Galvanically decorated component and method for producing a galvanically decorated component

Abstract

A method for producing a galvanically decorated component with a symbol or structure of a transilluminatable design incorporated in the surface produces the component from an electroplatable plastic in an injection-molding process, and the symbol or structure is produced from a non-electroplatable, electroplating-resistant printed image. The printed image is transferred from a carrier onto the component using thermal transfer by being activated using a laser. A galvanically decorated component is produced by the method.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A component decorated by electroplating, having a symbol ( 2 ) or structure that is structured to allow light to pass through, wherein the component ( 1 ) is produced from a plastic that can be electroplated, using the injection-molding method, wherein the symbol ( 2 ) or structure can be transferred to the component ( 1 ) by means of thermal transfer. 
     
     
         2 . The component according to  claim 1 , wherein the component, after the electroplating process has taken place, can be illuminated, by means of a suitable light source ( 3 ), through the rear side of the component, which side is not coated and free of metal, and wherein the symbol ( 2 ) is made to be translucent.