DE102007009207A1 - Process for producing a printed plastic component and plastic component produced by the process - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for producing a printed plastic component (10, 40), the method comprising the steps of (a) deformation of an at least partially transparent or translucent plastic film (10) or plate, the printing (20, 30) in step (A) deformed plastic film (10) or plate and the back molding of the printed in step (b) plastic film (10) or plate comprises. The invention further relates to a plastic component (10, 40) produced by the method.

Description

The The present invention relates to a process for producing a printed plastic component and a manufactured according to the method plastic component.

Out It is known in the art to use transparent films by means of common printing processes, such as pad printing, screen printing, offset printing, Digital printing, etc. to print on components with decor patterns and / or Decor symbols, lettering etc. in particular with depth effect, d. H. to produce with a three-dimensional effect. From the state It is also known in the art, components with a transparent Plastic, in particular with polycarbonate, PMMA or crosslinking Resins such as polyurethane, overspray, overpaint or to paint. However, all these methods have the disadvantage that they are relatively complex and also expensive.

The These methods are used on flat surfaces. Subsequently, the film is in the desired, deformed three-dimensional structure and then injected behind. there the problem occurs that the positional accuracy of the pressure is often not guaranteed, and that is the imprint can be distorted by the forming process.

From the DE 39 05 177 A1 a method is known in which a printed plastic film is exposed in a mold to a high pressure of 20 to 300 bar. By this HPF method, ie by cold deformation of the film by means of high pressure, the known from the prior art disadvantages of the lack of positional accuracy or the distortion of the imprint can be largely avoided, but there is a disadvantage in the HPF method that it due the requirement of the production of compressed air is expensive and that no larger draw ratios can be realized.

Of the The present invention is therefore based on the object, a method provide a positionally accurate arrangement of decors and / or Symbols and the like allows and in which also large Draw ratios are feasible. Farther The present invention is based on the object, a method provide, by means of which, if necessary, a "depth effect" can be generated.

These The object is achieved by a method having the features of the claim 1 solved. Thereafter, it is provided that the inventive Method the step of (a) deforming an at least partially transparent or at least partially translucent plastic film or plate, (b) printing the plastic film deformed in step (a) or plate and (c) the backfilling of the in step (b) printed plastic film or plate. According to the invention thus provided that the film or plate first deformed is that the deformed film or plate is printed and the then backfill the printed and deformed foil or plate becomes. In this way, components with high draw, precise positioning decors and the like and with a depth effect produce. Of course, the invention is Method can also be used, if such a depth effect not is desired. This can be, for example realize that a comparatively thin film For example, is used by less than 375 microns. In these films, the effect of depth does not occur or only to a small extent. The advantage of high position accuracy remains however.

The following statements refer to a "plastic film" apply analogously, however, also for a "plastic plate", their use in the context of the invention Method is also included in the invention.

Preferably It is envisaged that the printing of the deformed plastic film done by hot stamping.

alternative or in addition, it is possible to print the deformed plastic film by pad printing, screen printing, offset printing, Digital printing, laser printing, painting, stamping and the like. At this point it should be noted that the word "printing" in the context of the present invention does not refer to a "printing process" is limited, but generally the application of the desired Decorations, Symbols, textes and the like on the film.

In Another embodiment of the invention is provided that the printing the deformed plastic film takes place on one or two sides. It For example, it is possible that only the back of the Plastic film is printed. This has the advantage that the decor, the symbol, the lettering and the like through the film from abrasion and destruction is protected.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the printing of the deformed plastic film is done on two sides and that the printing of the two sides of the film is carried out with the same or with different techniques. It is thus possible to use two different methods or the same method for printing the two sides of the film. It is conceivable to print the film from both sides and thus designs on two levels, ie on the front of the film and to produce on the back of the film with a transparent or translucent intermediate layer.

Conceivable it is, for example, on the back of the film by hot stamping to apply a decor on the front of the film by another Procedure, for example by digital or laser printing another To raise the symbol. Depending on the film thickness can by the two-sided printing of the film a three-dimensional Appearance of the decor, the symbol, the lettering and the like to be reinforced.

As already stated above, the printing, for example hot stamping in a flat or even up to certain boundaries take place in a three-dimensionally deformed area. Is it the process of hot stamping, in the latter case, the hot stamping die is adapted accordingly.

The Deformation of the film can be done for example by thermoforming. Thus, first, a thermoformed by Created and printed this foil and then backfed, to obtain the desired decorative component.

Under Back feeding can be within the present Invention all shaping manufacturing processes, such. Injection molding, Flow and compression molding, thermoplastic foam molding, Injection embossing, fiber spraying (LFI), laminating, etc. understood become.

The Thermoforming can be done by vacuum or overpressure.

in principle Other methods than thermoforming are conceivable. For example The film can also be formed by two mold halves. In Consider z. B. also hydro or explosive forms.

In Another embodiment of the invention is provided that the film at least in the printed area has a thickness of> 375 microns. Of the Depth effect effect, d. H. the three-dimensional appearance of the decor occurs in particular from a material thickness of about 375 microns on. As stated above, the three-dimensional effect be reinforced by the double-sided printing of the film.

Especially it is preferred if the film at least in the printed area a thickness of> 1 mm, preferably has a thickness in the range between 1 mm and 2 mm. The process of the invention can of course can also be applied to films having a thickness of> 2 mm.

In Another embodiment of the invention is provided that the film for example, polycarbonate, PMMA, polyethylene, polyamide, polystyrene, malleable Polyurethane, malleable epoxy resin, mouldable polyester or having one or a combination of these materials.

The The invention further relates to a plastic component, in particular a decorative component, according to the invention Process is made.

Further Details and advantages of the present invention will become apparent an embodiment shown in the drawing explained in more detail.

The single figure shows the basic structure of an inventively prepared Decor component.

With the reference number 10 a transparent or translucent plastic film is marked. This plastic film is thermoformed three-dimensionally into its final shape.

The upper side of the plastic film 10 forms the outside of the decorative component.

With the reference number 20 An icon is identified by hot stamping on the back of the plastic film or sheet 10 is applied after it has been three-dimensionally deformed by thermoforming. Optionally, the symbol may alternatively or additionally also be arranged on the front side of the plastic film or plate, as indicated by the reference numeral 30 is indicated. The plastic foil or plate 10 is backfilled after printing.

The plastic compound (or the like) is denoted by the reference numeral 40 characterized.

The top illustration characterizes the invention Decorative component in a three-dimensional view and the lower representation in a side view.

in principle It is possible to use the plastic film on one or two sides by hot stamping or by another suitable Process to print, d. H. with a symbol, with a logo, with a lettering, with a colored area etc. to provide.

It is essential that this process takes place after the forming of the film / plate to the insert. After printing, the insufflation of the insert takes place, whereby a three-dimensional component with decor pressure and / or depth effect is obtained. As stated above, to obtain the depth effect, it is advantageous if a film with a thickness of> 375 μm, preferably from 1 mm to 2 mm is used. The three-dimensional depth effect can be enhanced when the foil or plate 10 is printed from both sides, as indicated in the figure.

One significant advantage of the method is the positional accuracy of the pressure, the distortion-free pressure, the possible combinations with other decoration methods as well the comparatively low costs and the flexibility of the procedure. Should a different decor be selected, it is enough, a new stamp or another hot stamping foil use.

One Advantage over the HPF process is in particular in that the inventive method comparatively is low feasible and that according to the invention also larger draw ratios, such as they are possible during thermoforming, are feasible.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - DE 3905177 A1 [0004]

Claims (11)

A process for producing a printed plastic component, in particular a decorative component, characterized in that the method comprises the steps of (a) deforming a plastic film or sheet which is at least partially transparent or translucent, (b) printing the plastic film or sheet deformed in step (a) and (c) backing the plastic film or sheet printed in step (b). Method according to claim 1, characterized in that that the printing of the deformed plastic film or plate by Hot stamping is done. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized that the printing of the deformed plastic film or plate by Tamponprint, screen printing, offset printing, digital printing, laser printing, varnishing or stamping done. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the printing of the deformed plastic film or plate is one or two sided. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that that the plastic film or plate has a front and a Has back, and that only the back the plastic film or plate is printed. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the printing of the deformed plastic film or -sheet is two-sided and that the printing of the two sides done with the same or different techniques. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the printing of the deformed plastic film or plate in a flat or three-dimensionally shaped Area is done. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the deformation of the plastic film or plate by thermoforming, by molding by means of two mold halves or done by hydro or explosion. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plastic film or plate at least in the printed area has a thickness of> 375 microns. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that that the plastic film or plate at least in that print Range a thickness> 1 mm, preferably has a thickness in the range between 1 mm and 2 mm. Plastic component, in particular decorative component, characterized characterized in that the plastic component according to a method according to any one of claims 1 to 10 is.