A decorative component includes a plateable resin body portion that is light-transmissive. A thin intermediate layer of material is electrolessly deposited over the body portion. The intermediate layer is laser ablated to selectively remove the intermediate layer and expose the light transmissive portion. The part is then subjected to electroplating. The ablated areas do not receive the metal layers of the electroplating, thereby defining a pattern defined by the ablation. The laser ablation may define an outline, leaving the thin intermediate layer within the outline that is electrically isolated from areas outside of the outline. The electroplating process will not apply layers to the isolated areas, and the intermediate layer therein will dissolve, exposing the light transmissive body portion. An opposite side of the part is also exposed and transmissive, such that light will pass through the body portion and illuminate the pattern.
Selective metallized translucent automotive components by laser ablation
2023-10-24
Patent
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
IPC: | B32B LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM , Schichtkörper, d.h. aus Ebenen oder gewölbten Schichten, z.B. mit zell- oder wabenförmiger Form, aufgebaute Erzeugnisse / B23K Löten , SOLDERING OR UNSOLDERING / B60Q ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL , Anordnung von Signal- oder Beleuchtungsvorrichtungen, deren Einbau oder Halterung oder deren Schaltkreise bei Fahrzeugen allgemein / C23C Beschichten metallischer Werkstoffe , COATING METALLIC MATERIAL / C23F Nichtmechanisches Entfernen metallischer Stoffe von Oberflächen , NON-MECHANICAL REMOVAL OF METALLIC MATERIAL FROM SURFACES / C25D Verfahren für die elektrolytische oder elektrophoretische Herstellung von Überzügen , PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PRODUCTION OF COATINGS / F21S Ortsfeste Leuchten , NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES |
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