Counterfeit proofing of plated polymers

Abstract

Plated polymeric articles having anti-counterfeiting tags therein and method of making the same are disclosed. A plated polymeric article comprises a polymer shaped formed into a desired shape with an anti-counterfeiting tag incorporated therein. The plated polymeric article comprises a first metal plated onto the polymer and a second metal deposited onto the first metal. Alternatively, a plated polymeric article comprises a composite layup having first and second polymer layers with an anti-counterfeiting tag disposed between the layers. The plated polymeric article further comprises a first metal plated onto the polymer. Lastly, a method for fabricating a plated polymeric article is disclosed. A polymer is formed into a desired shape, the polymer having an anti-counterfeiting tag incorporated therein. The outer surface of the article is prepared to receive a catalyst and then is activated with the catalyst. A first metallic layer is then plated onto the outer surface.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.