Metallized plastic component with a translucent structure in day and night design; method for manufacturing the plastic component

Abstract

Metallized plastic component (10) comprising a base body (20) made of at least one translucent plastic, onto which a metal layer (30) is applied, in which at least one translucent structure (40;41;42;43) is incorporated, wherein the at least one translucent structure (40;41;42;43) is formed by a region of the metal layer (30) in which several translucent openings (50;51;52;53) are arranged in a dot matrix, characterized in that the translucent openings (50;51;52;53) - are chosen in their number and / or dimensions such that at least one translucent structure (40;41;42;43) can be backlit, - are sufficiently large and spaced apart from each other so that, when backlit, an optically continuous surface is formed which is visible on the metal layer (30) when backlit, and - are simultaneously chosen such that the at least one translucent structure (40;41;42;43) appears optically almost like a continuous metal surface without backlighting.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a metallized plastic component comprising a base body made of at least one translucent plastic, onto which a metal layer is applied, into which at least one translucent structure is incorporated.

[0002] The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing such a plastic component.

[0003] It is known from the prior art to metallize the surface of plastic components to give them an attractive appearance, particularly for decorative reasons. This is done, for example, for operating elements in motor vehicles such as handles, buttons, knobs, and gearshift knobs, but also for trim strips, speakers, etc. Such plastic components are also frequently used in household appliances.

[0004] Two main methods are used to produce metallized elements from plastic. These are based either on the metallization of a plastic component using PVD (physical vapor deposition) or on the electroplating of a plastic element using electrochemical processes. Both methods allow for the application of durable metal coatings to plastic components, although they each have different advantages and disadvantages. For example, it is problematic to metallize control elements using PVD in such a way that the metal layer deposited on the plastic component exhibits sufficient abrasion and corrosion resistance without an additional protective layer, such as a transparent protective lacquer.Furthermore, plastic components metallized using PVD processes do not exhibit the often-desired "cold touch" due to the thin layers of the applied metal coatings; that is, the feel of the metallized plastic component does not correspond to that of a metal part. Electroplating of plastic components has therefore proven to be more advantageous, particularly in the area of ​​control elements in motor vehicles.

[0005] Often, such a plastic component is intended to be partially backlit, with a translucent symbol embedded in the metal layer that remains clearly visible even in the dark. This symbol can be formed in the metal layer in various ways. For example, patent DE 102 08 674 B4 describes a method for manufacturing operating, decorative, or display elements with backlit symbols, in which an area of ​​the plastic component is first covered on the back side to prevent electroplating of the plastic in that area. The covering can be achieved, for example, with a sticker or a so-called stop lacquer. Subsequently, a thin metal layer is applied, which can, however, be easily removed in the area of ​​the symbol.Subsequently, the metallic surface coating can be completed in the remaining area of ​​the metal layer by electroplating, while preserving the symbolism.

[0006] This allows for the production of plastic components that can be backlit by light sources such as LEDs and / or fiber optics, creating an attractive appearance in what is known as night design. The shape of the backlit structure is almost entirely customizable. However, depending on the structure and the requirements of the component, it can be disadvantageous if the structure is also visible in daylight without backlighting. In some cases, the structure may be so prominent or conspicuous under these conditions that it detracts from the desired daytime appearance of the component.

[0007] From DE 10 2010 053 165 A1, a method for producing illuminable or translucent metallized, in particular electroplated, plastic components with haptic and optical interrupted structures is known. Island structures made of electrostatically stable lacquer are applied to an electroplatable plastic component. The subsequent electroplating of the components takes place on the uncoated areas, whereby only the islands in the surrounding structures remain uncoated and the structures around the islands are coated.

[0008] DE 10 2013 109 361 A1 further discloses a metallized control element comprising a plastic blank which has at least one area made of a plastic with which a galvanizable area has been created by pretreatment steps, wherein a decorative metal layer is applied to the galvanizable area which is provided with a symbol, wherein a pretreated plastic of the plastic blank in the area of ​​the symbol is at least partially free of the decorative metal layer and a transparent protective layer is applied at least to the exposed plastic surface in the area of ​​the symbol.

[0009] DE 10 2012 219 995 A1 discloses a partially metallized two-component plastic part formed from an elongated plastic blank comprising at least a first area made of a first plastic and a second area made of a second plastic, wherein the first plastic of the first area is a plastic with which a galvanizable area can be produced by pretreatment steps, while the second plastic of the second area is a plastic with which a galvanizable area cannot be produced by the same pretreatment steps, and the galvanizable area is provided with a metal decorative layer, characterized in that a backlit, elongated linear structure is incorporated into the metal decorative layer.

[0010] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a metallized plastic component with a backlit structure which, without backlighting in the so-called day design, can have the appearance of a metal layer.

[0011] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a plastic component according to independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the plastic component are described in dependent claims 2-9. Furthermore, the problem is solved by a method according to independent claim 10. Advantageous embodiments of this method are described in claims 11-14.

[0012] The metallized plastic component according to the invention comprises a base body made of at least one translucent plastic, onto which a metal layer is applied, in which at least one translucent structure is incorporated. This at least one translucent structure is formed by a region in the metal layer in which several translucent openings are arranged in a dot matrix. In a region of the metal layer in which a translucent structure is to be formed, this region is therefore not completely free of material from the metal layer, but rather this region is formed by a translucent lattice structure with a plurality of suitable openings.According to the invention, the number and / or dimensions of the translucent openings are selected such that the at least one translucent structure can be backlit, and these openings are sufficiently large and spaced apart from each other so that, when backlit, an optically continuous surface is created which is visible on the metal layer, and at the same time are selected such that the at least one translucent structure appears optically approximately like a continuous metal surface.

[0013] This has the advantage that the number and dimensions of the openings in the dot matrix within a structure can be selected to fulfill the given optical task. In particular, the parameters can be chosen so that the surface of the structure is sufficiently translucent in nighttime design to make the structure clearly visible. Simultaneously, the parameters can be chosen so that, without backlighting, the structure is barely perceptible in daytime design, i.e., it has an appearance almost identical to a continuous metal layer.

[0014] However, partial visibility of the structure may also be desired in the daytime design. With appropriate selection of the dot matrix parameters, the structure will then be well illuminated in the nighttime design, but still recognizable in the daytime design. However, the parameters are chosen to result in a visually appealing daytime design.

[0015] The translucent structure can be applied to only a portion of the component's metal layer, for example, to create a symbol or decorative element. Alternatively, the entire metal layer can be structured with a dot matrix consisting of numerous openings, resulting in a plastic component that is fully translucent in nighttime design. Without backlighting, the component appears as a fully metallized part with a corresponding metallic decorative effect in daytime design.

[0016] Furthermore, structures such as symbols, lettering, graphic elements, etc., can be formed within a metal surface in such a way that the respective structure is translucent. However, it is also possible to create a structure using a metal surface located within a translucent area. In this case, it would not be the structure itself that would be translucent, but rather the area surrounding the structure. In this way, the structure would also be recognizable in nighttime design, while it would be virtually invisible during the day or at least have an appealing appearance.

[0017] The openings within the dot matrix or grid structure can be arranged in various patterns. These can be, for example, ordered or disordered patterns. Preferably, however, regular patterns are used, with the openings being arranged in several rows. This has the advantage that the openings fill an area as uniformly as possible, and the distance between adjacent openings in a row can be chosen to be approximately equal. This contributes to a homogeneous appearance of the grid structure formed by the openings.

[0018] The shape of the openings can also vary. For example, round, rectangular, or square openings are possible. Openings with a polygonal shape and rounded corners have proven advantageous, but good results have also been achieved with rectangular openings with rounded corners.

[0019] Crucial for the desired day and night design are the dimensions of the apertures and their spacing. A maximum aperture size between 0.02 and 0.3 mm has proven advantageous. Within this range, both nearly invisible and partially visible structures can be created. For nearly invisible structures, for example, a range between 0.02 and 0.08 mm has proven beneficial, achieving the desired optical effect. With round apertures, particularly good results were obtained with diameters between 0.04 and 0.06 mm. The translucency of the structures decreased with diameters below 0.04 mm, while apertures with diameters above 0.06 mm were so large that the structure was relatively conspicuous without backlighting.

[0020] However, the optimal size of the openings also depends on the requirements of the specific component. For example, to create partially visible structures, sizes between 0.09 and 0.3 mm have proven advantageous. Particularly good results have been achieved between 0.07 and 0.15 mm.

[0021] A spacing between the centers of adjacent openings of between 0.1 and 0.2 mm has proven advantageous. In particular, good results were achieved with a spacing of 0.12 mm. Openings directly next to each other in a row are considered adjacent.

[0022] Metallization of the plastic base body can be achieved in various ways. For example, PVD processes or electroplating of a suitable plastic can be used. Suitable plastics include polyamide, ABS, or ABS / polycarbonate blends. The thickness of the metal layer can range from 10 to 50 µm.

[0023] The openings for the formation of the translucent grid structure can be introduced into the metal layer after its production, or created during the metal layer's production process. This can be achieved, for example, by masking specific areas and / or laser ablation.

[0024] The invention also encompasses a method for producing a metallized plastic component with at least one translucent structure in a metal layer, in which a metal layer is produced on a base body, the metal layer being formed by one or more layers. To create the at least one translucent structure in a region of the metal layer, the metal layer is structured, whereby several openings in the form of a dot matrix are created in the metal layer.According to the invention, the number and / or dimensions of the translucent openings are selected such that the at least one translucent structure can be backlit, and these openings are sufficiently large and spaced apart from each other so that, when backlit, an optically continuous surface is created which is visible on the metal layer, and at the same time are selected such that the at least one translucent structure appears optically approximately like a continuous metal surface.

[0025] This can be achieved particularly advantageously through an electroplating process, which comprises the following process steps: a) Production of a plastic blank, b) Chemical or physical deposition of an electrically conductive first metal layer onto the plastic blank, c) Structuring the first metal layer by partial removal to form a structure, and d) Electrochemical deposition of at least one second metal layer onto the structured first metal layer, The structuring of the first metal layer is carried out by means of laser ablation, in which several openings in the form of a point matrix are lasered into the first metal layer to form a structure.

[0026] In this embodiment of the inventive method, the structure is not laser-etched into a finished metal layer, but rather into a first metal layer that is initially created on a plastic blank for electroplating. During the subsequent electrochemical deposition of a second metal layer, the laser-etched openings are not coated with this second metal layer, so that corresponding openings also result in the resulting metal layer.

[0027] The contours of the laser-cut openings are typically softened by the subsequent electroplating, which can reduce the requirements for laser ablation. Rectangular or polygonal openings would have rounded corners after electroplating. For example, it is not necessary to laser-cut circular openings into a first metal layer to obtain approximately round openings in the resulting decorative layer. Rather, openings can also be created by several closely spaced laser lines. For example, one embodiment of the invention provides that each opening is formed by at least two lines laser-cut side by side into the first metal layer in the same orientation. Preferably, three such lines are laser-cut side by side into the first metal layer in the same orientation.

[0028] These lines, if of equal length, form a rectangle with slightly rounded corners. During the subsequent electroplating process, metal is deposited at the edges of the openings, softening the corners so that the shape of the resulting opening approximates a circle. If a middle line is chosen with a greater length than the other two, a rectangle is also formed, whose corners become softer during electroplating. The maximum extent of the openings laser-cut into the first metal layer is therefore chosen to be slightly larger than the maximum extent of the desired openings in the resulting metal layer.

[0029] In this way, a plastic component can be advantageously produced according to one of the described embodiments, wherein the translucent structure can be easily manufactured by laser-etching an intermediate layer onto a galvanizable plastic blank. The contours of the openings are softened by the subsequent galvanizing, which can improve the optical appearance of the structure, particularly in tag designs.

[0030] Further advantages, special features and expedient further developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and the following presentation of preferred embodiments with reference to the illustrations.

[0031] The illustrations show: Fig. 1 a schematic section through an embodiment of the plastic component according to the invention; Fig. 2 a schematic top view of a plastic component with two backlit structures; Fig. 3. A flowchart of the steps in a possible process for manufacturing a metallized plastic component; Fig. 4 a schematic top view of a plastic component with a backlit structure within a surface; Fig. 5 a schematic top view of a plastic component with a structure within a backlit area; Fig. 6. An enlarged view of rectangular openings within a backlit structure; and Fig. 7 An enlarged view of approximately round openings within a backlit structure.

[0032] The schematic representation of the Fig. Figure 1 shows a cross-section through an exemplary embodiment of the plastic component 10 according to the invention. The component 10 consists of at least one transparent base body 20 onto which a metal layer 30 is applied. For the sake of simplicity, the metal layer 30 is shown to be relatively thick compared to the base body 20, with the thickness of the metal layer 30 being, for example, on the order of 10–30 µm, while the base body 20 is many times thicker. The base body 20 is, for example, thick enough to form a stable component for the intended application, while still allowing light to pass through it. Its thickness can be, for example, greater than 2 mm, and in particular greater than 4 mm.

[0033] A large number of openings are incorporated into the metal layer 30, of which in the Fig. 1. Only two openings are shown, for example, designated by reference numerals 50 and 51. These openings completely penetrate the metal layer 30, and the base body 20 is translucent, allowing the component to be backlit by a light source. Light can thus pass through the base body 20 and the openings 50 and 51, thereby forming a luminous structure on the metal layer 30. Fig. 1 Several openings form two structures 40 and 41, as also shown in the schematic top view of the Fig. 2 can be seen. Fig. Figure 1 shows a section through several of these openings.

[0034] The size of the openings in the figures is not to scale; they are many times smaller, so that a structure is formed with far more openings than is shown in the figures for the sake of simplicity.

[0035] The backlighting of a plastic component, and thus of a structure, can be achieved in various ways. For example, one or more light sources can be placed behind the base body. LEDs are particularly suitable as light sources. A base body in the form of a light guide can also be used for backlighting structures.

[0036] Structures 40 and 41 in Fig. Figure 2 illustrates simple structures as examples. Structure 40 completely covers a left area of ​​component 10, demonstrating how a component could be structured to appear entirely in the backlit night and day designs with a metallic appearance. The remaining area of ​​the metal layer of component 10 could also be provided with the lattice structure of structure 40.

[0037] The second structure, 41, forms the letter "T" to illustrate how the component can be partially structured to create a symbolic representation. However, any other structures such as words, numbers, symbols, patterns, elongated lines, etc., can also be chosen. Structures 40 and 41 are each formed by a multitude of openings that create a correspondingly shaped dot matrix. A transilluminated area within the metal layer 30 is thus formed by a region containing multiple openings.

[0038] The shape of the openings in the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 2 are approximately circular, with a polygon having slightly rounded corners. The openings are arranged in several rows in the dot matrix. In the right-hand structure 41, the individual rows run at an angle of 90° to the side faces of component 10. In the left-hand structure 40, these rows are offset from each other, or rather, the grid structure is rotated by 45°.

[0039] According to the invention, the number and dimensions of the openings of the respective structures 40, 41 are selected such that the structures can be backlit, i.e., the openings are sufficiently large and spaced apart from one another so that, when backlit, an optically continuous surface is created, which is visible on the metal layer 30. Without backlighting, however, a structure does not appear as a non-uniform surface with a multitude of openings; rather, according to the invention, the dimensions of the openings are simultaneously selected such that a structure without backlighting appears optically approximately like a continuous metal surface.

[0040] Fig. Figure 3 shows a flowchart of the steps in a possible process for manufacturing such a plastic component.

[0041] In process step 1, a body made of a galvanizable plastic (e.g., ABS / polycarbonate blend) is produced, for example, by injection molding. This can be done using a conventional injection molding process, or the body can be formed from a two-component plastic part, where one component consists of a galvanizable plastic and the other of a non-galvanizable plastic (e.g., polycarbonate).

[0042] In the subsequent process step 2, at least the surface of the electroplatable layer of the component is subjected to a pickling process in which the butadiene components are dissolved from the surface of the ABS plastic component. This process step is preferably carried out in a chromium sulfuric acid bath. In addition to roughening the electroplatable surface of the plastic component, contaminants are removed from the electroplatable surface, in particular any adhering organic contaminants.

[0043] In process step 3, the electroplatable surface of the base body is activated; that is, the surface is seeded with palladium nuclei from a colloidal solution, for example, whereby the palladium nuclei are preferably covered by a tin protective colloid. The tin protective colloid is removed by washing, resulting in a surface with active palladium.

[0044] In process step 4, an electrically conductive first metal layer is chemically applied to the activated surface of the base body, i.e., without the application of an electroplating current. For this purpose, the base body is immersed in a suitable nickel bath, from which nickel is deposited onto the activated surface of the base body (so-called "chemical nickel plating"). The resulting thin nickel layer ("first metal layer") has, for example, a thickness of 1 µm.

[0045] In an alternative process, the electroplatable surface of the base body is activated in process step 3a. This means the surface is seeded with palladium nuclei from a colloidal solution, where the palladium nuclei are preferably covered by a protective tin colloid. In a process step not shown, this protective tin colloid is replaced with copper in an alkaline solution. The resulting copper layer provides sufficiently high coverage and thus electrical conductivity to allow electrochemical plating without further intermediate steps (such as the deposition of electroless nickel / electroless copper). This process is also known as direct metallization.

[0046] Furthermore, it is known that the sequence of process steps not shown in the figure – sources of the plastic (ABS, ABS-PC, PC, PES, PEI, PEEK, etc.), pickling in an oxidizing solution (chromic sulfuric acid, potassium permanganate, etc.), activation in a metal complex-containing solution, crosslinking by formation of metal sulfides in an alkaline sulfide solution and finally electrochemical plating in a metal bath – makes it possible to dispense with a time-consuming electroless deposition of chemical nickel or chemical copper.

[0047] In the optional process step 5, the thickness of the thin nickel layer is increased by several hundred nanometers by electrochemical deposition of nickel or copper at low current to increase the conductivity and / or current-carrying capacity of the first metal layer (“pre-nickel”, “pre-copper”).

[0048] In the next process step, which is not shown, the base body covered with the first metal layer (i.e., a thin nickel layer and, if applicable, a layer of pre-nickel or pre-copper) on the electroplatable surface is removed from the electroplating process, washed, and dried.

[0049] In the next process step, 6, the first metal layer is structured using a laser to create at least one structure in the resulting metal layer, or to structure the metal layer almost completely. This can be done, for example, with an IR marking laser. The plastic blank is suitablely fixed to a fixture, and an Nd:YAG or CO2 laser can be used for laser ablation. To create the desired openings in the resulting structure, openings of similar shape can be laser-etched into the first metal layer. These can be circles, ovals, rectangles, polygons, lines, etc.

[0050] It has been found that a suitable opening shape can be created, for example, by laser-cutting several lines side by side into the first metal layer. This forms a rectangle or polygon with slightly rounded corners. For instance, three laser-cut lines are used. These can be of the same length, or a middle line can be longer than the top and bottom lines. During the subsequent electroplating process, the corners of these openings are further rounded, so that the opening approximates a round shape or at least its corners become rounded.

[0051] Subsequently, one or more of the plastic blanks produced in this way, now with a structured first metal layer, are subjected to the electroplating process. In the next process step 7, a first metallic intermediate layer is electroplated in a first (or second, if a copper or nickel undercoat was applied) electrochemical plating step. This layer typically consists of copper and has a thickness of between 10 and 20 micrometers.

[0052] In subsequent process steps 8 and 9, a second intermediate layer of nickel is electroplated onto the first copper layer. This can be, for example, a single layer of matte nickel with a thickness of 5–10 micrometers. Alternatively, the second intermediate layer can also be a sequence of layers consisting of bright nickel, semi-bright nickel, matte nickel, microporous nickel, and / or cracked nickel. A layer structure of approximately 5 micrometers of semi-bright nickel, onto which a subsequent layer of approximately 5 micrometers of matte or bright nickel (depending on the desired appearance of the finished metallized surface) is applied, has proven effective in practice. Due to the positive properties of semi-bright nickel, this layer structure exhibits high corrosion resistance.If the metallized components are intended for use in a highly corrosive environment, it has proven advantageous to use at least one intermediate layer of cracked nickel, in particular a layer sequence of semi-bright nickel, bright or matte nickel and cracked nickel for the second intermediate layer.

[0053] Finally, in process step 10, a layer of a decorative metal, such as chromium, is electroplated onto the second intermediate layer of nickel. Typical thicknesses of this decorative layer are generally between 100 nanometers and a few micrometers, preferably at least 300 nanometers in the case of chromium.

[0054] Finally, in a concluding process step (not shown), a layer of lacquer can be applied, which can, for example, change or improve the appearance of the metal layer applied to the front or its corrosion resistance.

[0055] Components produced in this way can be subjected to a transmitted light test at the end of the manufacturing process to examine the optical properties of the surfaces structured by laser ablation.

[0056] While in the embodiment of Fig. The use of two polygonal openings with an approximately circular shape shows that Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 embodiments with rectangular openings whose corners are slightly rounded. The rectangular openings are preferably longer in one direction of extension than in another. The incorporated structures “GTI” are lettering whose shape is also longer in one direction of extension than in another. It has proven advantageous if the rectangular openings extend in the same longitudinal direction as the lettering. In this way, the structures appear visually very appealing. That is, for a horizontally running lettering, the rectangular openings are also arranged horizontally. In the case of the Fig. 4 and Fig. In step 5, the openings are arranged in several rows in a dot matrix.

[0057] In the embodiment of a plastic component 10' according to the Fig. The lettering “GTI” (structure 42) is backlit, while the area surrounding the lettering is not backlit but consists of a continuous metal layer. The rectangular openings 53 are oriented in the direction of the lettering; however, the dimensions of the openings are not to scale, and only a limited number of openings 53 are shown for the sake of simplicity.

[0058] In the embodiment of a plastic component 10'' according to the Fig. In contrast, the lettering “GTI” (structure 43) is not backlit, while the area surrounding the lettering is backlit. Here too, rectangular openings (53) are located in the direction of the lettering.

[0059] The maximum size of the openings and their distance from each other are chosen to create the desired day and night design. Fig. Figure 6 shows a section of a backlit structure formed by several rectangular openings 53 with rounded corners. If, for example, partial visibility of a structure in a tag design is to be achieved with such a dot matrix, dimensions in certain orders of magnitude have proven advantageous. For example, these can range between 0.09 and 0.3 mm, and in particular between 0.07 and 0.15 mm. For rectangular openings, the length L can, for example, range between 0.09 mm and 0.15 mm, while the width B can range between 0.07 and 0.12 mm. The distance A between the short sides of a rectangular opening can range between 0.04 mm and 0.05 mm, while the distance a between two long sides of a rectangular opening can range between 0.05 mm and 0.08 mm. If the visibility of a structure in the tag design is to be reduced, correspondingly smaller openings are chosen.If visibility needs to be increased further, correspondingly larger openings are chosen.

[0060] Fig. Figure 7 shows a section of a backlit structure formed by several polygonal openings 52 with an approximately circular shape. If, for example, such a dot matrix is ​​intended to create an almost invisible structure in daylight design, dimensions within certain orders of magnitude have also proven advantageous. The diameter D of an opening 52, for instance, lies between 0.02 and 0.08 mm, and particularly between 0.04 and 0.06 mm. The spacing A m The distance between the centers of two adjacent openings in a row is, for example, between 0.1 and 0.2 mm, particularly around 0.12 mm. If partial visibility of the structure is desired in the tag design, correspondingly larger diameters D and spacing A are chosen. m The space between the openings can also be increased if necessary. Reference symbol list: 10,10',10'' plastic component 20 basic shapes 30 metal layer 40, 41, 42, 43 Structure, translucent / backlit 50, 51, 52 Opening, round shape 53 Opening, rectangular shape

Claims

[1] Metallized plastic component (10) comprising a base body (20) made of at least one translucent plastic, onto which a metal layer (30) is applied, in which at least one translucent structure (40;41;42;43) is incorporated, wherein the at least one translucent structure (40;41;42;43) is formed by a region of the metal layer (30) in which several translucent openings (50;51;52;53) are arranged in a dot matrix, characterized by , that the light-transmitting openings (50;51;52;53) - are chosen in their number and / or dimensions such that at least one translucent structure (40;41;42;43) can be backlit, - are sufficiently large and spaced apart from each other so that, when backlit, an optically continuous surface is formed which is visible on the metal layer (30) when backlit, and - are simultaneously chosen such that the at least one translucent structure (40;41;42;43) appears optically almost like a continuous metal surface without backlighting. [2] Metallized plastic component according to claim 1, characterized by , that the openings (50;51;52;53) in the dot matrix form several even rows. [3] Metallized plastic component according to one or both of claims 1 and 2, characterized by , that the openings (50;51;52;53) have a round shape or a rectangular or polygonal shape with rounded corners. [4] Metallized plastic component according to one or more of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the maximum extent of the openings (50;51;52;53) is between 0.02 and 0.3mm. [5] Metallized plastic component according to claim 4, characterized by , that the maximum extent of the openings (50;51;52;53) is between 0.02 and 0.08mm. [6] Metallized plastic component according to claim 4, characterized by , that the maximum extent of the openings (50;51;52;53) is between 0.09 and 0.3mm, in particular between 0.07 and 0.

15. [7] Metallized plastic component according to one or more of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that the distance between the centers of adjacent openings (50;51;52;53) is between 0.1 and 0.2mm, in particular about 0.12mm. [8] Metallized plastic component according to one or more of claims 1 to 7, characterized by , that the base body (20) consists of a galvanizable plastic. [9] Metallized plastic component according to one or more of claims 1 to 8, characterized by , that the thickness of the metal layer (30) is between 10-50µm. [10] Method for producing a metallized plastic component (10) with at least one translucent structure (40;41;42;43) in a metal layer, in which a metal layer is produced on a base body (20) which is formed by one or more layers, wherein, in order to produce the at least one translucent structure (40;41;42;43) in a region of the metal layer, the metal layer is structured, wherein several openings in the form of a dot matrix are produced in the metal layer, characterized by , that the light-transmitting openings (50;51;52;53) - are chosen in their number and / or dimensions such that at least one translucent structure (40;41;42;43) can be backlit, - are sufficiently large and spaced apart from each other so that, when backlit, an optically continuous surface is formed which is visible on the metal layer (30) when backlit, and - are simultaneously chosen such that the at least one translucent structure (40;41;42;43) appears optically almost like a continuous metal surface without backlighting. [11] The method of claim 10, comprising the following process steps: a. Production of a plastic blank, b. Chemical or physical deposition of an electrically conductive first metal layer onto the plastic blank, c. Structuring the first metal layer by partial removal to form a structure, and d. Electrochemical deposition of at least one second metal layer onto the structured first metal layer, wherein the structuring of the first metal layer is carried out by laser ablation by lasering several openings in the form of a dot matrix into the first metal layer to form a structure (40;41;42;43). [12] Method according to claim 11, characterized bythat each opening is formed by at least two lines that are lasered side by side in the same orientation into the first metal layer. [13] Method according to one or both of claims 11 and 12, characterized by that the plastic blank consists at least partially of polyamide, ABS or ABS / polycarbonate blend. [14] Method according to one or more of claims 10 to 13, characterized by , that a plastic component (10) is formed using the method according to one or more of claims 1 to 9

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