be applied or have been applied by means of the same printing method and / or multiple layers will be applied or have been applied by means of different printing methods.

[0183] In particular, it is possible to apply one or more molding elements 40 using at least two different printing methods. For example, it is possible to apply one or more first layers of one or more molding elements 40 by means of a printing method (preferably not a digital printing method), such as by means of screen printing. This is particularly useful for applying large, non-personalized surfaces of one or more molding elements. Furthermore, it is possible that at least one layer of the one or more molding elements 40, which is the last layer applied in step c), is applied using a digital printing method, preferably an inkjet printing method, and preferably a UV inkjet printing method. In particular, at least one layer of the one or more molding elements 40 forming the outer surface of the transfer film 1 has digital printing ink or is composed of digital printing ink, especially inkjet printing ink, preferably UV inkjet printing ink or is composed of inkjet printing ink, preferably UV inkjet printing ink. This, for example, allows for spatial separation of the application of different layers in step c). Thus, for example, it is possible to achieve personalization preferably in the form of small areas, especially before and / or after transportation and storage, and especially shortly before and / or at the location of manufacturing the plastic injection molded part 10.

[0184] Furthermore, it is possible to create molded portions 41 of different heights in the plastic injection molded part 10 by means of one or more molding elements 40 at different heights. This is achieved, in particular, by using appropriate settings in a digital printing method, preferably by the number of overlapping printing ink and / or molding element layers, the size of each ink droplet, UV curing parameters, the applied weight of each printing ink, and / or combinations thereof. Thus, it is possible for the transfer film 1 to have one or more molding elements 40 of different heights, and / or for the plastic injection molded part 10 to have molded portions 41 with different heights and / or depths, particularly portions having raised regions 82 of different heights and / or recessed regions 81 of different heights.

[0185] The thickness of the layer applied by means of digital printing to one or more molding elements 40 is preferably in the range of 0.5 μm to 50 μm, and particularly in the range of 1 μm to 25 μm.

[0186] Furthermore, it is possible that at least one of the molding elements 40, printed by digital printing, has a layer thickness of 1 μm to 200 μm. The layer thickness of at least one of the molding elements 40 is particularly in the range of 1 μm to 200 μm. Here, it is preferable to apply multiple layers, preferably all layers, of at least one molding element by digital printing, and particularly by overlapping.

[0187] Additionally, it is possible that the layers of one or more molding elements 40 printed by gravure printing have a layer thickness in the range of 1 μm to 25 μm, and / or the layers of one or more molding elements 40 printed by screen printing have a layer thickness in the range of 1 μm to 100 μm.

[0188] Furthermore, the method may include the following steps: - irradiating one or more molding elements 40, particularly by means of UV radiation, wherein one or more irradiation steps are performed, preferably after step c) and / or during step c), particularly before applying at least one layer of the one or more molding elements overlappingly onto at least another layer of the two or more layers of the one or more molding elements. It is conceivable that the overlapping layers are cured during this period, thereby, for example, preventing the layers from extending and thus enabling, for example, a higher height-to-width ratio.

[0189] For details regarding the composition of one or more molding elements 40, please refer to the above-described embodiments.

[0190] Especially when the transfer film 1 is injection molded after injection molding of the plastic material 5 in step x3), a recessed region 81 is formed in the transfer layer 2, wherein the recessed region 81 is preferably formed by the molding portion 41. Therefore, the recessed region 81 has a positive image of one or more molding elements 40. Furthermore, it is possible that when the transfer film 1 is injection molded after injection molding of the plastic material 5 in step x3), a raised region 82 is formed in the transfer layer 2. Therefore, the raised region 82 has a negative image of one or more molding elements 40. The raised region 82 and / or the recessed region 81 can be associated regions, or alternatively or additionally include one or more partial regions separated from each other. Therefore, it is possible that the raised region 82, the recessed region 81, and / or the molding portion 41 can form one or more patterns, which are particularly complementary to one or more patterns of one or more molding elements 40. The raised region 82 is particularly arranged in the transfer film 1 at locations where no molding element 40 is present and / or at locations where the carrier layer 3 is deformed in the direction of the transfer layer 3 during injection molding after injection molding of the plastic material 5. The recessed region 81 is particularly arranged in the transfer film 1 at the location where one or more molding elements 40 are present and / or at the location where the transfer layer 2 will not or substantially not move in the direction of the carrier layer 3 during injection molding after injection molding 5.

[0191] It is possible, especially when one or more molded elements 40 are applied using UV digital printing, that the raised region 82 and / or the recessed region 81 may have a minimum linewidth and / or minimum dot size in the range of 0.025 mm to 0.1 mm. For example, in the case where the recessed region 81 has a circular base and the cross-section is located at its midpoint, Figure 3b and Figure 3c The point size will be the distance from the top to the bottom dashed line markings of region 81. For example, for the recessed region 81, it is... Figure 3b and Figure 3c In the case of a line extending in the direction of observation, the line width is preferably the distance from top to bottom of the dashed line markings in region 81 of the cross-section shown.

[0192] In particular, it is possible that the recessed area 81 has a minimum line width and / or minimum dot size greater than 0.025 mm, and / or the raised area 82 has a minimum line width and / or minimum dot size greater than 0.040 mm, especially when one or more molded elements 40 are applied by digital printing. It is also possible that the recessed area 81 has a minimum line width and / or minimum dot size greater than 0.075 mm, and / or the raised area 82 has a minimum line width and / or minimum dot size greater than 0.12 mm, especially when one or more molded elements 40 are applied by gravure printing. Furthermore, it is possible that the recessed area 81 has a minimum line width and / or minimum dot size greater than 0.10 mm, and / or the raised area 82 has a minimum line width and / or minimum dot size greater than 0.15 mm, especially when one or more molded elements 40 are applied by screen printing.

[0193] For example, when producing a tactile surface of approximately 0.5 cm × 0.01 cm, it can be determined that there is no perceptible and / or fingertip-touchable difference between the positive and negative molding elements 40. A positive molding element 40 is understood as a single molding element 40 that, upon observation of the cross-section after injection molding, causes a recessed area 81 in the carrier layer 3. This positive molding element 40 in… Figure 10a and Figure 10b As shown in the image. Among them, Figure 10a The positive molding element 40 before post-injection molding is shown, and Figure 10b The positive molding element 40 after post-injection molding is shown. The negative molding element 40 is understood as one or more molding elements covering an entire surface, which, when viewed in cross-section after post-injection molding, causes a raised area 82 in the carrier layer 3. Such a negative molding element 40... Figure 11a and Figure 11b As shown in the image. Among them, Figure 11a The negative molding element before post-injection molding is shown, and Figure 11b This shows a negatively molded component after injection molding. For example... Figure 10b and Figure 11bAs shown, the molding element 40 preferably ends flush or nearly flush with the surface of the carrier layer after post-injection molding, thus making it impossible to determine the tactile and / or fingertip-accessible difference between the positive and negative molding elements 40.

[0194] In particular, one or more molding elements 40 have higher shape stability than the carrier layer 3 and / or the transfer layer 2, preferably at least one layer of the transfer layer 2. Higher shape stability can be understood in particular as higher deformation resistance when the transfer film 1 is post-injected 203 with injection molding material 5.

[0195] Especially when post-injection molding is performed using injection molding compound 5, preferably during the IMD injection molding process, and particularly in step x3), the one or more molding elements 40 are preferably mechanically stable and / or have mechanical stability.

[0196] Mechanical stability is understood here, in particular, as the stability of one or more molding elements 40 relative to the load exerted by the injection molding compound 5, especially during post-injection molding 203 of the transfer film 1 using the injection molding compound 5. In other words, one or more molding elements 40 are preferably sufficiently rigid and establish a sufficiently strong bond with the carrier film 3 in order to withstand the high pressure generated, especially during post-injection molding 203. Preferably, one or more molding elements 40 have a glass transition temperature greater than 200°C for this purpose. Furthermore, the one or more molding elements 40 can have substantially constant compressive strength at temperatures up to 200°C. Thus, when the transfer film 1 is loaded with pressure and / or heat, especially during post-injection molding of the transfer film 1 using the injection molding compound, the deformation of the transfer layer 3 is particularly ensured, and high edge sharpness of the molded portion 41 is particularly achieved.

[0197] It is possible that when comparing the heights of one or more molding elements 40 before and after the post-injection 203 of the transfer film 1 using injection molding 5, mechanical stability can be determined based on the height difference, wherein the height of one or more molding elements 40 after the post-injection 203 of the transfer film 1 using injection molding 5 corresponds to the height of the molding portion 41 of the plastic injection molded part 10.

[0198] Preferably, the molding section 41 has a height in the range of 90% to 100% of the height of one or more molding elements 40 of the transfer film 1 before post-injection molding 203 with injection molding plastic 5. It is possible that the temperature occurring in the injection mold during post-injection molding, especially the temperature of the injection molding plastic, is in the range of 150°C to 500°C, especially in the range of 200°C to 300°C. It is possible that the pressure occurring in the injection mold during post-injection molding, especially the internal pressure of the injection mold, is in the range of 300 bar to 1000 bar, especially in the range of 400 bar to 800 bar.

[0199] For example, especially when the carrier layer 3 has a layer thickness of 50 μm and is preferably made of PET, the molding portion 41 after the post-injection molding 203 of the injection molding 5 has a height of 90% of the height of one or more molding elements 40 before the post-injection molding 203 of the injection molding 5. It is also possible, especially when the carrier layer 3 has a layer thickness of 75 μm and is preferably made of PET, that the molding portion 41 after the post-injection molding of the injection molding 5 has a height of 100% of the height of one or more molding elements 40 before the post-injection molding of the transfer film 1 using the injection molding 5. Especially when the layer thickness of the carrier layer 3, preferably made of PET, is at least 75 μm, the height of one or more molding elements 40 remains unchanged, or is the same as before the post-injection molding 203 of the transfer film 1 using the injection molding 5.

[0200] Preferably, the height of the molded portion 41 on the plastic injection molded part 10 is determined, in particular, based on the height difference between the outer surface of the transfer layer 2 in the recessed region 81 and the adjacent outer surface of the transfer layer 2 in the raised region 82. The height of one or more molded elements 40 is measured, in particular, before post-injection molding 203 of the transfer film 1. The measurement of the height and / or linewidth and / or dot size of the molded portion 41 and / or one or more molded elements 40 is performed, in particular, using a scanning electron microscope (SEM).

[0201] The height of the molding portion 41 of the plastic injection molded part 10 is preferably in the range of 1 μm to 200 μm, and this height is particularly achieved in the method for manufacturing the plastic injection molded part 10.

[0202] Preferably, in transfer film 1 or in step c), one or more molding elements 40 are precisely aligned with the decorative layer 21 along at least two different directions. Figure 3a , Figure 3b and Figure 3c For example, one direction along the viewing direction and another direction along a vertical line are shown. Thus, for example, it is possible that in a method for manufacturing the transfer film 1, one or more molding elements 40 are precisely fitted with the decorative layer 21 not only in the direction of travel of the carrier layer 3 but also transverse to the direction of travel of the carrier layer 3, particularly precisely fitted with mutually separate decorative elements of the decorative layer 21, such as separate patterns. In particular, it is possible that at least one molding element of one or more molding elements 40 is arranged precisely fitted with at least one decorative element of one or more decorative elements, wherein the at least one decorative element preferably forms a separate pattern. The separate pattern is in particular not a continuous pattern and / or has boundary lines visible in two different directions in the transfer film 1 and / or the plastic injection molded part 10. Furthermore, it is possible that the molding portion 41 or at least a portion of the molding portion 41 is arranged precisely fitted with at least one decorative element of one or more decorative elements.

[0203] The registration tolerance between one or more molded elements 40 and the decorative layer is preferably in the range of 0.05 mm to 1.0 mm, and more preferably in the range of 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm. The registration tolerance between one or more molded elements 40 and the decorative layer 21 is particularly maximum of 1.0 mm, and preferably maximum of 0.2 mm. Therefore, it is also possible that the registration tolerance between the molded portion 41 and the decorative layer 21 is preferably in the range of 0.05 mm to 1.0 mm, more preferably in the range of 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm, and / or maximum of 1.0 mm, preferably maximum of 0.2 mm.

[0204] If one or more molding elements 40 are applied by means of a digital printing method, preferably by means of inkjet printing, and most preferably by means of UV inkjet printing, then a registration tolerance in the range of 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm is particularly achieved. If one or more molding elements 40 are applied by means of screen printing, then a registration tolerance in the range of 0.2 mm to 1.0 mm is particularly possible.

[0205] Figure 3c Show Figure 3b The plastic injection molded part 10 shown differs in that it also has a functional component 6. The functional component 6 is preferably arranged in precise alignment with the molding part 61 and with the decorative layer 21.

[0206] Furthermore, it is possible that the transfer film 1 and / or the plastic injection molded part 10 have a visible area 71 and / or a shielded area 72. The visible area 71 is particularly configured such that additional components can be arranged in the plastic injection molded part 10 on the side of the injection molding material 5 opposite to the transfer layer 2, in a manner that allows them to be at least temporarily visible through the transfer layer 2. The shielded area 72 is particularly configured such that additional components can be arranged in the plastic injection molded part 10 on the side of the injection molding material 5 opposite to the transfer layer 2, in a manner that allows them to be shielded by the transfer layer 2 in the shielded area. Preferably, the method specifically includes the following steps before and / or after step c:

[0207] b1) Provide and / or generate a shielding area 72 and / or a visible area 71 in the transfer layer 3.

[0208] The visible region 71 preferably has a transmittance that is particularly higher than that of the shielded region 72, especially by at least 10% and / or in the range of 10% to 100%. Preferably, the visible region 71 has a transmittance greater than 50%, particularly greater than 75%. Preferably, the shielded region has a transmittance less than 50%, particularly less than 20%, preferably less than 5%. The transmittance relates particularly to electromagnetic waves and preferably has a wavelength visible to the human eye. The transfer layer 3 is preferably transparent to visible light in the visible region. In the shielded region 72, the transfer layer 3 is opaque to visible light.

[0209] It is also possible that, in or after step b1), a visible area 71 is created in the transfer layer 3, particularly in the masking layer.

[0210] As in Figure 3c As exemplarily illustrated, the plastic injection molded part 10 is provided with one or more functional members 6 and / or provided during or after injection molding the transfer film 1 203 using the injection molding plastic 5. The one or more functional members 6 are here specifically arranged on the side of the injection molding plastic 5 opposite to the transfer layer 2. The one or more functional members preferably have at least one of the following components: one or more sensors, especially one or more touch sensors; one or more light-emitting devices, especially one or more displays; one or more LEDs; one or more light guides; one or more circuit boards; and / or combinations thereof.

[0211] The one or more light-emitting devices, such as backlighting units, are integrated into the plastic injection molded part 10. It is possible that the backlighting unit is provided as a separate component on the circuit board, comprising one or more LEDs, wherein the one or more LEDs are preferably connected to the circuit board by soldering. The one or more light-emitting devices, especially those in the form of LEDs, preferably backlighting units, are particularly arranged to precisely overlap with the visible area 71, preferably directly behind and / or in the visible area 71.

[0212] Furthermore, the plastic injection molded part 10 may have one or more diffuser layers and / or one or more light guide layers. The one or more light-emitting devices, especially those in the form of LEDs, preferably in the form of backlighting parts, are preferably integrated into the plastic injection molded part by means of adhesive, screws, ultrasonic welding, brazing, clamping, heat sealing, or infrared welding.

[0213] The one or more light-emitting devices, preferably one or more LEDs, are arranged in the plastic injection molded part 10, particularly in step x3), preferably on the side of the transfer layer 2 facing away from the carrier layer 3 before the post-injection molding 203 of the transfer film 1, and / or connected to the transfer layer 2 during the post-injection molding 203, and optionally connected to the transfer layer 2 via the injection molding plastic 5. Furthermore, it is possible that one or more light-emitting devices, preferably one or more LEDs, will be introduced or have been introduced into the plastic injection molded part, particularly after the post-injection molding using the plastic pellet in step x3), especially wherein the light-emitting devices are introduced into the injection molding plastic and / or will be connected or have been connected to the injection molding plastic.

[0214] It is possible that one or more sensors, particularly touch sensors, are arranged on or inside the transfer film 1 before post-injection molding of the transfer film 1 using injection molding compound 5. Furthermore, it is possible that the one or more sensors, particularly the one or more touch sensors, are preferably arranged on the side of the transfer layer 2 opposite to the carrier layer 3 in step x3) before post-injection molding 203 of the transfer film 1 and connected to the transfer layer 2 during post-injection molding 203, and optionally connected or already connected to the transfer layer 3 via the injection molding compound 5.

[0215] It is possible that at least one of the one or more sensors, especially at least one touch sensor, is preferably not part of the transfer film 1 and / or not integrated into the plastic injection molded part 10 as part of the transfer film 1. Furthermore, it is possible that the at least one sensor (especially the touch sensor) is subsequently preferably applied to the side of the injection molded part 5 opposite to the transfer layer 2. In this case, it is possible that at least one sensor is preferably bonded or already bonded to the injection molded part 5 over a large area in an optional recess formed by the geometry of the component.

[0216] Alternatively, it is possible to introduce one or more touch sensors into the plastic injection molded part 10 after post-injection molding 203 using the injection molding plastic 5 in step x3), particularly to connect to and / or fasten to the injection molding plastic 5.

[0217] Alternatively, it is possible to introduce the one or more sensors, particularly the one or more touch sensors, by means of bonding, lamination, in-mold lamination (IML), and / or functional film bonding (FFB). For methods of lamination, IML, and FFB, see other embodiments described above.

[0218] The one or more functional components 6 are preferably precisely fitted relative to the molding part 41 and relative to the decorative layer 21.

[0219] Figure 4a A schematic top view of a plastic injection molded part 10 coated with transfer film 1 and / or transfer layer 2 of transfer film 1 is shown. Figure 4b and Figure 4c A schematic diagram of a cross-section is shown in Figure 4A, which is depicted by a cutting line AA passing through the transfer film 1 or the plastic injection molded part 10. It is particularly likely here that the transfer film 1 is the transfer film 1 described in Figure 3 and / or as described in Figure 4A. Figure 1 Or it can be manufactured as depicted in Figure 3. Alternatively, the plastic injection molded part 10 may be designed for... Figure 2 The described plastic injection molded part 10 and / or as for Figure 2 Or it may be manufactured as depicted in Figure 3. Here, the transfer layer 2 also includes a primer layer 23, a masking layer 22, a protective layer 24, and a release layer 8.

[0220] In particular, it is preferable to apply the release layer 8, protective layer 24, decorative layer 21, masking layer 22, and primer layer 23 onto the carrier layer 3 in the given order to obtain the preferred result. Figure 4b The transfer film 1 is shown. In subsequent steps, the plastic injection molded part 10 can be manufactured by post-injection molding 203 on the transfer film 1.

[0221] like Figure 4b As shown, the primer layer 23 forms, in particular, the outer surface of the transfer layer 2 facing away from the carrier layer 3. For example... Figure 4c As shown, in the plastic injection molded part 10, the primer layer 23 forms the outer surface of the transfer layer 2 facing the injection molding material 5. The primer layer 23 is in particular an adhesive layer and / or an adhesion promoter layer. Regarding the material of the primer layer 23, reference is made especially to the above-described embodiment.

[0222] A protective layer 24 is also arranged on the side of the transfer layer 2 facing the carrier layer 3. For example... Figure 4b As shown, the protective layer 24 preferably forms the surface of the transfer layer 2 facing the carrier layer 3 of the transfer film 1, or the exposed surface of the transfer layer 2 after separation of the carrier layer 3, as is particularly true in... Figure 4c As can be seen in the diagram. It is possible that the protective layer 24 is at least partially and / or entirely disposed within the transfer layer. The protective layer 24 is, in particular, a protective varnish layer. The protective layer preferably has a thickness in the range of 1 μm to 50 μm. Regarding the composition of the protective layer 24, refer particularly to the above description of the composition of the first protective layer. Preferably, the protective layer 24, especially in the form of a protective varnish layer, is applied by gravure printing and / or slot casting, and is preferably applied to the carrier layer 3 and, optionally, the release layer 8.

[0223] exist Figure 4a In this context, the visible area 71 and the recessed area 81 are drawn, for example, in the form of a telephone symbol and preferably include all portions of the transfer film 1 or the plastic injection molded part 10 that overlap with the telephone symbol. The minimum line width is preferably the minimum distance between two opposite points of the boundary line of the recessed area 81, especially the telephone symbol.

[0224] The arrangement of one or more molded elements 40 precisely aligned with the shielding layer 22 is possible, particularly in the form of a recessed region 81, where the molded portion 41 is precisely aligned with the shielding layer 22 and / or particularly in the visible region 71 and particularly with the telephone symbol. Alternatively, for example, it is conceivable that one or more molded elements 40 are arranged in the shielding region 82, such that the raised region 82 is precisely aligned with the visible region 71.

[0225] Through the shielding layer 22, in the example shown here, the transmittance of the transfer layer 2, especially in the visible light wavelength range, is reduced, thereby resulting in the visible area 71 and the shielding area 72 of the transfer layer 3. The shielding layer 22 is preferably arranged on the side of the decorative layer 21 facing away from the carrier layer 2 and / or on the side of the decorative layer 21 facing the injection molding compound 5. This is particularly likely, for example, when the plastic injection molded part 10 is equipped with, as exemplarily shown, in… Figure 3c When the functional component 6 shown is used, the shielding layer 22 serves as a backlight shield, wherein the functional component 6 particularly includes one or more light-emitting devices, especially one or more LEDs and / or one or more displays.

[0226] The masking layer 22 is preferably applied or has been applied by means of digital printing methods, especially inkjet printing, preferably UV inkjet printing, gravure printing and / or screen printing. The masking layer particularly has a layer thickness in the range of 1 μm to 100 μm. Especially when the masking layer is applied by means of digital printing methods, preferably inkjet printing, preferably UV inkjet printing, the layer thickness of the masking layer can be in the range of 1 μm to 50 μm. When the masking layer 22 is applied by means of gravure printing, the layer thickness of the masking layer 22 is preferably in the range of 1 μm to 30 μm. When the masking layer 22 is applied by means of screen printing, the layer thickness of the masking layer 22 is preferably in the range of 5 μm to 100 μm.

[0227] For further information on the additional characteristics of the shielding layer, please refer to the above-described implementation scheme.

[0228] In an advantageous embodiment of the plastic injection molded part 10 and / or the method for manufacturing the plastic injection molded part, and / or in particular the molding portion 41 is arranged such that the molding portion 41 does not impair the transmissivity of the transfer layer 3, especially the decorative layer 21 and / or the shielding layer 22 and / or the injection molding material 5.

[0229] For example, the molding section 41 has virtually no effect on wavelength, especially color, and / or on the scattering of radiation transmitted through the visible area 71 of the transfer layer 3, especially the scattering of light visible to the human eye transmitted through the visible area 71 of the transfer layer 3. In particular, the protective layer 24 of the transfer layer 3, and especially the transfer layer 4, allows for uniform transmission within the visible area 71. For example... Figure 4cAs shown, the molding portion 41 preferably does not include changes in layer thickness within the visible area 71. This can be achieved, for example, when the visible area 71 is entirely covered by the molding portion 41 and, in particular, overlaps with the recessed area 81. For this purpose, one or more molding elements 40 of the transfer film 1 preferably have a constant layer thickness, at least within the visible area 71.

[0230] Advantageously, in the method for manufacturing the transfer film 1, particularly during step c) and / or step b1) and / or in the method for manufacturing the plastic injection molded part 10, or in the transfer film 1 and / or in the plastic injection molded part 10, one or more molding elements 40 and visible areas 71 and / or shielding areas 72, especially shielding layers 22, are arranged in precise alignment with each other. In the method for manufacturing the plastic injection molded part 10 and / or in the plastic injection molded part 10, the molding portions 41 and visible areas 71 and / or shielding areas 72, especially shielding layers 22, are also arranged or have been arranged in precise alignment with each other.

[0231] The registration tolerance between one or more molding elements 40 and the visible area 71 and / or the masking area 72, and especially between one or more molding elements 40 and the masking layer 22, is preferably in the range of 0.05 mm to 1.0 mm, and more preferably in the range of 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm. The registration tolerance between one or more molding elements 40 and the visible area 71 and / or the masking area 72, and especially between one or more molding elements 40 and the masking layer 22, is particularly maximum of 1.0 mm, and preferably maximum of 0.2 mm. If one or more molding elements 40 are applied by means of a digital printing method, preferably by means of inkjet printing, and most preferably UV inkjet printing, then a registration tolerance in the range of 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm can be achieved, for example. If one or more molding elements 40 are applied by means of screen printing, then a registration tolerance in the range of 0.2 mm to 1.0 mm is particularly possible.

[0232] In particular, since the molding part 41 is formed by the molding element 40, the aforementioned limits on the registration tolerance also apply to the registration tolerance between the molding part 41 and the shielding layer 22 in or in the plastic injection molded part 10.

[0233] The registration tolerance between the decorative layer 21 and the visible area 71 and / or the masking area 72, especially between the decorative layer 21 and the masking layer 22, is preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.4 mm and / or at a maximum of 0.4 mm. A registration tolerance in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.4 mm is particularly achieved if the masking layer 22 is preferably applied online by means of a gravure printing method.

[0234] This ensures, in particular, that the plastic injection molded part 10 has a visible area 71 and / or a shielded area 72 precisely aligned with the molding portion 41 and the decorative layer 21, the shielded area being formed, in particular, by means of the shielding layer 22. Thus, for example, it is possible to backlight the visible area 71 and enable interaction by means of additional functional components, such as touch sensors, which can advantageously be performed particularly simply, intuitively, and / or precisely. Furthermore, the visual appearance is particularly impressive.

[0235] Furthermore, it is possible that the maximum overfitting tolerance between the one or more molding elements 40 and / or the decorative layer 21 and / or the visible area 71 and / or the shielding area 72, especially the shielding layer 22, is in the range of 0.15 mm to 0.6 mm. Here, the maximum overfitting tolerance specifically refers to the maximum deviation from the nominal value of the relative position of the two components, for example, between the molding element and the decorative layer 21. In particular, since the molding portion 41 is formed by the molding element 40, the limit of the overfitting tolerance also applies to the overfitting tolerance between the molding portion 41 and the decorative layer 21 and / or the visible and / or shielding areas, especially the shielding layer 22, in the plastic injection molded part 10.

[0236] Plastic injection molded parts 10 can especially have the characteristics of... Figure 3c One or more functional components 6 are described or configured such that functional component 6 is applied in a later step.

[0237] One or more functional components 6 are preferably precisely aligned with one or more molded elements 40, with the molded portion 41, with the decorative layer 21, and with the shielding layer 22 and / or with the visible area 71. It is possible that the alignment tolerance between the one or more functional components 6 and the molded portion 41, the decorative layer 21, the visible area 71, and / or the shielding layer 22 is at most 0.3 mm, and particularly at most 0.2 mm. For example, the one or more components 6 here include at least one touch sensor, which is precisely aligned with the molded portion 41 and whose position relative to the decorative layer 21 and the molded portion 41 deviates from its nominal position by a maximum of 0.2 mm.

[0238] It is also conceivable that the following steps be performed before and / or after step x3):

[0239] b2) A visible region 71 is formed in the transfer layer 2, wherein the visible region 71 is precisely aligned with the one or more molding elements 40, the molding portion 41, and / or the decorative layer 21, and wherein the shielding layer 22 is partially removed in the visible region 71 and / or the transmittance of the transfer layer 2 is increased in the visible region 71. Preferably, in this case, the shielding layer 22 is first applied to an area in which the visible region 71 is formed after the shielding layer 22 is processed. In particular, the visible region 71 is here generated by means of a laser. Furthermore, it is conceivable that after performing step x3), especially where the transfer film 1 is post-injected using injection molding compound 5 and after the injection molding compound 5 has cured, the visible region 71 is manufactured by means of a laser.

[0240] The visible area 71 is formed, in particular, by one or more vacancies and / or gaps, especially in the shielding layer 22. Furthermore, it is possible that the visible area 71 is arranged to overlap with the one or more molding elements 40 at least in a partial area, and / or that the shielding area 72 does not overlap with the one or more molding elements 40. For example, it is possible that the visible area 71 is formed by one or more vacancies and / or gaps in an opaque layer, wherein the opaque layer forms, for example, the shielding area 72 or a portion thereof and / or the shielding layer 22. The visible area 71 preferably includes, in addition to the vacancies and / or gaps, another layer, such as at least a decorative layer 21.

[0241] Especially in the plastic injection molded part 10, or in the method of manufacturing the plastic injection molded part, the visible area 71 may be formed or will be formed by one or more vacancies and / or gaps, especially in the shielding layer 22. It is possible that the visible area 71 is arranged to coincide with the recessed area 81 of the molding part 41 and / or the transfer layer 3 in at least a partial area, and / or the shielding area 72 does not overlap with the molding part 41. It is conceivable that the one or more vacancies and / or gaps are at least partially filled by the transfer layer 2. It is particularly possible that, during the post-injection molding 203 of the transfer film 1 with injection molding material 5 in step x3), the transfer layer 2 is deformed such that the one or more gaps and / or vacancies are at least partially filled by the transfer layer 2. This can particularly improve the edge sharpness and registration accuracy of the molding part 41.

[0242] When applying each layer of the shielding layer 22 and / or decorative layer 21, a preferred corresponding mating mark is applied to the shielding layer 22 and / or decorative layer 21. Such mating marks are, for example, crosses, circles, and / or triangles. Preferably, the mating marks are applied to at least one outer side and / or edge of the transfer film 1, such that they can be read, in particular, by means of at least one sensor. It is also possible that at least a portion of one or more patterns of the decorative layer 21 and / or shielding layer 22 can also be used as mating marks. Particularly in a subsequent step, one or more molding elements 40 and mating marks preferably belonging to one or more molding elements 40 are applied to the side of the carrier layer 3 opposite to the transfer layer 2. In order to perform step c) and / or in step c), the position of applying one or more molding elements 40 to the carrier layer 3 is set, for example, according to the position of the mating marks provided on the decorative layer 21 and shielding layer 22.

[0243] Furthermore, when one or more functional members 6 are provided to the plastic injection molded part 10, the position of the one or more functional members 6 will be oriented or has been oriented according to the mating marks provided on one or more layers of the decorative layer 21, the shielding layer 22 and / or one or more molding elements 40.

[0244] In particular, the application of one or more touch sensors utilizes printed and / or injection-molded sensor outlines. The printed and / or injection-molded sensor outlines are markings printed and / or injection-molded onto the respective touch sensors. Here, the printed and / or injection-molded sensor outlines are preferably arranged relative to one or more mating marks disposed on one or more molded elements 40, decorative layers 21, visible areas 71 and / or shielding areas 72, especially shielding layers 22. Particularly through appropriate mold design and mating marks, the respective touch sensors are preferably precisely aligned and connected to the plastic injection-molded part 10 and its components by means of the printed and / or injection-molded sensor outlines.

[0245] The transfer membrane 1 has an optional separation layer 8 between the carrier layer 3 and the transfer layer 2. The transfer layer 2 is separable from the carrier layer 3, particularly by means of the separation layer 8. Figure 4c In this process, the carrier layer 3, together with the molding element 40, is separated from the transfer layer 2. The separation layer 8 preferably has a layer thickness in the range of 1 μm to 5 μm. Regarding the material of the separation layer 8, reference is made particularly to the above-described embodiments. Preferably, the separation layer 8 has been applied or will be applied by means of gravure printing and / or slot casting, and is preferably applied to the carrier layer. In particular, the method for manufacturing the plastic injection molded part 10 may include the following step: x4) separating the carrier layer 3 from the transfer layer 2 by means of and / or using the separation layer 8.

[0246] Figure 5a , Figure 5b and Figure 5c Specifically, it shows the target Figure 4a , Figure 4b and Figure 4c The difference between the described transfer film, the described plastic injection molded part, and the described method lies in that, in particular, decorative elements 210 are contained within decorative layer 21. These form the word "telephone" as exemplarily shown herein. It is possible here that each decorative element 210, in particular each letter, is precisely aligned with the molded element 40 and with respect to the visible area 71, and correspondingly, in particular, with respect to the shielding area 72 and the shielding layer 22.

[0247] Therefore, for example, before applying one or more molding elements 40 103 to the carrier layer in step c), the position of one or more decorative elements 210, which are disposed to one or more molding elements 40, is detected by means of at least one sensor. It is conceivable that the decorative element 210 itself can be used as a mating mark. Further characteristics of the decorative layer 21 and the decorative element 210 are particularly referenced to the above-described embodiment.

[0248] Figure 6a , Figure 6b and Figure 6c Specifically, it shows the target Figure 4a , Figure 4b and Figure 4c The difference between the described transfer film 1, the described plastic injection molded part 10, and the described method lies in that the one or more molding elements 40 are arranged not to coincide with or overlap with the visible area 71. Accordingly, the recessed area 81 is not arranged in the visible area 71, for example. In this case, the molding elements 40 are arranged in a precisely aligned manner with respect to the decorative layer 21 and, in particular, with respect to the visible area 71. Thus, for example, tactile and visual information can be integrated to create precisely operable and functional operating elements. For this purpose, the plastic injection molded part may be provided with functional components 6, such as light-emitting devices and / or touch sensors, arranged in precise alignment with respect to the molding part 41.

[0249] Figure 7a , Figure 7b and Figure 7c Specifically, it shows the target Figure 4a , Figure 4b and Figure 4c The described transfer film, the described plastic injection molded part, and the described method differ in that, in Figure 7c The protective layer 25 is also shown.

[0250] The method for manufacturing the plastic injection molded part 10 further includes the following step, which is performed particularly after separating the carrier layer 3 from the transfer layer 2 in step x4):

[0251] - The transfer layer 2 and / or injection molding compound 5 are at least partially coated with a polyurethane-containing composition and / or a polyurea-containing composition, particularly for constructing at least one second protective layer 25. Therefore, it is possible that the plastic injection molded part 10 may have at least one second protective layer 25 on its outer surface, preferably on the transfer layer 2, which is constructed with a polyurethane-containing composition and / or a polyurea-containing composition.

[0252] Preferably, in this case, at least the molding portion 41, the pattern formed by the molding portion 41, and / or the area including the molding portion 41 has been cast or will be cast. This specifically achieves that the plastic injection molded part 10, while appearing to have a tactile feel, is smooth to the touch. Therefore, it is possible to provide a particular optical depth effect to the plastic injection molded part 10 through the combination of the molding portion 41 and polyurethane casting or polyurea casting. This also particularly reduces wear phenomena, such as abrasion.

[0253] Advantageously, protective layer 24 and protective layer 25 are coordinated with each other. The composition of protective layers 24 and 25 is particularly referenced to the above description regarding at least one first protective layer and at least one second protective layer.

[0254] Figure 8 A plastic injection molded part 10 is shown as described with respect to any of Figures 3, 4, 5, and / or 6. The plastic injection molded part 10 here includes, for example, a sensor 9, which is particularly a touch sensor. Here, the sensor 9 is arranged on the injection molding 5 on its side opposite the transfer layer 2. Furthermore, the plastic injection molded part 10 here also has, for example, an electrode 11 with LEDs 12, which is connected to the sensor 9 via optical isolation 13. The sensor 9 is preferably in direct contact with surrounding components, preferably the injection molding 5. In a preferred design variant, an additional layer for improving optical isolation is provided between the sensor 9 and the injection molding 5. It is also possible that at least one adhesive layer, at least one diffuser layer, and / or at least one light-guiding layer are provided between the sensor 9 and the injection molding 5.

[0255] The LED 12 is precisely aligned with the visible area 71, the decorative layer 21, and the molding part 41.

[0256] It is also possible that the protective layer 25 described for 7c is arranged partially or over the entire surface of the protective layer 24.

[0257] Figure 9The diagram illustrates another schematic design variation of the transfer film 1, particularly the IMD transfer film 1, which has a carrier layer 3 and a transfer layer 2 including a decorative layer 21. The transfer layer 2 is disposed on the carrier layer 3 and includes one or more molding elements 40, which are applied to the carrier layer 3 and precisely aligned with the decorative layer 21. Preferably, a release layer 8 is disposed between the carrier layer 3 and the transfer layer 2. Alternatively, the transfer layer 2 may have a release layer 8. In addition to the decorative layer 21, the transfer layer 2 in this embodiment also has a protective layer, a masking layer 22, and a primer 23. The protective layer is disposed between the decorative layer 21 and the release layer 8, and the masking layer and the primer are disposed below the decorative layer. Here, the masking layer 22 is disposed in a masked area 72 and not in a visible area 71. One or more molding elements are disposed in a raised area 82 and not in a recessed area 81.

[0258] List of reference numerals

[0259] 1. Transfer membrane

[0260] 11 circuit boards

[0261] 12 LED

[0262] 13 Optical isolation

[0263] 2. Transfer Layer

[0264] 21 Decorative Layer

[0265] 210 Decorative Components

[0266] 22. Shielding layer

[0267] 23 Primer

[0268] 24 Protective Layer

[0269] 25 Protective Layer

[0270] 3. Carrier layer

[0271] 40 Molded Components

[0272] 41 Molding Section

[0273] 5 Injection Molding

[0274] 6 Functional Components

[0275] 71 Visible Area

[0276] 72. Sheltered Area

[0277] 8 Separation Layer

[0278] 81. Depressed area

[0279] 82 Uplifted Area

[0280] 9 sensors

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a transfer membrane (1), wherein, Perform the following steps: a) Provide a carrier layer (3). b) Provide a transfer layer (2) including a decorative layer (21), wherein the transfer layer (2) is disposed on the carrier layer (3); or provide a transfer layer (2) including a decorative layer (21) and dispose of the transfer layer (2) on the carrier layer (3). c) Applying one or more molding elements (40) to the carrier layer (3), wherein the one or more molding elements (40) have a three-dimensional shape, and applying the one or more molding elements in precise alignment with the decorative layer (21). In step c), at least one of the following printing methods is performed: - Apply one or more layers of the one or more molding elements by means of gravure printing and / or flexographic printing and / or screen printing; - Apply one or more first layers of the one or more molded elements (40) using a digital printing method; - Apply the last layer applied in step c) to the one or more molding elements (40) using a digital printing method; - Apply the one or more molding elements (40) by means of 3D printing. The method further includes the following steps: b1) Provide a shielding area (72) in the transfer layer (2) that does not overlap with the one or more molding elements (40) and a visible area (71) that overlaps with the one or more molding elements (40) in at least a portion of the area. For one or more of the decorative layer (21), the visible area (71), and / or the shielding area (72), corresponding mating marks are applied to the respective layers, and in a subsequent step, the one or more molding elements (40) and the associated mating marks are applied to the side of the carrier layer (3) opposite to the transfer layer (2). The transfer layer is transparent to visible light in the visible area and has a transmittance greater than 75%, while the transfer layer is opaque to visible light in the shaded area, wherein opacity means having a transmittance of 0% to 10%. The one or more molding elements have a constant layer thickness at least in the visible area.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transfer layer is applied to the first side of the carrier layer or the transfer layer (2) is applied to the first side of the carrier layer (3), and one or more molding elements (40) are applied to the second side of the carrier layer (3) opposite to the first side.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The one or more molding elements (40) form one or more patterns.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The one or more molding elements (40) are mechanically stable and / or have a glass transition temperature greater than 200°C.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, In step c), one or more first layers of the one or more molding elements (40) are applied by means of an inkjet printing method.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The last layer applied to the one or more molding elements (40) in step c) is applied using an inkjet printing method.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, In step c), two or more layers of the one or more molding elements (40) are applied overlapping each other.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, At least one of the one or more molding elements (40) has a layer thickness in the range of 1 μm to 200 μm.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The fitting tolerance between the one or more molded elements (40) and the decorative layer (21) is in the range of 0.05 mm to 1.0 mm.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The decorative layer (21) has one or more decorative elements (210) applied by means of one or more layers selected from: one or more colored layers, one or more reflective layers, one or more optically active and / or optically variable structures.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, In step b1), a visible region (71) is generated in the transfer layer (2) having a higher transmittance than the shielding region (72), and / or a shielding region (72) is formed by means of a shielding layer (22) in such a way that the shielding layer (22) reduces the transmittance of the transfer layer (2) in the shielding region (72).

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The visible area (71) is formed by one or more vacancies and / or gaps in the shielding layer (22).

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The one or more molded elements (40) are arranged in precise alignment with the visible area (71) and / or the occluded area (72).

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The fitting tolerance between the one or more molded elements (40) and the visible area (71) and / or the occluded area (72) is in the range of 0.05 mm to 1.0 mm.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The overlay tolerance between the decorative layer (21) and the visible area (71) and / or the shading area (72) is in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.4 mm.

16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The maximum fitting tolerance between the one or more molded elements (40) and / or decorative layers (21) and / or visible areas (71) and / or shielding areas (72) is in the range of 0.15 mm to 0.6 mm.

17. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The transfer layer (2) is provided with at least one first protective layer (24).

18. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The carrier layer (3) has a tensile strength up to tear in the range of 110% to 135%, and / or a tensile strength in the range of 15 kpsi to 50 kpsi, and / or an elastic modulus in the range of 100 kpsi to 1000 kpsi.

19. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The carrier layer (3) has a coating on at least one main surface of the carrier layer, the coating being selected from one or more of the following components: polyacrylate, polymethyl methacrylate, polyurethane, polyester, polyether, polyolefin, epoxy resin and / or derivatives of the above components.

20. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, A primer layer (23) is provided for the transfer film (1).

21. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The carrier layer (3) can be separated from the transfer layer (2).

22. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, In step c), the position of applying the one or more molding elements (40) to the carrier layer (3) is set according to the position of one or more mating marks, which are detected by means of at least one sensor, wherein the one or more mating marks respectively identify the position of one or more of the decorative layer (21), the visible area (71) and / or the shading area (72) relative to the carrier layer (3) and / or the position of each other.

23. A method for manufacturing a plastic injection molded part, wherein the plastic injection molded part is coated with a transfer film (1), wherein, The method includes the following steps: x1) provides a transfer film (1), wherein the transfer film (1) has a carrier layer (3) and a transfer layer (2) including a decorative layer (21), wherein the transfer layer is disposed on the carrier layer or the transfer layer (2) is disposed on the carrier layer (3). x2) One or more molding elements (40) are provided on the carrier layer (3), wherein the one or more molding elements (40) have a three-dimensional shape and are applied in precise alignment with the decorative layer (21). x3) ​​After injection molding with plastic (5), the transfer film (1) is injection molded, wherein, by the action of the plastic (5) on the transfer film (1), the three-dimensional shape of the molding part (41) of the one or more molding elements (40) and the decorative layer (21) are precisely aligned and introduced into the transfer layer (2). The transfer layer (2) has a shielding area (72) that does not overlap with the one or more molding elements (40) and a visible area (71) that overlaps with the one or more molding elements (40) in at least a portion of the area, and after the transfer film (1) is injection molded with the injection molding material (5), one or more functional components (6) are provided for the plastic injection molded part, and The one or more functional components are arranged in a manner that precisely aligns with the molding portion (41) and with one or both of the visible area (71) and the shielding area (72). A functional component is a component that has electrical functions. The transfer layer is transparent to visible light in the visible area and has a transmittance greater than 75%, while the transfer layer is opaque to visible light in the shaded area, wherein opacity means having a transmittance of 0% to 10%. The one or more molding elements have a constant layer thickness at least in the visible area, such that the transfer layer does not have a change in layer thickness in the visible area when the molding part overlaps with the visible area.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that, When the transfer film (1) is injection molded after the injection molding plastic (5) in step x3), a recessed area (81) is generated in the transfer layer (2), the recessed area is formed by the molding part (41), and / or a raised area (82) is formed in the transfer layer (2) when the transfer film (1) is injection molded after the injection molding plastic (5) in step x3).

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that, The raised area and / or the recessed area have a minimum line width and / or minimum dot size in the range of 0.025 mm to less than 0.1 mm.

26. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 25, characterized in that, Before and / or after step x3), the following steps are performed: b2) a visible area (71) is created in the transfer layer (2), wherein the visible area (71) is precisely aligned with one or more molding elements (40), the molding portion (41) and / or the decorative layer (21), a masking layer (22) is partially removed in the visible area (71), the masking layer reducing the transmittance of the transfer layer in the masking area, and / or increasing the transmittance of the transfer layer (2) in the visible area (71).

27. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 25, characterized in that, The one or more functional components are arranged on the side of the injection molding compound (5) opposite to the transfer layer.

28. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that, The one or more functional components (6) have at least one of the following components: one or more sensors (9), one or more light-emitting devices, one or more light guide components, one or more circuit boards, or combinations thereof.

29. The method according to claim 28, characterized in that, The one or more light-emitting devices are arranged on the side of the transfer layer (2) away from the carrier layer (3) before the post-injection molding of the transfer film (1) in step x3), and are connected to the transfer layer (2) during the post-injection molding.

30. The method according to claim 28 or 29, characterized in that, The one or more sensors (9) are introduced by means of bonding, lamination, in-mold coating and / or functional membrane bonding.

31. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that, The one or more sensors (9) and / or the one or more light-emitting devices and the one or more molding elements (40), the molding portion (41), the decorative layer (21), the visible area (71) and / or the shielding area (72) are arranged in precise alignment with each other.

32. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 25, characterized in that, The maximum fitting tolerance between the one or more functional components (6) and the one or more molding elements (40), the molding portion (41), the decorative layer (21), the visible area (71) and / or the shielding area (72) is 0.3 mm.

33. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 25, characterized in that, The method further includes the following steps after the carrier layer (3) is separated from the transfer layer (2): - At least locally, a polyurethane-containing composition and / or a polyurea-containing composition are used to extend the transfer layer (2) and / or inject plastic (5).

34. A transfer film (1) manufactured by the method of any one of claims 1 to 22, the transfer film having a carrier layer (3) and a transfer layer (2) including a decorative layer (21), wherein, The transfer layer (2) is disposed on the carrier layer (3) and includes one or more molding elements (40), wherein the one or more molding elements (40) are applied on the carrier layer (3) and applied to be precisely aligned with the decorative layer (21).

35. The transfer membrane (1) according to claim 34, characterized in that, The transfer layer (2) is arranged on a first side of the carrier layer (3), and the one or more molding elements (40) are arranged on a second side of the carrier layer (3) opposite to the first side.

36. The transfer membrane (1) according to claim 34, characterized in that, The one or more molding elements (40) form one or more patterns.

37. The transfer membrane (1) according to any one of claims 34 to 36, characterized in that, One or more first layers of the one or more molding elements (40) have inkjet printing ink.

38. The transfer membrane (1) according to any one of claims 34 to 36, characterized in that, One or more first layers of the one or more molding elements (40) are made of inkjet printing ink.

39. The transfer membrane (1) according to any one of claims 34 to 36, characterized in that, At least one layer of the outer surface of the forming transfer film (1) of the one or more forming elements (40) has inkjet printing ink.

40. The transfer membrane (1) according to any one of claims 34 to 36, characterized in that, At least one layer of the outer surface of the forming transfer film (1) of the one or more forming elements (40) is composed of inkjet printing ink.

41. The transfer membrane (1) according to any one of claims 34 to 36, characterized in that, Two or more layers of the one or more molding elements (40) are applied overlapping each other.

42. The transfer membrane (1) according to any one of claims 34 to 36, characterized in that, At least one of the molding elements (40) has a layer thickness in the range of 1 μm to 200 μm.

43. The transfer membrane (1) according to any one of claims 34 to 36, characterized in that, The one or more molding elements (40) are mechanically stable and / or have a glass transition temperature greater than 200°C.

44. The transfer membrane (1) according to any one of claims 34 to 36, characterized in that, The one or more molding elements (40) include a separating agent for improving the separation characteristics of the injection mold.

45. The transfer membrane (1) according to any one of claims 34 to 36, characterized in that, The transfer layer (2) has a shielded area (72) and a visible area (71).

46. ​​The transfer membrane (1) according to claim 45, characterized in that, The transfer layer (2) has a visible area (71) with a higher transmittance than the shielding area (72), and / or forms a shielding area (72) by means of a shielding layer (22) which reduces the transmittance of the transfer layer (2) in the shielding area (72).

47. The transfer membrane (1) according to claim 45, characterized in that, The one or more molded elements (40) are arranged in precise alignment with the visible area (71) and / or the shading area (72).

48. The transfer membrane (1) according to claim 45, characterized in that, The visible area (71) is formed by one or more empty spaces and / or blank areas.

49. The transfer membrane (1) according to claim 45, characterized in that, The visible area (71) is arranged to overlap with the one or more molding elements (40) in at least a portion of the area, and the shading area (72) does not overlap with the one or more molding elements (40).

50. The transfer membrane (1) according to any one of claims 34 to 36, characterized in that, The shielding layer (22) includes one or more layers selected from: one or more colored layers, one or more reflective layers, one or more optically active and / or optically variable structures; And / or the decorative layer (21) has one or more decorative elements (210) which are applied by means of one or more layers selected from: one or more colored layers, one or more reflective layers, one or more optically active and / or optically variable structures.

51. The transfer membrane (1) according to any one of claims 46 to 49, characterized in that, The carrier layer (3) has a coating on at least one main surface of the carrier layer, and the coating of the carrier layer (3) is selected from one or more of the following components: polyacrylate, polymethyl methacrylate, polyurethane, polyester, polyether, polyolefin, epoxy resin and / or derivatives of the above components.

52. The transfer membrane (1) according to any one of claims 46 to 49, characterized in that, The transfer layer (2) is provided with at least one first protective layer (24).

53. The transfer membrane (1) according to any one of claims 46 to 49, characterized in that, The transfer film (1) is provided with a primer layer (23).

54. The transfer membrane (1) according to any one of claims 46 to 49, characterized in that, The transfer membrane (1) has a separation layer (8) between the carrier layer (3) and the transfer layer.

55. A plastic injection molded part manufactured by the method according to any one of claims 23 to 33, comprising a transfer layer (2) injection molded after injection molding with the injection plastic (5) and a transfer film (1), wherein, The transfer layer (2) includes a decorative layer (21) and a three-dimensional molded portion (41), wherein the molded portion (41) is introduced in precise alignment with the decorative layer (21), the molded portion (41) is formed by means of one or more molding elements (40), the transfer layer (2) has a shielding area (72) that does not overlap with the one or more molding elements (40) and / or a visible area (71) that is arranged to coincide with the one or more molding elements (40) in at least a portion of the area, the plastic injection molded part has one or more functional components (6), and the one or more functional components (6) and the one or more molding elements (40), the molded portion (41), the decorative layer (21), the visible area (71) and / or the shielding area (72) are arranged in precise alignment with each other.

56. The plastic injection molded part according to claim 55, characterized in that, The one or more molding elements (40) and / or the carrier layer (3) are removed from the plastic injection molded part.

57. The plastic injection molded part according to claim 55, characterized in that, The plastic injection molded part is precisely aligned with the molding part (41) and the decorative layer (21) and has a visible area (71) and / or a shielding area (72).

58. The plastic injection molded part according to claim 57, characterized in that, The visible area (71) is formed by one or more empty spaces and / or blank areas.

59. The plastic injection molded part according to any one of claims 55 to 58, characterized in that, The visible area (71) is arranged to coincide with the recessed area (81) of the molding part (41) and / or the transfer layer (2) in at least a portion of the area, and / or the shielding area (72) does not overlap with the molding part (41).

60. The plastic injection molded part according to claim 58, characterized in that, The visible area (71) is arranged to coincide with the recessed area (81) of the molding part (41) and / or the transfer layer (2) in at least a portion of the area, and / or the shielding area (72) does not overlap with the molding part (41).

61. The plastic injection molded part according to any one of claims 55 to 58, characterized in that, The molding portion (41) is arranged such that the molding portion (41) does not impair the transmissivity of the decorative layer (21) and / or the shielding layer (22) and / or the injection molding material (5).

62. The plastic injection molded part according to any one of claims 55 to 58, characterized in that, The one or more functional components have at least one of the following components: one or more sensors (9), one or more light-emitting devices, one or more light guide components, one or more circuit boards, and / or combinations thereof.

63. The plastic injection molded part according to claim 62, characterized in that, The one or more sensors (9), and / or the one or more light-emitting devices, and the one or more molding elements (40), the molding portion (41), the decorative layer (21), the visible area (71) and / or the shielding area (72) are arranged in precise alignment with each other.

64. The plastic injection molded part according to any one of claims 55 to 58, characterized in that, The maximum fitting tolerance between the one or more functional components (6) and the one or more molding elements (40), the molding portion (41), the decorative layer (21), the visible area (71) and / or the shielding area (72) is 0.3 mm.

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