Method for manufacturing model parts, and model parts

Abstract

This invention provides a novel technology for applying a glossy finish with a color gradient to the surface of model parts. [Solution] A method for manufacturing a model part includes a first step of forming a metal film on the surface of the part while the part is connected to a runner, and a second step of forming a transparent film on the surface of the metal film after the first step while the part is connected to the runner, wherein in the second step, the transparent film is formed on the surface of the metal film such that the part contains a plurality of regions of the transparent film with different thicknesses, and the model part is composed of the part that has gone through the second step.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a model component, and to a model component.

Background Art

[0002] A glossy appearance with a color gradient (for example, iridescent color) is sometimes desired on the surface of parts of assembly models commonly referred to by the registered trademark Plastic Model. Conventionally, as described in Non-Patent Document 1, a glossy appearance with a color gradient has been achieved by applying a special paint to the surface of a model component.

Prior Art Literature

Non-Patent Document

[0003]

Non-Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the conventional process of applying paint to the surface of model components can lead to increased costs and uneven application. Therefore, there is a demand for a method that easily and stably achieves a glossy appearance with a color gradient without using paint.

[0005] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a novel technique for imparting a glossy appearance with a color gradient to the surface of a model component.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] A manufacturing method, as one aspect of the present invention, is a method for manufacturing a model part, comprising: a first step of forming a metal film on the surface of the part while the part is connected to a runner; and a second step of forming a transparent film on the surface of the metal film after the first step, while the part is connected to the runner, wherein in the second step, the transparent film is formed on the surface of the metal film such that the part contains a plurality of regions of the transparent film with different thicknesses, and the model part is composed of the part that has undergone the second step. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, a novel technique can be provided for applying a glossy finish with a color gradient to the surface of model parts. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the structure of the molded product before gradient processing in the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Flowchart showing the gradient processing of the first embodiment [Figure 3] Enlarged cross-sectional view of a part included in the molded product of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the structure of a molded product after gradient processing in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Flowchart showing gradient processing in the second embodiment [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention as defined in the claims, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential to the invention. Two or more of the features described in the embodiments may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, identical or similar configurations will be given the same reference numeral, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0010] <First Embodiment> A first embodiment of the present invention will now be described. The model parts of this embodiment are parts used in various model toys, such as people, animals, robots, insects, dinosaurs, weapons, and ornaments. For the appearance of the assembled model toy, it is sometimes desirable for the surface of such model parts to have a glossy finish with a color gradient (e.g., rainbow colors). The manufacturing method of the model parts in this embodiment will be described below.

[0011] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of a molded product 10 including a runner 11 and parts 12. A runner 11 is a rod-shaped plastic (resin) portion in a model toy such as a plastic model kit, to which one or more parts 12 are connected before assembly, and which is arranged to surround the one or more parts 12. Note that the entire assembly including the runner 11 and the one or more parts 12 connected to it is sometimes called a "runner," but in order to distinguish it from a runner 11 that refers only to the rod-shaped portion, the entire assembly including the runner 11 and the one or more parts 12 will be referred to as "molded product 10" below.

[0012] The molded product 10 of this embodiment may consist of a runner 11, a plurality of parts 12, and a plurality of gates 13, as shown in Figure 1. The plurality of parts 12 are surrounded by the runner 11 and connected to the runner 11 via the gates 13. The molded product 10 may also be manufactured by injection molding or 3D printing. In injection molding, the molded product 10 is manufactured by pouring liquid plastic (resin) into a mold and removing the plastic from the mold after cooling (solidification). In this case, the molded product 10 is composed of a base material made of plastic (resin).

[0013] Next, the process of applying a glossy finish with a color gradient to the surface of the molded product 10 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the gradient process) in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 is a flowchart of the gradient process in this embodiment. Figure 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of the part 12 included in the molded product 10.

[0014] In step S11 (first step), a metal film 21 is formed on the surface of the molded product 10 (base material 10a), as shown in Figure 3(a). In this embodiment, with multiple parts 12 connected to the runner 11, the metal film 21 is formed on the surface of each part 12. At this time, the metal film 21 is also formed on the surfaces of the runner 11 and the gate 13. Aluminum or titanium may be used as the metal film 21, but other metals may also be used. The metal film 21 may be formed on the surface of the base material 10a using, for example, at least one of the plating method, vapor deposition method and sputtering method, but it may also be formed on the surface of the base material 10a using other methods. The metal film 21 may be formed on the surface of the molded product 10 with a uniform film thickness.

[0015] In step S12 (second step), as shown in Figure 3(b), a transparent film 22 is formed on the surface of the metal film 21 formed in step S11. In this embodiment, with multiple parts 12 connected to the runner 11, the transparent film 22 is formed on the surface of the metal film 21 on each part 12. At this time, the transparent film 22 is also formed on the surface of the metal film 21 on the runner 11 and the gate 13. As the transparent film 22, an oxide film (e.g., SiO2 film, Al2O3 film), a nitride film (e.g., SiN film, AlN film), or a film in which an oxide film and a nitride film are laminated may be used, but the transparent film 22 may be made of other materials as long as they have light transmittance. The transparent film 22 may be formed on the surface of the metal film 21 using, for example, at least one of anodizing, vapor deposition, and sputtering, but it may also be formed on the surface of the metal film 21 using other methods.

[0016] In step S12, as shown in Figure 3(b), a transparent film 22 is formed on the surface of the metal film 21 such that each part 12 contains multiple regions A1 to A3 in which the thickness of the transparent film 22 differs from that of the other. In step S12, the transparent film 22 may be formed on the surface of the metal film 21 such that the thickness of the transparent film 22 changes continuously in at least a portion P of each part 12. Such formation of the transparent film 22 can be achieved by controlling the apparatus for forming the transparent film 22 in such a way that variations in film thickness are intentionally created in the transparent film 22.

[0017] For example, by controlling the movement or rotation of the molded article 10 during the formation of the transparent film 22, thickness unevenness can be generated in the transparent film 22. When the transparent film 22 is formed using an anodizing method, thickness unevenness can be generated in the transparent film 22 by controlling the voltage value applied between the anode and the cathode. When the transparent film 22 is formed using a vapor deposition method or a sputtering method, thickness unevenness can be generated in the transparent film 22 by controlling the energy applied to the material deposited on the surface of the metal film 21.

[0018] When the transparent film 22 is formed on the surface of the metal film 21, the reflected light L1 on the surface of the metal film 21 and the reflected light L2 on the surface of the transparent film 22 interfere with each other, so that a color corresponding to the wavelength of the interference light is observed. When the thickness of the transparent film 22 changes, the wavelength of the interference light changes, so the observed color also changes. Accordingly, the colors observed in the plurality of regions A1 to A3 where the thicknesses of the transparent film 22 are different from each other are different from each other, and as shown in FIG. 4, the molded article 10 can be provided with a glossy feeling having a color gradation. Each part 12 that has undergone such step S12 constitutes a model component having a color gradation.

[0019] As described above, the model component of the present embodiment is manufactured by going through step S11 of forming the metal film 21 on the surface of the molded article 10 (each part 12) and step S12 of forming the transparent film 22 on the surface of the metal film 21. Then, in step S12, the transparent film 22 is formed on the surface of the metal film 21 such that each part 12 includes a plurality of regions where the thicknesses of the transparent film 22 are different from each other. Thereby, it is possible to easily and stably manufacture a model component whose surface is provided with a glossy feeling having a color gradation.

[0020] <Second Embodiment> A second embodiment according to the present invention will be described. The present embodiment basically inherits the first embodiment, and can follow the first embodiment except for the matters mentioned below.

[0021] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing gradation processing of the present embodiment. In step S21, a metal film 21 is formed on the surface of a molded article 10 (base material 10a). Next, in step S22, a transparent film 22 is formed on the surface of the metal film 21. Steps S21 to S22 are the same processes as steps S11 to S12 of the first embodiment, and therefore detailed descriptions thereof are omitted herein. However, in step S12 of the first embodiment, the transparent film 22 was formed on the surface of the metal film 21 such that each part 12 includes a plurality of regions A1 to A3 having mutually different thicknesses of the transparent film 22, whereas step S22 of the present embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, in step S22 of the present embodiment, the transparent film 22 may be formed on the surface of the metal film 21 with a uniform film thickness.

[0022] In step S23 (third process), the transparent film 22 is processed such that each part 12 includes a plurality of regions A1 to A3 having mutually different thicknesses of the transparent film 22. In step S23, the transparent film 22 may be processed such that the thickness of the transparent film 22 continuously changes in at least a partial portion P of each part 12. Further, step S23 can be performed in a state where the plurality of parts 12 are connected to the runner 11. Such processing of the transparent film 22 can be performed by controlling an apparatus for processing the transparent film 22 so as to intentionally cause film thickness unevenness in the transparent film 22.

[0023] The processing of the transparent film 22 can be performed using an etching method (dry etching method, wet etching method). For example, film thickness unevenness can be generated in the transparent film 22 by controlling the movement and rotation of the molded article 10 during processing of the transparent film 22. When processing the transparent film 22 using the dry etching method, film thickness unevenness can be generated in the transparent film 22 by controlling the energy of plasma that causes an etching reaction of the transparent film 22. When processing the transparent film 22 using the wet etching method, film thickness unevenness can be generated in the transparent film 22 by controlling the concentration and distribution of an etching solution applied onto the transparent film 22.

[0024] As described above, the model parts of this embodiment are manufactured by following three steps: step S21, which involves forming a metal film 21 on the surface of the molded product 10 (each part 12); step S22, which involves forming a transparent film 22 on the surface of the metal film 21; and step S23, which involves processing the transparent film 22. In step S23, the transparent film 22 is processed so that each part 12 contains multiple regions with different thicknesses. This makes it possible to easily and stably manufacture model parts with a glossy surface that has a color gradient.

[0025] <Summary of Embodiments> (1) A method for manufacturing model parts, The first step is to form a metal film on the surface of the part while the part is connected to the runner, After the first step, a second step is to form a transparent film on the surface of the metal film while the part is connected to the runner, Includes, In the second step, the transparent film is formed on the surface of the metal film such that the part includes a plurality of regions in which the thickness of the transparent film differs from that of the other. A manufacturing method characterized in that the model part is composed of the parts that have undergone the second step. (2) The manufacturing method according to (1), characterized in that in the second step, the transparent film is formed on the surface of the metal film such that the thickness of the transparent film changes continuously in at least a portion of the part. (3) A method for manufacturing model parts, The first step is to form a metal film on the surface of the part while the part is connected to the runner, After the first step, a second step is to form a transparent film on the surface of the metal film while the part is connected to the runner, A third step is performed to process the transparent film after the second step, such that the part includes multiple regions of the transparent film with different thicknesses. Includes, A manufacturing method characterized in that the model part is composed of the parts that have undergone the third step. (4) The manufacturing method according to (3), characterized in that in the third step, the transparent film is processed such that the thickness of the transparent film changes continuously in at least a portion of the part. (5) The manufacturing method according to (3) or (4), characterized in that the third step is performed while the part is connected to the runner. (6) The manufacturing method according to any one of (1) to (5), characterized in that in the second step, the transparent film is formed on the surface of the metal film using at least one of anodizing, vapor deposition, and sputtering. (7) The manufacturing method according to any one of (1) to (6), characterized in that the transparent film includes an oxide film, a nitride film, or a film in which an oxide film and a nitride film are laminated. (8) The manufacturing method according to any one of (1) to (7), characterized in that in the first step, the metal film is formed on the surface of the part using at least one of the plating method, the vapor deposition method and the sputtering method. (9) Multiple parts are connected to the runner, The manufacturing method according to any one of (1) to (8), characterized in that the first step and the second step are performed while a plurality of the aforementioned parts are connected to the runner. (10) Model parts, It comprises a base material, a metal film provided on the surface of the base material, and a transparent film provided on the surface of the metal film, The model part is characterized in that it includes a plurality of regions in which the thickness of the transparent film differs from that of the other.

[0026] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0027] 10: Molded part, 11: Runner, 12: Part, 13: Gate, 21: Metal film, 22: Transparent film

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing model parts, The first step is to form a metal film on the surface of the part while the part is connected to the runner, After the first step, a second step is to form a transparent film on the surface of the metal film while the part is connected to the runner, Includes, In the second step, the transparent film is formed on the surface of the metal film such that the part includes a plurality of regions in which the thickness of the transparent film differs from each other. A manufacturing method characterized in that the model part is composed of the parts that have undergone the second step.

2. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the second step, the transparent film is formed on the surface of the metal film such that the thickness of the transparent film changes continuously in at least a portion of the part.

3. A method for manufacturing model parts, The first step is to form a metal film on the surface of the part while the part is connected to the runner, After the first step, a second step is to form a transparent film on the surface of the metal film while the part is connected to the runner, A third step is performed after the second step, in which the transparent film is processed so that the part includes multiple regions in which the thickness of the transparent film differs from each other. Includes, A manufacturing method characterized in that the model part is composed of the parts that have undergone the third step.

4. The manufacturing method according to claim 3, characterized in that the third step involves processing the transparent film such that the thickness of the transparent film changes continuously in at least a portion of the part.

5. The manufacturing method according to claim 3, characterized in that the third step is performed while the part is connected to the runner.

6. The manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the second step involves forming the transparent film on the surface of the metal film using at least one of anodizing, vapor deposition, and sputtering.

7. The manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the transparent film includes an oxide film, a nitride film, or a film in which an oxide film and a nitride film are laminated.

8. The manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first step involves forming the metal film on the surface of the part using at least one of a plating method, a vapor deposition method, and a sputtering method.

9. Multiple of the aforementioned parts are connected to the aforementioned runner. The manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first step and the second step are performed while a plurality of the aforementioned parts are connected to the runner.

10. Model parts, It comprises a base material, a metal film provided on the surface of the base material, and a transparent film provided on the surface of the metal film, The model part is characterized in that it includes a plurality of regions in which the thickness of the transparent film differs from that of the other.

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