Selective plating of three dimensional surfaces to produce decorative and functional effects
US11015255B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 27, 2018 |
| Grant date | May 25, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 26, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29K2105/246
- WIPO fieldSurface technology, coating
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method of creating a selectively plated three-dimensional thermoplastic part. The method includes the steps of: a) providing a film of uncured polycarbonate film having a hardcoated layer on a first surface thereof; b) selectively catalyzing the polycarbonate film by depositing a catalyst in a desired pattern on the first surface of the polycarbonate film; c) thermoforming the polycarbonate film to form a three-dimensional polycarbonate film; d) UV-curing the hardcoated polycarbonate film by irradiating the film with UV rays; e) molding the hardcoated polycarbonate film to produce a three-dimensional molded part comprising the hardcoated polycarbonate film; f) activating the selectively catalyzed hardcoated polycarbonate film; and g) plating a metal layer on the catalyzed portions of the hardcoated polycarbonate film, wherein the plated metal only deposits on the catalyzed portions of the hardcoated polycarbonate film.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.