US20020171181A1 - Method of manufacturing an in-mold laminate component - Google Patents
Method of manufacturing an in-mold laminate component Download PDFInfo
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- US20020171181A1 US20020171181A1 US10/193,407 US19340702A US2002171181A1 US 20020171181 A1 US20020171181 A1 US 20020171181A1 US 19340702 A US19340702 A US 19340702A US 2002171181 A1 US2002171181 A1 US 2002171181A1
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- film sheet
- structural carrier
- mold cavity
- mold
- thermoplastic elastomer
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
- B29C45/14—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. injection moulding around inserts or for coating articles
- B29C45/14778—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. injection moulding around inserts or for coating articles the article consisting of a material with particular properties, e.g. porous, brittle
- B29C45/14811—Multilayered articles
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C43/00—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor
- B29C43/02—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor of articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles
- B29C43/021—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor of articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles characterised by the shape of the surface
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C43/00—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor
- B29C43/02—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor of articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles
- B29C43/20—Making multilayered or multicoloured articles
- B29C43/203—Making multilayered articles
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C43/00—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor
- B29C43/32—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
- B29C43/36—Moulds for making articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C43/00—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor
- B29C43/32—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
- B29C43/36—Moulds for making articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles
- B29C43/3697—Moulds for making articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles comprising rollers or belts cooperating with non-rotating mould parts
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C43/00—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor
- B29C43/32—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
- B29C43/36—Moulds for making articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles
- B29C43/40—Moulds for making articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles with means for cutting the article
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
- B60R21/02—Occupant safety arrangements or fittings, e.g. crash pads
- B60R21/16—Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags
- B60R21/20—Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components
- B60R21/215—Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components characterised by the covers for the inflatable member
- B60R21/2165—Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components characterised by the covers for the inflatable member characterised by a tear line for defining a deployment opening
- B60R21/21656—Steering wheel covers or similar cup-shaped covers
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C43/00—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor
- B29C43/32—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
- B29C43/34—Feeding the material to the mould or the compression means
- B29C2043/3405—Feeding the material to the mould or the compression means using carrying means
- B29C2043/3411—Feeding the material to the mould or the compression means using carrying means mounted onto arms, e.g. grippers, fingers, clamping frame, suction means
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C43/00—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor
- B29C43/32—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
- B29C43/34—Feeding the material to the mould or the compression means
- B29C2043/3405—Feeding the material to the mould or the compression means using carrying means
- B29C2043/3422—Feeding the material to the mould or the compression means using carrying means rollers
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C43/00—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor
- B29C43/32—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
- B29C43/36—Moulds for making articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles
- B29C2043/3602—Moulds for making articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles with means for positioning, fastening or clamping the material to be formed or preforms inside the mould
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C43/00—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor
- B29C43/32—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
- B29C43/52—Heating or cooling
- B29C2043/522—Heating or cooling selectively heating a part of the mould to achieve partial heating, differential heating
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C2793/00—Shaping techniques involving a cutting or machining operation
- B29C2793/0081—Shaping techniques involving a cutting or machining operation before shaping
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C2793/00—Shaping techniques involving a cutting or machining operation
- B29C2793/009—Shaping techniques involving a cutting or machining operation after shaping
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C43/00—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
- B29K2105/00—Condition, form or state of moulded material or of the material to be shaped
- B29K2105/25—Solid
- B29K2105/253—Preform
- B29K2105/256—Sheets, plates, blanks or films
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
- B29K2633/00—Use of polymers of unsaturated acids or derivatives thereof for preformed parts, e.g. for inserts
- B29K2633/04—Polymers of esters
- B29K2633/08—Polymers of acrylic acid esters, e.g. PMA, i.e. polymethylacrylate
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
- B29L2009/00—Layered products
- B29L2009/005—Layered products coated
- B29L2009/006—Layered products coated painted
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
- B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
- B29L2031/30—Vehicles, e.g. ships or aircraft, or body parts thereof
- B29L2031/3005—Body finishings
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
- B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
- B29L2031/30—Vehicles, e.g. ships or aircraft, or body parts thereof
- B29L2031/3005—Body finishings
- B29L2031/3038—Air bag covers
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
- B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
- B29L2031/30—Vehicles, e.g. ships or aircraft, or body parts thereof
- B29L2031/3005—Body finishings
- B29L2031/3041—Trim panels
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
- Y10T428/24—Structurally defined web or sheet [e.g., overall dimension, etc.]
- Y10T428/24355—Continuous and nonuniform or irregular surface on layer or component [e.g., roofing, etc.]
- Y10T428/24364—Continuous and nonuniform or irregular surface on layer or component [e.g., roofing, etc.] with transparent or protective coating
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
- Y10T428/24—Structurally defined web or sheet [e.g., overall dimension, etc.]
- Y10T428/24628—Nonplanar uniform thickness material
- Y10T428/24736—Ornamental design or indicia
Definitions
- This invention relates to methods of manufacturing painted parts, and in particular to methods of manufacturing painted plastic parts adapted for use on motor vehicles such as air bag covers, side cladding, instrument panel cluster bezels, exterior bumpers, and the like.
- plastic parts are painted after they are molded.
- the painting process requires elaborate facilities and consequently necessitates large expenses. For instance, significant square footage of a factory must be dedicated to a clean room environment for the spraying of paint and clear coat and for the baking and curing of paint on components, such as those components used in the automotive industry, such as body panels, air bag covers, instrument panels and the like.
- solvent-based paints have in recent years raised significant environmental concerns because of the volatile organic components which are emitted into the air during the application of such solvent-based paints. As a result, the evaporation of such solvents must be strictly monitored to satisfy environmental and safety regulations.
- automotive components especially interior automotive components
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,902,557 discloses a method and apparatus for manufacturing a thermoplastic polyolefin composite useful as an exterior auto or truck body part.
- the prior art fails to provide a method of manufacturing a painted component wherein the step of painting the component after molding is eliminated and further where the component has the structural integrity both in terms of durability and strength to support varying applications.
- An object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a painted component while addressing paint quality issues such as: drips, runs, spits, dry spray, light coverage, gloss, color match, contamination and paint adhesion.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a painted component and reducing molding scrap due to splay, flow marks and minor surface imperfections which can be completely covered.
- Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of manufacturing a painted component, such as a composite air bag cover, side cladding, and the like, wherein the components have increased durability.
- a method for manufacturing a painted plastic component includes the steps of providing a film sheet having top and bottom surfaces; vacuum molding the film sheet and the mold cavity to obtain a pre-form; placing the pre-form in a mold cavity of an injection mold having a shape defining the desired plastic component; and injecting a thermoplastic elastomer into the mold cavity of the injection mold to generate a structural carrier for the pre-form, the generation of the structural carrier creating sufficient pressure and heat to bond the structural carrier to the bottom surface of the pre-form to form the molded laminate component.
- a method for manufacturing a molded laminate automotive component includes the steps of inserting a film sheet into a vacuum forming station to form the film sheet into a predetermined automotive component shape to create a formed film sheet having top and bottom surfaces, placing the formed film sheet in a mold cavity of an injection mold having a shape defining the automotive component, and injecting a thermoplastic elastomer into the mold cavity of the injection mold, such that the thermoplastic elastomer is in mating contact with the bottom surface of the formed film sheet, to generate a structural carrier for the formed film sheet, the generation of the structural carrier creating sufficient pressure and heat to bond the structural carrier to the bottom surface of the formed film sheet to form the molded laminate automotive component.
- FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of one type of air bag cover adapted to be mounted on a side door;
- FIG. 2 is a rear elevational view of the air bag cover depicted in FIG. 1;
- FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the air bag cover of FIG. 1 taken along lines 3 - 3 ;
- FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a conventional injection molding system which may be utilized to make the plastic components of the present invention, the system is depicted in an open position with the pre-form placed between two plates of the mold body;
- FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a conventional injection molding system depicted in a closed position, with the pre-form placed between the two plates of mold body;
- FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a conventional injection molding system depicting the mold cavity with the molten resin injected therein to form the structural carrier for the pre-form.
- FIG. 1 a front elevational view of one type of air bag cover, generally indicated at 10 , adapted to be mounted on an automotive side door.
- the air bag cover 10 includes a painted one-piece outer layer 12 , composed of a film sheet, preferably a pre-painted film sheet, which is vacuum molded in a vacuum mold from a material compatible with the air bag body or structural carrier 14 , which is preferably injection molded in an injection mold.
- the air bag body 14 is preferably composed of a thermoplastic elastomer.
- the elastomer of the air bag body or structural carrier 14 should be compatible with the outer layer 12 so that a bottom contact surface of the outer layer 12 , mounts with the front contact surface of the air bag body 14 by diffusion between the surfaces thereof in the injection mold to prevent the air bag body 14 from separating from the outer layer 12 during use of the air bag cover 10 .
- the outer layer 12 is composed of a film sheet that is pre-painted.
- the film sheet is preferably a polyester sheet such as Mylar®, a polyurethane or polycarbonate sheet.
- the outer layer comprises a film sheet with the following coatings placed thereon, a layer of acrylic color in mating contact with the film sheet and a layer of polyvinylidine fluoride (PVDF) with an acrylic clear coat to protect the film from damage and to provide film elasticity, chemical resistance, stain resistance, weathering and UV protection.
- PVDF polyvinylidine fluoride
- the most preferred embodiment PVDF comprises 72% of the total film thickness which is 0.2 mils.
- thermoplastic elastomer of the air bag body or structural carrier 14 is preferably a thermoplastic elastomer such as a thermoplastic polyolefin, thermoplastic urethane, polyester, polycarbonate, a mixture of polycarbonate and ABS (acrylonitrile/butadiene/styrene) or similar material.
- a thermoplastic elastomer such as a thermoplastic polyolefin, thermoplastic urethane, polyester, polycarbonate, a mixture of polycarbonate and ABS (acrylonitrile/butadiene/styrene) or similar material.
- the carrier 14 is varied to accommodate the intended use. Accordingly, for bumper/fascia applications, the structural carrier 14 can be selected from at least the following materials: lomod®, bexloy® and thermoplastic polyolefin. For cluster bezel applications, the structural carrier 14 can be selected from at least the following materials: ABS (acrylonitrile/ butadiene/styrene), a mixture of polycarbonate and ABS, polycarbonate, and polypropylene.
- ABS acrylonitrile/ butadiene/styrene
- the durometer and elastic or flex modulus of the materials also vary depending on the desired stiffness of the component.
- the durometer of the air bag body 14 will be in the range of about 20 Shore D to 100 Shore D, while the flexural modulus will be in the range of about 15,000 to about 400,000 psi.
- the durometer of the outer layer 12 will be in the range of about 15 Shore A to 100 Shore A.
- the air bag body or structural carrier 14 supports the outer layer 12 which has a pre-painted coating 16 placed thereon, followed by a base coat 18 , preferably a layer of acrylic color, and a clear coat 20 , preferably an acrylic clear coat and a layer of PVDF.
- a base coat 18 preferably a layer of acrylic color
- a clear coat 20 preferably an acrylic clear coat and a layer of PVDF.
- FIG. 4 there is illustrated a conventional injection mold, generally indicated at 22 , for making a plastic component pursuant to the present invention.
- an injection molding machine having a nozzle, generally indicated at 24, for injecting predetermined amounts or shots of molten resin.
- the injection molding machine includes a hydraulic screw ram which is disposed in a bore formed in a barrel of the injection molding machine. The ram plasticizes and advances resin towards the nozzle 24 . Upon complete plasticization of the resin, the screw ram is hydraulically advanced towards threaded portions of the barrel to inject molten plastic through the nozzle 24 , as is well known in the art.
- opposing surfaces of male and female mold parts 26 and 28 respectively define a mold cavity 30 .
- FIG. 5 there is a depiction of a one-piece pre-form 32 created from the vacuum molded film sheet which is first placed in the mold cavity 30 . Thereafter, as depicted in FIG. 6, the air bag body or structural carrier 14 is molded in the plastic injection molding system to form a completed unitary laminate plastic component.
- the body of the air bag cover 14 may also be formed from thermoplastic polyolefin, polycarbonate, tee tpe, sebs tpe, and a mixture of polycarbonate and acrylonitrile/butadiene/styrene (ABS).
- the corresponding film sheet 12 must be compatible with the plastic of the body so that diffusion between contact surfaces occurs.
- the laminate should be compatible with the substrate on which the laminate is to be adhered. In general, this requirement is achieved by selecting a structural carrier 14 with at least one or more materials common to the substrate on which the laminate is to be adhered.
- the structural carrier should include polypropylene.
- the mold can be modified to produce a plastic component with embossed lettering.
- embossed effect is achieved by etching into the mold the desired pattern or letters so that the letters have at least a 0.5 mm radius on the edge of the letter, or else the film will tear and stretch.
- the unique features of the laminate plastic components are 1) a stiff inner material to support the intended application; 2) reduction and/or elimination of paint problems such as drips, runs, spits, dry spray, light coverage and gloss and improved color match and paint adhesion; 3) reduced molding scrap due to splay, flow marks and minor surface imperfections, which can be completely covered; and 4) increased durability of the resulting plastic laminate components.
- the film sheet can be positioned in the injection mold either by way of a pre-form, as described above, or by way of a film roll supply. In this way, one can mold in the color at the press or mold thereby avoiding a secondary painting operation.
Abstract
Description
- This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 551,517, filed Nov. 1, 1995, entitled “Method Of Manufacturing A Painted Vehicle Part.”
- This invention relates to methods of manufacturing painted parts, and in particular to methods of manufacturing painted plastic parts adapted for use on motor vehicles such as air bag covers, side cladding, instrument panel cluster bezels, exterior bumpers, and the like.
- Typically, plastic parts are painted after they are molded. The painting process requires elaborate facilities and consequently necessitates large expenses. For instance, significant square footage of a factory must be dedicated to a clean room environment for the spraying of paint and clear coat and for the baking and curing of paint on components, such as those components used in the automotive industry, such as body panels, air bag covers, instrument panels and the like. Moreover, solvent-based paints have in recent years raised significant environmental concerns because of the volatile organic components which are emitted into the air during the application of such solvent-based paints. As a result, the evaporation of such solvents must be strictly monitored to satisfy environmental and safety regulations.
- In addition, automotive components, especially interior automotive components, are strictly scrutinized following the painting process in order to match or conform the automotive component to the styling and aesthetic requirements of the associated interior trim product. Painting such automotive components following the molding process, raises quality concerns with respect to the color, consistency, and thickness of each individual paint application.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,902,557, the Rohrbacher reference discloses a method and apparatus for manufacturing a thermoplastic polyolefin composite useful as an exterior auto or truck body part.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,769,100, the Short reference, teaches a method of applying a carrier film pre-printed with metallic paint to an automobile body panel in a vacuum forming process.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,952,351 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,466,412, the Parker patents, teach a method of manufacturing an air bag cover for an inflatable air bag system including a bondable film carrier, which is painted after the film carrier is molded.
- However, the prior art fails to provide a method of manufacturing a painted component wherein the step of painting the component after molding is eliminated and further where the component has the structural integrity both in terms of durability and strength to support varying applications.
- An object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a painted component while addressing paint quality issues such as: drips, runs, spits, dry spray, light coverage, gloss, color match, contamination and paint adhesion.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a painted component and reducing molding scrap due to splay, flow marks and minor surface imperfections which can be completely covered.
- Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of manufacturing a painted component, such as a composite air bag cover, side cladding, and the like, wherein the components have increased durability.
- In carrying out the above objects and other objects of the present invention a method is provided for manufacturing a painted plastic component. The method includes the steps of providing a film sheet having top and bottom surfaces; vacuum molding the film sheet and the mold cavity to obtain a pre-form; placing the pre-form in a mold cavity of an injection mold having a shape defining the desired plastic component; and injecting a thermoplastic elastomer into the mold cavity of the injection mold to generate a structural carrier for the pre-form, the generation of the structural carrier creating sufficient pressure and heat to bond the structural carrier to the bottom surface of the pre-form to form the molded laminate component.
- Further in carrying out the above objects and other objects of the present invention, a method is provided for manufacturing a molded laminate automotive component. The method includes the steps of inserting a film sheet into a vacuum forming station to form the film sheet into a predetermined automotive component shape to create a formed film sheet having top and bottom surfaces, placing the formed film sheet in a mold cavity of an injection mold having a shape defining the automotive component, and injecting a thermoplastic elastomer into the mold cavity of the injection mold, such that the thermoplastic elastomer is in mating contact with the bottom surface of the formed film sheet, to generate a structural carrier for the formed film sheet, the generation of the structural carrier creating sufficient pressure and heat to bond the structural carrier to the bottom surface of the formed film sheet to form the molded laminate automotive component.
- The above objects and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best mode for carrying out the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
- FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of one type of air bag cover adapted to be mounted on a side door;
- FIG. 2 is a rear elevational view of the air bag cover depicted in FIG. 1;
- FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the air bag cover of FIG. 1 taken along lines3-3;
- FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a conventional injection molding system which may be utilized to make the plastic components of the present invention, the system is depicted in an open position with the pre-form placed between two plates of the mold body;
- FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a conventional injection molding system depicted in a closed position, with the pre-form placed between the two plates of mold body; and
- FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a conventional injection molding system depicting the mold cavity with the molten resin injected therein to form the structural carrier for the pre-form.
- While the examples and figures provided herein refer to automotive plastic components, this invention has substantial application in other areas and is thus intended to have broader scope than the cited representative examples. In essence, this invention can be used with any application calling for a painted plastic component.
- Referring now to the drawing figures, there is illustrated in FIG. 1 a front elevational view of one type of air bag cover, generally indicated at10, adapted to be mounted on an automotive side door. The
air bag cover 10 includes a painted one-pieceouter layer 12, composed of a film sheet, preferably a pre-painted film sheet, which is vacuum molded in a vacuum mold from a material compatible with the air bag body orstructural carrier 14, which is preferably injection molded in an injection mold. Theair bag body 14 is preferably composed of a thermoplastic elastomer. The elastomer of the air bag body orstructural carrier 14 should be compatible with theouter layer 12 so that a bottom contact surface of theouter layer 12, mounts with the front contact surface of theair bag body 14 by diffusion between the surfaces thereof in the injection mold to prevent theair bag body 14 from separating from theouter layer 12 during use of theair bag cover 10. - The
outer layer 12 is composed of a film sheet that is pre-painted. The film sheet is preferably a polyester sheet such as Mylar®, a polyurethane or polycarbonate sheet. - In the preferred embodiment, the outer layer comprises a film sheet with the following coatings placed thereon, a layer of acrylic color in mating contact with the film sheet and a layer of polyvinylidine fluoride (PVDF) with an acrylic clear coat to protect the film from damage and to provide film elasticity, chemical resistance, stain resistance, weathering and UV protection. In the most preferred embodiment, PVDF comprises 72% of the total film thickness which is 0.2 mils.
- The thermoplastic elastomer of the air bag body or
structural carrier 14 is preferably a thermoplastic elastomer such as a thermoplastic polyolefin, thermoplastic urethane, polyester, polycarbonate, a mixture of polycarbonate and ABS (acrylonitrile/butadiene/styrene) or similar material. - For other automotive applications, the
carrier 14 is varied to accommodate the intended use. Accordingly, for bumper/fascia applications, thestructural carrier 14 can be selected from at least the following materials: lomod®, bexloy® and thermoplastic polyolefin. For cluster bezel applications, thestructural carrier 14 can be selected from at least the following materials: ABS (acrylonitrile/ butadiene/styrene), a mixture of polycarbonate and ABS, polycarbonate, and polypropylene. - The durometer and elastic or flex modulus of the materials also vary depending on the desired stiffness of the component. Typically, the durometer of the
air bag body 14 will be in the range of about 20 Shore D to 100 Shore D, while the flexural modulus will be in the range of about 15,000 to about 400,000 psi. Also, typically, the durometer of theouter layer 12 will be in the range of about 15 Shore A to 100 Shore A. These ranges of course vary depending on the desired plastic component to be manufactured and are only illustrative of one example. - As depicted in FIG. 3, a sectional view of the air bag cover of FIG. 1 taken along lines3-3, in a manufactured component, the air bag body or
structural carrier 14 supports theouter layer 12 which has apre-painted coating 16 placed thereon, followed by abase coat 18, preferably a layer of acrylic color, and aclear coat 20, preferably an acrylic clear coat and a layer of PVDF. - Referring now to FIG. 4, there is illustrated a conventional injection mold, generally indicated at22, for making a plastic component pursuant to the present invention.
- Briefly, with an injection molding system there is included an injection molding machine, having a nozzle, generally indicated at 24, for injecting predetermined amounts or shots of molten resin. The injection molding machine includes a hydraulic screw ram which is disposed in a bore formed in a barrel of the injection molding machine. The ram plasticizes and advances resin towards the
nozzle 24. Upon complete plasticization of the resin, the screw ram is hydraulically advanced towards threaded portions of the barrel to inject molten plastic through thenozzle 24, as is well known in the art. - As depicted in FIG. 4, opposing surfaces of male and
female mold parts mold cavity 30. - As illustrated in FIG. 5, there is a depiction of a one-piece pre-form32 created from the vacuum molded film sheet which is first placed in the
mold cavity 30. Thereafter, as depicted in FIG. 6, the air bag body orstructural carrier 14 is molded in the plastic injection molding system to form a completed unitary laminate plastic component. - The body of the
air bag cover 14 may also be formed from thermoplastic polyolefin, polycarbonate, tee tpe, sebs tpe, and a mixture of polycarbonate and acrylonitrile/butadiene/styrene (ABS). Thecorresponding film sheet 12 must be compatible with the plastic of the body so that diffusion between contact surfaces occurs. Additionally, the laminate should be compatible with the substrate on which the laminate is to be adhered. In general, this requirement is achieved by selecting astructural carrier 14 with at least one or more materials common to the substrate on which the laminate is to be adhered. As an example, with a thermoplastic polyolefin substrate, the structural carrier should include polypropylene. - In an alternative embodiment, the mold can be modified to produce a plastic component with embossed lettering. This embossed effect is achieved by etching into the mold the desired pattern or letters so that the letters have at least a 0.5 mm radius on the edge of the letter, or else the film will tear and stretch.
- The unique features of the laminate plastic components are 1) a stiff inner material to support the intended application; 2) reduction and/or elimination of paint problems such as drips, runs, spits, dry spray, light coverage and gloss and improved color match and paint adhesion; 3) reduced molding scrap due to splay, flow marks and minor surface imperfections, which can be completely covered; and 4) increased durability of the resulting plastic laminate components.
- It should be understood that the film sheet can be positioned in the injection mold either by way of a pre-form, as described above, or by way of a film roll supply. In this way, one can mold in the color at the press or mold thereby avoiding a secondary painting operation.
- While the best mode for carrying out the invention has been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which this invention relates will recognize various alternative designs and embodiments for practicing the invention as defined by the following claims.
Claims (10)
Priority Applications (2)
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US11/226,010 US7101505B2 (en) | 1995-11-01 | 2005-09-14 | Method of manufacturing an in-mold laminate composition |
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US55151795A | 1995-11-01 | 1995-11-01 | |
US09/083,943 US6428738B1 (en) | 1995-11-01 | 1998-05-22 | Method of manufacturing an in-mold laminate component |
US10/193,407 US20020171181A1 (en) | 1995-11-01 | 2002-07-11 | Method of manufacturing an in-mold laminate component |
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US09/083,943 Continuation US6428738B1 (en) | 1995-11-01 | 1998-05-22 | Method of manufacturing an in-mold laminate component |
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US10/131,019 Pending US20020158371A1 (en) | 1995-11-01 | 2002-04-24 | Method of manufacturing an in-mold laminate component |
US10/193,407 Abandoned US20020171181A1 (en) | 1995-11-01 | 2002-07-11 | Method of manufacturing an in-mold laminate component |
US11/226,010 Expired - Fee Related US7101505B2 (en) | 1995-11-01 | 2005-09-14 | Method of manufacturing an in-mold laminate composition |
US11/438,631 Expired - Fee Related US7425122B2 (en) | 1995-11-01 | 2006-05-22 | Method of manufacturing an in-mold laminate component |
US12/210,742 Abandoned US20090061033A1 (en) | 1995-11-01 | 2008-09-15 | Method of manufacturing an in-mold laminate component |
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US09/083,943 Expired - Fee Related US6428738B1 (en) | 1995-11-01 | 1998-05-22 | Method of manufacturing an in-mold laminate component |
US10/131,019 Pending US20020158371A1 (en) | 1995-11-01 | 2002-04-24 | Method of manufacturing an in-mold laminate component |
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US11/226,010 Expired - Fee Related US7101505B2 (en) | 1995-11-01 | 2005-09-14 | Method of manufacturing an in-mold laminate composition |
US11/438,631 Expired - Fee Related US7425122B2 (en) | 1995-11-01 | 2006-05-22 | Method of manufacturing an in-mold laminate component |
US12/210,742 Abandoned US20090061033A1 (en) | 1995-11-01 | 2008-09-15 | Method of manufacturing an in-mold laminate component |
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2002
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2005
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2006
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2008
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Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20040219366A1 (en) * | 2003-05-02 | 2004-11-04 | Johnson John R. | Bright formable metalized film laminate |
US20040231211A1 (en) * | 2003-05-02 | 2004-11-25 | Johnson John R. | Three-dimensional automobile badge |
US20050175843A1 (en) * | 2003-05-02 | 2005-08-11 | Johnson John R. | Bright formable metalized film laminate |
US20090261494A1 (en) * | 2008-04-17 | 2009-10-22 | Global Ip Holdings, Llc | Automated Method And System For Making Painted Vehicle Body Panel Skins And Vehicle Body Panels, Such As Instrument Panels, Utilizing Same |
US8641398B2 (en) | 2008-04-17 | 2014-02-04 | Global Ip Holdings, Llc | Automated method and system for making painted vehicle body panel skins and vehicle body panels, such as instrument panels, utilizing same |
US9962869B2 (en) | 2008-04-17 | 2018-05-08 | Global Ip Holdings, Llc | Automated method and system for making painted vehicle body panel skins and vehicle body panels, such as instrument panels, utilizing same |
US11254033B2 (en) | 2008-04-17 | 2022-02-22 | Global Ip Holdings, Llc | Automated method and system for making painted vehicle body panel skins and vehicle body panels, such as instrument panels, utilizing same |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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US20020158371A1 (en) | 2002-10-31 |
US7425122B2 (en) | 2008-09-16 |
US7101505B2 (en) | 2006-09-05 |
US20060210662A1 (en) | 2006-09-21 |
US20060006588A1 (en) | 2006-01-12 |
US6428738B1 (en) | 2002-08-06 |
US20090061033A1 (en) | 2009-03-05 |
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