Selective metallized translucent automotive components by laser ablation
US11795563B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 21, 2021 |
| Grant date | Oct 24, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 4, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC25D11/18
- WIPO fieldSurface technology, coating
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.