US20030206985A1 - Gas-assisted two-shot injection molding process - Google Patents
Gas-assisted two-shot injection molding process Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20030206985A1 US20030206985A1 US10/445,979 US44597903A US2003206985A1 US 20030206985 A1 US20030206985 A1 US 20030206985A1 US 44597903 A US44597903 A US 44597903A US 2003206985 A1 US2003206985 A1 US 2003206985A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- thermoplastic
- soft
- mold
- chamber
- hard
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- 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
- B29C45/17—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
- B29C45/1703—Introducing an auxiliary fluid into the mould
- B29C45/1704—Introducing an auxiliary fluid into the mould the fluid being introduced into the interior of the injected material which is still in a molten state, e.g. for producing hollow articles
-
- 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
- B29C45/16—Making multilayered or multicoloured articles
- B29C45/1635—Making multilayered or multicoloured articles using displaceable mould parts, e.g. retractable partition between adjacent mould cavities
- B29C45/1639—Removable partitions between adjacent mould cavity portions
-
- 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
- B29C45/16—Making multilayered or multicoloured articles
- B29C45/1676—Making multilayered or multicoloured articles using a soft material and a rigid material, e.g. making articles with a sealing part
Definitions
- the present invention relates to injection molding a composite article including a rigid thermoplastic and a soft thermoplastic.
- a cowl the transition trim part between the hood and windshield—typically includes a rigid piece of plastic and a soft, blade-like seal bonded to an edge of the rigid piece.
- the rigid piece forms the body of the cowl and is secured to a body panel of the automobile.
- the blade seal engages the hood, providing an interface between the cowl and the hood to prevent water from leaking into the engine compartment and to suppress engine noise.
- the resultant rigid/soft composite cowl includes the desired structural rigidity and sealing capability, it suffers a significant shortcoming. Due to repeated contact with the hood and exposure to excessive heat from the engine, the blade seal deforms from its original shape, and becomes incapable of satisfactorily engaging the hood to provide the required seal. This loss of sealing ability of the blade seal is common in many other rigid/soft thermoplastic composite applications as well.
- pressurized gas In an unrelated field, pressurized gas conventionally is used to add rigidity to hard thermoplastic bodies.
- pressurized gas is injected into molten hard thermoplastic resin as the resin is injected into a mold. The gas pushes resin out of its way to form cavities within the hard resin. When the hard resin cools, the completed hard plastic body includes cavities that enhance the rigidity and structural strength of the body.
- This use of pressurized gas provides a way to increase rigidity of hard plastic bodies; however, many opportunities exist to use pressurized gas in novel applications.
- the aforementioned problems are overcome in the present invention that provides a single mold injection process in which a rigid thermoplastic is bonded to a soft thermoplastic and pressurized assist gas is injected into the soft thermoplastic to establish a cavity and thereby form a compressible bulb seal.
- the present invention generally includes the steps of: injecting a molten rigid thermoplastic into a first mold chamber; injecting a molten soft thermoplastic into a second mold chamber; establishing fluid communication between the first and second mold chambers so that the rigid and soft thermoplastics bond to one another along an edge; and injecting pressurized assist gas or liquid into the soft thermoplastic to establish a cavity in the soft thermoplastic.
- the pressurized gas pushes molten soft plastic out of the gases' way and the space occupied by the gas forms the tube-like cavity through the soft plastic.
- the resultant composite is removed from the mold. With the cavity formed in the soft thermoplastic, the soft thermoplastic portion of the composite forms a compressible and resilient seal with a cross section resembling a light bulb—hence the name “bulb seal.”
- the present inventive process provides an efficient and economical way to integrally bond a rigid thermoplastic to a soft thermoplastic that includes a bulb seal in a single mold process.
- resilient bulb seals may now be integrated into a variety rigid/soft thermoplastic composite articles including automotive trim pieces, such as cowls, doors and door jambs; household appliance trim; construction materials, such as doorways and windows; and the like. Accordingly, these composite articles offer improved sealing capabilities because the integral bulb seal is less prone to deformation over time due to repeated contact with an item against which it interfaces.
- the present invention provides a novel use of assist gas. Rather than use assist gas to make hard thermoplastic parts more rigid and strong, the present invention uses assist gas to make soft plastic bodies more supple and resilient.
- FIG. 1 is a sectional view of an automotive cowl composite formed according to a process of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a mold used in the process of the present invention as hard thermoplastic is injected into the mold;
- FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the mold when the hard thermoplastic has been injected into the mold
- FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the mold as a core is retracted and soft thermoplastic is injected into the mold;
- FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the mold as pressurized assist fluid is injected into the soft thermoplastic.
- FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a completed composite cowl within the mold.
- cowl 10 formed according to the process of the present invention, includes body 20 and bulb seal 30 .
- Body 20 is constructed of a rigid or hard thermoplastic or resin and bulb seal 30 is constructed of a supple or soft thermoplastic or resin.
- the rigid thermoplastic 21 of the body 20 is integrally bonded to the soft thermoplastic 31 of the bulb seal 30 at interface 25 .
- the hard thermoplastic or resin is polypropylene (PP) and the soft resin a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).
- the hard thermoplastic may be any commercially available hard or rigid thermoplastic including but not limited to the following: polyethylene (PE), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polystyrene (PS), polycarbonate (PC), thermoplastic olefin (TPO), nylon (PA), polyacetal (PMMA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA), polybutylene terephalate (PBT) and polyester.
- PE polyethylene
- ABS acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene
- PS polystyrene
- PC polycarbonate
- TPO thermoplastic olefin
- PA polyacetal
- PMMA polyethylene terephthalate
- PBT polybutylene terephthalate
- ASA acrylonitrile styrene acrylate
- PBT polybutylene terephalate
- thermoplastic polyurethane TPU
- PVC polyvinyl chloride
- TPO thermoplastic olefin
- the cowl body 20 includes top surface 22 , bottom surface 23 , side edge 26 (opposite side edge 26 not shown), an elongated back edge 24 and an elongated front edge—not visible as it is coincident with the interface 25 of the rigid thermoplastic 21 and the soft thermoplastic 31 .
- the elongated back edge 24 abuts the windshield 110 of the automobile.
- the bulb seal 30 includes cavity or void 32 extending therethrough.
- bulb seal refers to an article constructed of soft thermoplastic including an internal cavity of any size, shape or dimension formed using a gas or liquid assist process.
- the bulb seal 30 engages the hood 120 to form a seal when the hood 120 is in a closed position as depicted. Because bulb seal 30 is constructed of soft thermoplastic 31 and includes cavity 32 therein, it is compressible and resilient, and thereby capable of enduring repeated and continuous sealing engagement with the hood over the useful life of the vehicle without deforming.
- the injection molding equipment 50 generally includes upper 52 and lower 54 mold halves operatively movable between open (not shown) and closed positions with commercially available hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric systems. In the closed position, the upper 52 and lower 54 mold halves meet together along mold interface 53 .
- the mold halves 52 , 54 define first mold cavity 56 and second mold cavity 58 .
- a mold insert or slide core 62 is adapted to slide in channel 51 , which is defined by the upper mold 52 .
- Slide core 62 includes a block, plate or member which prevents materials in the first mold cavity 56 from communicating with materials in the second mold cavity 58 when it is in its extended or protracted position as depicted in FIG. 2.
- the slide core is of any size, shape or dimension.
- the slide core 62 is movable from the protracted position shown in FIG. 2 to a retracted position shown in FIG. 4, preferably by a hydraulic cylinder 64 .
- Hydraulic cylinder. 64 is in fluid communication with a control pump (not shown) via hydraulic supply line 66 .
- the hydraulic cylinder 64 is optionally controlled by a microprocessor (not shown) to move the slide core 62 as desired.
- the slide core is moveable by any commercially available actuating mechanism, for example, an electric servo motor, pneumatic drive, gear drive, rack and pinion drive, or the like.
- the upper mold 52 further includes rigid resin injection barrel 72 , which is in fluid communication with a rigid resin supply (not shown) via supply line 74 .
- the hard resin injection barrel is preferably located in the first mold chamber to deliver a shot or predetermined quantity of rigid or hard thermoplastic resin—in molten or liquid form—into the first mold chamber 56 .
- the upper mold 52 also includes a soft resin injection barrel 76 , which is in fluid communication with a soft resin supply (not shown) via supply line 78 .
- the soft resin injection barrel 76 is preferably located in the second mold chamber to deliver a shot of soft thermoplastic resin—in molten or liquid form—into the second mold chamber 58 .
- a gas injection port 80 is disposed in the upper mold, in communication with second mold chamber 58 and further in communication with a gas supply (not shown) via gas supply line 82 .
- the gas injection port is capable of injecting pressurized gas into the soft thermoplastic resin as that resin is injected from soft resin injection barrel 76 into the second mold chamber 58 .
- the gas injection port may be disposed in the lower mold.
- other gas injection systems may be substituted for the injection ports to inject gas into the mold.
- the gas may be injected directly into a resin feed machine (not shown) used to deliver resin to the mold.
- the gas may be injected directly into the runner system.
- the pressurized inert gas is nitrogen, however any commercially available assist gas may be used.
- any commercially available assist liquid for example water, may be used as well.
- the assist liquid would be injected through the port 80 into the soft thermoplastic resin 31 and operate under principles similar to that of an assist gas.
- assist fluid refers to any commercially available assist gas or assist liquid.
- temperature and pressure sensors may be distributed throughout the upper and lower 52 , 54 mold halves to monitor temperature and pressure within the chambers 56 , 58 at preselected locations. These sensors can be employed with supply sensors (not shown) monitoring the amount of materials injected through the hard resin injection barrel 72 , the soft resin injection barrel 76 and the gas injection port 80 , to input information to a microprocessor (not shown) which consequently controls the injection molding process.
- the hard resin injection barrel, soft resin injection barrel, gas assist injection port 80 , slide core 62 and hydraulic cylinder 64 may be disposed in any combination in either the upper 52 or lower mold 54 .
- additional molds and slide cores may be combined with the upper 52 and lower 54 molds to create the desired configuration of the hard resin/soft resin composite.
- a commercially available cooling system may be integrated into the upper 52 and lower 54 molds to facilitate cooling of injected resins.
- first mold chamber 56 corresponds to the rigid body of the cowl and the second mold chamber corresponds to the bulb seal of the cowl.
- a first molten thermoplastic resin preferably a rigid thermoplastic 21 is injected into the first mold chamber through to hard resin injection barrel 72 until the first mold chamber 56 is satisfactorily filled as depicted in FIG. 3.
- the clamping pressure between the upper 52 and lower mold halves 54 may then be relieved.
- the slide core 62 is then retracted in the direction as indicated by the arrow by hydraulic cylinder 64 into the channel 51 to expose the rigid thermoplastic body 20 , which still may be partially molten, to the second mold chamber 58 .
- the soft resin shot 31 continues to pump into the second mold chamber 58 through soft resin injection barrel 76 .
- the innermost portion of the soft resin 31 remains heated and viscous. Accordingly, when pressurized assist gas is injected into the second mold chamber 58 via gas injection port 80 , the gas pushes the soft thermoplastic resin 31 outwards (as depicted by the arrows) to form an expanding cavity 32 .
- the soft thermoplastic resin 31 begins to fuse and integrally bond to the rigid thermoplastic 20 at interface 25 .
- Injection of the soft thermoplastic 31 and pressurized assist gas into second mold cavity 58 continues at a rate and for a duration of time experimentally determined until the cavity 32 is expanded to desired dimensions and the soft thermoplastic resin 31 bonds to rigid thermoplastic 20 along interface 25 .
- assist liquid rather than assist gas, may be injected into the soft thermoplastic 31 to form the cavity 32 .
- the soft thermoplastic is allowed to cool.
- the soft thermoplastic resin 31 Upon cooling, the soft thermoplastic resin 31 is fully bonded with interface 25 to the rigid thermoplastic 20 as depicted in FIG. 6. Cavity 32 is formed so that the soft thermoplastic 31 defines a bulb seal 30 . At this point, any excess pressure within the cavity 32 caused by the pressurized assist gas or assist liquid therein may be relieved through an exhaust port (not shown) or back through assist gas injection port 80 . After cooling and release of pressure from the cavity 32 , the clamping pressure is relieved, and the mold halves 52 , 54 are separated. The completed cowl is removed from the mold halves 52 , 54 .
- the completed cowl is composite in nature, including rigid thermoplastic body 20 and soft thermoplastic bulb seal 30 , which is bonded at interface 25 to the rigid thermoplastic body 20 .
- the completed cowl preferably has an appearance of cowl 10 as depicted in FIG. 1
Abstract
A process for injection molding a composite of rigid thermoplastic and soft thermoplastic, the soft thermoplastic including a cavity established with pressurized assist gas or an assist liquid. The process includes the steps of: injecting a hard molten thermoplastic into a first mold chamber; injecting a soft molten thermoplastic into a second mold chamber; establishing communication between the first chamber and the second chamber so that the rigid thermoplastic and soft thermoplastic integrally bond; and injecting an assist fluid into the soft thermoplastic to form a cavity. In a preferred embodiment, the formed composite is an automotive cowl where the rigid thermoplastic forms the rigid body portion of the cowl and the integrally bonded soft thermoplastic forms a compressible bulb seal.
Description
- The present invention relates to injection molding a composite article including a rigid thermoplastic and a soft thermoplastic.
- In many industries, it is desirable to combine the structural characteristics of a rigid thermoplastic with the sealing abilities of a soft and flexible thermoplastic. For example, in the automotive industry, a cowl—the transition trim part between the hood and windshield—typically includes a rigid piece of plastic and a soft, blade-like seal bonded to an edge of the rigid piece. The rigid piece forms the body of the cowl and is secured to a body panel of the automobile. The blade seal engages the hood, providing an interface between the cowl and the hood to prevent water from leaking into the engine compartment and to suppress engine noise.
- Conventional rigid/soft thermoplastic composites such as cowls are made with a “two-shot” injection molding process. This process uses a mold that is initially separated by a retractable mold insert into two chambers--a body chamber corresponding to the body of the cowl, and a seal chamber corresponding to the blade seal. In the process, molten structural or “hard” thermoplastic is injected into and fills the body chamber. Next, the mold insert is retracted to expose an edge of the structural thermoplastic to the seal chamber. Then, a molten soft thermoplastic is injected into and fills the seal chamber, and simultaneously bonds to the exposed edge to form a rigid/soft thermoplastic composite cowl.
- Although the resultant rigid/soft composite cowl includes the desired structural rigidity and sealing capability, it suffers a significant shortcoming. Due to repeated contact with the hood and exposure to excessive heat from the engine, the blade seal deforms from its original shape, and becomes incapable of satisfactorily engaging the hood to provide the required seal. This loss of sealing ability of the blade seal is common in many other rigid/soft thermoplastic composite applications as well.
- In an unrelated field, pressurized gas conventionally is used to add rigidity to hard thermoplastic bodies. In one application, pressurized gas is injected into molten hard thermoplastic resin as the resin is injected into a mold. The gas pushes resin out of its way to form cavities within the hard resin. When the hard resin cools, the completed hard plastic body includes cavities that enhance the rigidity and structural strength of the body. This use of pressurized gas provides a way to increase rigidity of hard plastic bodies; however, many opportunities exist to use pressurized gas in novel applications.
- The aforementioned problems are overcome in the present invention that provides a single mold injection process in which a rigid thermoplastic is bonded to a soft thermoplastic and pressurized assist gas is injected into the soft thermoplastic to establish a cavity and thereby form a compressible bulb seal.
- In a preferred embodiment, the present invention generally includes the steps of: injecting a molten rigid thermoplastic into a first mold chamber; injecting a molten soft thermoplastic into a second mold chamber; establishing fluid communication between the first and second mold chambers so that the rigid and soft thermoplastics bond to one another along an edge; and injecting pressurized assist gas or liquid into the soft thermoplastic to establish a cavity in the soft thermoplastic. Preferably, the pressurized gas pushes molten soft plastic out of the gases' way and the space occupied by the gas forms the tube-like cavity through the soft plastic. After the thermoplastics cool, the resultant composite is removed from the mold. With the cavity formed in the soft thermoplastic, the soft thermoplastic portion of the composite forms a compressible and resilient seal with a cross section resembling a light bulb—hence the name “bulb seal.”
- The present inventive process provides an efficient and economical way to integrally bond a rigid thermoplastic to a soft thermoplastic that includes a bulb seal in a single mold process. With the process, resilient bulb seals may now be integrated into a variety rigid/soft thermoplastic composite articles including automotive trim pieces, such as cowls, doors and door jambs; household appliance trim; construction materials, such as doorways and windows; and the like. Accordingly, these composite articles offer improved sealing capabilities because the integral bulb seal is less prone to deformation over time due to repeated contact with an item against which it interfaces.
- Additionally, the present invention provides a novel use of assist gas. Rather than use assist gas to make hard thermoplastic parts more rigid and strong, the present invention uses assist gas to make soft plastic bodies more supple and resilient.
- These and other objects, advantages and features of the invention will be more readily understood and appreciated by reference to the detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the drawings.
- FIG. 1 is a sectional view of an automotive cowl composite formed according to a process of the present invention;
- FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a mold used in the process of the present invention as hard thermoplastic is injected into the mold;
- FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the mold when the hard thermoplastic has been injected into the mold;
- FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the mold as a core is retracted and soft thermoplastic is injected into the mold;
- FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the mold as pressurized assist fluid is injected into the soft thermoplastic; and
- FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a completed composite cowl within the mold.
- In the preferred embodiment, the present invention is described in connection with the manufacture of injection molded thermoplastic automotive trim cowls. With reference to FIG. 1,
cowl 10, formed according to the process of the present invention, includesbody 20 andbulb seal 30.Body 20 is constructed of a rigid or hard thermoplastic or resin andbulb seal 30 is constructed of a supple or soft thermoplastic or resin. The rigid thermoplastic 21 of thebody 20 is integrally bonded to the soft thermoplastic 31 of thebulb seal 30 atinterface 25. In a preferred embodiment, the hard thermoplastic or resin is polypropylene (PP) and the soft resin a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). - Optionally, the hard thermoplastic may be any commercially available hard or rigid thermoplastic including but not limited to the following: polyethylene (PE), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polystyrene (PS), polycarbonate (PC), thermoplastic olefin (TPO), nylon (PA), polyacetal (PMMA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA), polybutylene terephalate (PBT) and polyester. Optionally, mineral, glass fiber or synthetic fiber-filled versions of rigid thermoplastic, including those above, may be used. Further, commercially available blends of rigid thermoplastic may be used, such as ABS-ASA, ABS-PA, ABS-PBT, and the like. The soft thermoplastic may be any commercially available soft or supple thermoplastic including but not limited to the following:
- thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), thermoplastic olefin (TPO) and ionomers.
- The
cowl body 20 includestop surface 22,bottom surface 23, side edge 26 (opposite side edge 26 not shown), anelongated back edge 24 and an elongated front edge—not visible as it is coincident with theinterface 25 of the rigid thermoplastic 21 and the soft thermoplastic 31. Theelongated back edge 24 abuts thewindshield 110 of the automobile. - With further reference to FIG. 1, the
bulb seal 30 includes cavity orvoid 32 extending therethrough. As used herein, “bulb seal” refers to an article constructed of soft thermoplastic including an internal cavity of any size, shape or dimension formed using a gas or liquid assist process. Thebulb seal 30 engages thehood 120 to form a seal when thehood 120 is in a closed position as depicted. Becausebulb seal 30 is constructed of soft thermoplastic 31 and includescavity 32 therein, it is compressible and resilient, and thereby capable of enduring repeated and continuous sealing engagement with the hood over the useful life of the vehicle without deforming. - With reference to FIG. 2, the
injection molding equipment 50 of the preferred embodiment will now be described. Theinjection molding equipment 50 generally includes upper 52 and lower 54 mold halves operatively movable between open (not shown) and closed positions with commercially available hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric systems. In the closed position, the upper 52 and lower 54 mold halves meet together alongmold interface 53. Themold halves first mold cavity 56 andsecond mold cavity 58. - A mold insert or
slide core 62 is adapted to slide inchannel 51, which is defined by theupper mold 52.Slide core 62 includes a block, plate or member which prevents materials in thefirst mold cavity 56 from communicating with materials in thesecond mold cavity 58 when it is in its extended or protracted position as depicted in FIG. 2. Optionally, the slide core is of any size, shape or dimension. Theslide core 62 is movable from the protracted position shown in FIG. 2 to a retracted position shown in FIG. 4, preferably by ahydraulic cylinder 64. Hydraulic cylinder.64 is in fluid communication with a control pump (not shown) viahydraulic supply line 66. Thehydraulic cylinder 64 is optionally controlled by a microprocessor (not shown) to move theslide core 62 as desired. Optionally, the slide core is moveable by any commercially available actuating mechanism, for example, an electric servo motor, pneumatic drive, gear drive, rack and pinion drive, or the like. - With further reference to FIG. 2, the
upper mold 52 further includes rigidresin injection barrel 72, which is in fluid communication with a rigid resin supply (not shown) viasupply line 74. The hard resin injection barrel is preferably located in the first mold chamber to deliver a shot or predetermined quantity of rigid or hard thermoplastic resin—in molten or liquid form—into thefirst mold chamber 56. - The
upper mold 52 also includes a softresin injection barrel 76, which is in fluid communication with a soft resin supply (not shown) viasupply line 78. The softresin injection barrel 76 is preferably located in the second mold chamber to deliver a shot of soft thermoplastic resin—in molten or liquid form—into thesecond mold chamber 58. - Additionally, a
gas injection port 80 is disposed in the upper mold, in communication withsecond mold chamber 58 and further in communication with a gas supply (not shown) viagas supply line 82. The gas injection port is capable of injecting pressurized gas into the soft thermoplastic resin as that resin is injected from softresin injection barrel 76 into thesecond mold chamber 58. Optionally, the gas injection port may be disposed in the lower mold. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, other gas injection systems may be substituted for the injection ports to inject gas into the mold. For example, the gas may be injected directly into a resin feed machine (not shown) used to deliver resin to the mold. Optionally, in cases where resin is injected through a runner system (not shown) into the mold, the gas may be injected directly into the runner system. - Preferably, the pressurized inert gas is nitrogen, however any commercially available assist gas may be used. Optionally, any commercially available assist liquid, for example water, may be used as well. In such an option, the assist liquid would be injected through the
port 80 into thesoft thermoplastic resin 31 and operate under principles similar to that of an assist gas. As used herein, assist fluid refers to any commercially available assist gas or assist liquid. - Additionally, temperature and pressure sensors (not shown) may be distributed throughout the upper and lower52, 54 mold halves to monitor temperature and pressure within the
chambers resin injection barrel 72, the softresin injection barrel 76 and thegas injection port 80, to input information to a microprocessor (not shown) which consequently controls the injection molding process. - As will be appreciated, the hard resin injection barrel, soft resin injection barrel, gas
assist injection port 80,slide core 62 andhydraulic cylinder 64 may be disposed in any combination in either the upper 52 orlower mold 54. Optionally, additional molds and slide cores may be combined with the upper 52 and lower 54 molds to create the desired configuration of the hard resin/soft resin composite. Further, a commercially available cooling system may be integrated into the upper 52 and lower 54 molds to facilitate cooling of injected resins. - Method of Manufacture
- Referring now to FIGS.2-6, the preferred process of the invention will now be described in connection with the manufacture of injection molded thermoplastic automotive trim cowls. When the
slide core 62 is moved to its protracted position as depicted in FIG. 2, the mold halves 52, 54 are clamped together with suitable clamping pressure to definefirst mold chamber 56 andsecond mold chamber 58. Thefirst mold chamber 56 corresponds to the rigid body of the cowl and the second mold chamber corresponds to the bulb seal of the cowl. At this time, a first molten thermoplastic resin, preferably arigid thermoplastic 21 is injected into the first mold chamber through to hardresin injection barrel 72 until thefirst mold chamber 56 is satisfactorily filled as depicted in FIG. 3. - With reference to FIG. 4, the clamping pressure between the upper52 and lower mold halves 54 may then be relieved. The
slide core 62 is then retracted in the direction as indicated by the arrow byhydraulic cylinder 64 into thechannel 51 to expose the rigidthermoplastic body 20, which still may be partially molten, to thesecond mold chamber 58. - With further reference to FIG. 4, after the
slide core 62 is retracted, the upper andlower molds thermoplastic resident barrel 76 into thesecond chamber 58. Almost simultaneously, pressurized assist gas from a gas supply (not shown) is pumped throughline 82 and into thesecond mold cavity 58 viagas injection port 80. - With reference to FIG. 5, the soft resin shot31 continues to pump into the
second mold chamber 58 through softresin injection barrel 76. As the soft resin fills thesecond mold chamber 58, the innermost portion of thesoft resin 31 remains heated and viscous. Accordingly, when pressurized assist gas is injected into thesecond mold chamber 58 viagas injection port 80, the gas pushes thesoft thermoplastic resin 31 outwards (as depicted by the arrows) to form an expandingcavity 32. - As further depicted in FIG. 5, the
soft thermoplastic resin 31 begins to fuse and integrally bond to therigid thermoplastic 20 atinterface 25. Injection of thesoft thermoplastic 31 and pressurized assist gas intosecond mold cavity 58 continues at a rate and for a duration of time experimentally determined until thecavity 32 is expanded to desired dimensions and thesoft thermoplastic resin 31 bonds torigid thermoplastic 20 alonginterface 25. Optionally, assist liquid, rather than assist gas, may be injected into thesoft thermoplastic 31 to form thecavity 32. In another step, the soft thermoplastic is allowed to cool. - Upon cooling, the
soft thermoplastic resin 31 is fully bonded withinterface 25 to therigid thermoplastic 20 as depicted in FIG. 6.Cavity 32 is formed so that thesoft thermoplastic 31 defines abulb seal 30. At this point, any excess pressure within thecavity 32 caused by the pressurized assist gas or assist liquid therein may be relieved through an exhaust port (not shown) or back through assistgas injection port 80. After cooling and release of pressure from thecavity 32, the clamping pressure is relieved, and the mold halves 52, 54 are separated. The completed cowl is removed from the mold halves 52, 54. - The completed cowl is composite in nature, including rigid
thermoplastic body 20 and softthermoplastic bulb seal 30, which is bonded atinterface 25 to the rigidthermoplastic body 20. The completed cowl preferably has an appearance ofcowl 10 as depicted in FIG. 1 - The above descriptions are those of the preferred embodiments of the invention. Various alterations and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the invention as defined in the appended claims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents. Any references to claim elements in the singular, for example, using the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” or “said,” is not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular.
Claims (19)
1. A process for fluid-assist injection molding and composite article comprising the steps of:
providing a mold;
injecting a shot of hard thermoplastic resin in molten form into the mold;
injecting a shot of soft thermoplastic resin in molten form into the mold, a first portion of the soft thermoplastic resin bonding to the hard thermoplastic resin, a second portion of the soft thermoplastic resin having a viscous interior; and
injecting assist fluid into the heated viscous interior to establish a cavity in the second portion of the soft thermoplastic resin.
2. The process of claim 1 comprising the step of allowing the hard thermoplastic and soft thermoplastic to cool and solidify.
3. The process of claim 2 wherein the hard thermoplastic is polypropylene and the soft thermoplastic is a thermoplastic elastomer.
4. The process of claim 1 wherein the mold defines a first chamber and a second chamber selectively separated by a core slide.
5. The process of claim 4 wherein the core slide is moveable between a protracted position and retracted position.
6. The process of claim 5 wherein the soft thermoplastic is prevented from bonding to the hard thermoplastic when the core slide is in a protracted position and wherein the soft thermoplastic and hard thermoplastic bond to one another when the core slide is in a retracted position.
7. A process for injection molding a composite article comprising the steps of:
injecting a hard thermoplastic into a first mold chamber;
injecting a soft thermoplastic into a second mold chamber;
establishing communication between said first mold chamber and the second mold chamber so that the hard thermoplastic and soft thermoplastic bond to one another; and
introducing a pressurized gas into said soft thermoplastic whereby a cavity is formed in the soft thermoplastic.
8. The process of claim 7 wherein the soft thermoplastic with the cavity therein forms a bulb seal.
9. The process of claim 7 wherein the first and second mold chambers are selectively separated by a retractable mold insert.
10. The process of claim 9 wherein said establishing step includes retracting the mold insert.
11. The process of claim 7 wherein the soft thermoplastic is chosen from the group consisting of thermoplastic elastomer, thermoplastic polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, thermoplastic olefin and ionomers.
12. The process of claim 8 wherein the hard thermoplastic is chosen from the group consisting of: polypropylene, polyethylene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, polystyrene, polycarbonate, thermoplastic olefin, nylon, polyacetal, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, acrylonitrile styrene acrylate, polybutylene terephalate and polyester.
13. A automotive cowl formed by the process of claim 7 .
14. A cowl for use in a vehicle between a windshield and a hood of the vehicle, the cowl comprising:
a rigid thermoplastic body including a top surface, a bottom surface, an elongated front edge, an elongated back edge, sides extending from said back edge to said front edge;
a compressible bulb seal integrally molded to said rigid thermoplastic body along said front edge, said seal formed from a material that is soft relative to said rigid thermoplastic body and adapted to provide an interface between the cowl and the vehicle hood.
15. The cowl according to claim 14 wherein said rigid thermoplastic body is constructed of materials chosen from : polypropylene, polyethylene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, polystyrene, polycarbonate, thermoplastic olefin, nylon, polyacetal, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, acrylonitrile styrene acrylate, polybutylene terephalate and polyester.
16. A cowl according to claim 15 wherein the bulb seal is constructed from materials chosen from thermoplastic elastomer, thermoplastic polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, thermoplastic olefin and ionomers.
17. An apparatus for injection molding composite articles comprising:
a mold including a first chamber and a second chamber;
a retractable insert capable of selectively separating said first chamber from said second chamber;
means for injecting a hard thermoplastic shot into said first chamber;
means for injecting a soft thermoplastic shot into said second chamber;
means for retracting said insert so that the hard thermoplastic and soft thermoplastic communicate with and bond to one another;
means for injecting an assist fluid into the soft thermoplastic in the second chamber to form a cavity in the soft thermoplastic.
18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the first mold chamber is in of a shape corresponding to an automotive cowl body.
19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the second mold chamber is of a shape corresponding to an exterior of a bulb seal.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/445,979 US20030206985A1 (en) | 2001-06-28 | 2003-05-27 | Gas-assisted two-shot injection molding process |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/894,761 US6623688B2 (en) | 2001-06-28 | 2001-06-28 | Gas-assisted two-shot injection molding process |
US10/445,979 US20030206985A1 (en) | 2001-06-28 | 2003-05-27 | Gas-assisted two-shot injection molding process |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/894,761 Division US6623688B2 (en) | 2001-06-28 | 2001-06-28 | Gas-assisted two-shot injection molding process |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20030206985A1 true US20030206985A1 (en) | 2003-11-06 |
Family
ID=25403493
Family Applications (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/894,761 Expired - Lifetime US6623688B2 (en) | 2001-06-28 | 2001-06-28 | Gas-assisted two-shot injection molding process |
US10/445,979 Abandoned US20030206985A1 (en) | 2001-06-28 | 2003-05-27 | Gas-assisted two-shot injection molding process |
US10/445,981 Abandoned US20030205915A1 (en) | 2001-06-28 | 2003-05-27 | Gas-assisted two-shot injection molding process |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/894,761 Expired - Lifetime US6623688B2 (en) | 2001-06-28 | 2001-06-28 | Gas-assisted two-shot injection molding process |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/445,981 Abandoned US20030205915A1 (en) | 2001-06-28 | 2003-05-27 | Gas-assisted two-shot injection molding process |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (3) | US6623688B2 (en) |
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20050242475A1 (en) * | 2004-04-30 | 2005-11-03 | Lear Corporation | Gas pin for thermocouple for gas assisted injection molding |
US20060012216A1 (en) * | 2004-07-15 | 2006-01-19 | Bogdan Radu | Automotive ashtray and method for making the same |
US20060012205A1 (en) * | 2004-07-15 | 2006-01-19 | Bogdan Radu | Automotive storage compartment and method for making the same |
US20060012209A1 (en) * | 2004-07-15 | 2006-01-19 | Bogdan Radu | Sunvisor attachment for vehicles and method for making the same |
US7077456B2 (en) | 2004-03-11 | 2006-07-18 | Lear Corporation | Automotive interior trim assembly and pad insertion |
US20080277839A1 (en) * | 2007-05-07 | 2008-11-13 | Plastic Molded Technologies, Inc. | Co-Injection Molding System, Method of Injection Molding a Composite Structure and Article Formed Thereby |
US9113254B2 (en) | 2013-08-05 | 2015-08-18 | Google Technology Holdings LLC | Earbud with pivoting acoustic duct |
US9635928B2 (en) | 2012-11-05 | 2017-05-02 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Toothbrush comprising elastomeric cleaning elements over-molded with a harder plastic and method for producing the same |
Families Citing this family (34)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6630086B1 (en) * | 1999-12-30 | 2003-10-07 | Ethicon, Inc. | Gas assist molding of one-piece catheters |
US20030224080A1 (en) * | 2000-04-21 | 2003-12-04 | Ronald Thomas | Automated pin for gas assisted injection molding |
US7108825B2 (en) * | 2003-08-13 | 2006-09-19 | Lear Corporation | Multi-shot molding method and assembly |
US7093890B2 (en) * | 2003-08-21 | 2006-08-22 | Adac Plastics, Inc. | Cowl grille structure with integral washer fluid channel |
US6997505B2 (en) * | 2003-12-30 | 2006-02-14 | Lear Corporation | Modular door trim panel assembly having an integrated seal and method of manufacturing same |
US20050140168A1 (en) * | 2003-12-30 | 2005-06-30 | Emerling David M. | Door trim panel assembly having integrated soft-touch aesthetic feature and method of manufacturing same |
US20050140157A1 (en) * | 2003-12-30 | 2005-06-30 | Emerling David M. | Center console assembly having integrated soft-touch aesthetic feature and method of manufacturing same |
US20050260382A1 (en) * | 2004-05-24 | 2005-11-24 | Lear Corporation | Two-shot polymeric vehicle trim component and method of producing same |
US7367103B2 (en) * | 2004-06-11 | 2008-05-06 | International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc. | Method of forming a vehicle component |
FR2874350B1 (en) | 2004-08-18 | 2007-12-21 | Faurecia Interieur Ind Snc | MOLD FOR INJECTION MOLDING OF A PLASTIC PIECE AND MOLDING METHOD |
US7316447B2 (en) * | 2005-04-08 | 2008-01-08 | Gdx North America, Inc. | Integrated motor vehicle cowl vent and seal |
US7559763B2 (en) * | 2005-06-20 | 2009-07-14 | Crest Mold Technology Inc. | Dual material injection mold and method |
DE102006010310A1 (en) * | 2006-03-07 | 2007-09-13 | Krauss-Maffei Kunststofftechnik Gmbh | Apparatus and method for producing multi-component plastic parts |
US20070264474A1 (en) * | 2006-05-11 | 2007-11-15 | Visteon Global Technologies, Inc. | Component for a vehicle interior and a mold assembly and a method for assembling the component |
US20080047504A1 (en) * | 2006-08-02 | 2008-02-28 | Guido Benvenuto | Fan shroud ring and method for its manufacture |
US7976749B2 (en) * | 2007-05-24 | 2011-07-12 | Basf Aktiengesellschaft | Injection process for making a moulding completely recyclable, multilayered article |
KR101071731B1 (en) | 2007-08-07 | 2011-10-11 | 현대자동차주식회사 | Method for preventing material mixing in two_shot molding of crash pad and the system thereof |
US8153258B2 (en) * | 2007-10-10 | 2012-04-10 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Molded assembly having a reduced tendency to squeak and a method of manufacturing the assembly |
KR20090046119A (en) * | 2007-11-05 | 2009-05-11 | 현대자동차주식회사 | System and method for two-shot molding of a crash pad |
KR100969120B1 (en) * | 2008-07-15 | 2010-07-09 | 현대자동차주식회사 | Mold and method producing injection-molded material |
MX366109B (en) | 2008-07-21 | 2019-06-26 | Becton Dickinson Co | Density phase separation device. |
AU2009274096B2 (en) | 2008-07-21 | 2012-08-02 | Becton, Dickinson And Company | Density phase separation device |
ES2390171T3 (en) | 2008-07-21 | 2012-11-07 | Becton, Dickinson And Company | Density phase separation device |
FR2938480B1 (en) * | 2008-11-19 | 2010-11-05 | Peugeot Citroen Automobiles Sa | DEVICE FOR SEALING BETWEEN A MOTOR VEHICLE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AWNING CANVAS AND THE ENGINE HOOD THEREOF |
SG176028A1 (en) | 2009-05-15 | 2011-12-29 | Becton Dickinson Co | Density phase separation device |
US8640298B2 (en) * | 2009-12-22 | 2014-02-04 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Wiper lifter |
WO2012005181A1 (en) * | 2010-07-08 | 2012-01-12 | 東海興業株式会社 | Composite molded product and production method thereof |
US8915538B2 (en) | 2012-10-04 | 2014-12-23 | U.S. Farathane Corporation | Two shot double inverted acoustic hood to cowl seal |
EP2941177A4 (en) | 2012-12-27 | 2016-09-07 | Covidien Lp | Two-shot molded optical obturator |
US8870271B2 (en) | 2013-03-12 | 2014-10-28 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Vehicle cowl |
EP3000580B1 (en) * | 2014-09-24 | 2017-09-13 | Plastimark S.p.A. | A method for manufacturing a push handle for supermarket trolleys and a push handle for supermarket trolleys |
US9694359B2 (en) | 2014-11-13 | 2017-07-04 | Becton, Dickinson And Company | Mechanical separator for a biological fluid |
KR101765637B1 (en) * | 2016-03-08 | 2017-08-07 | 현대자동차 주식회사 | Vehicle body structure using CFRP |
KR101766155B1 (en) * | 2016-08-25 | 2017-08-07 | 현대자동차주식회사 | Resin composition for making inside door handle with skin-core structure, method for manufcaturing inside door handle using the same, and article thereof |
Citations (20)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4101617A (en) * | 1975-01-15 | 1978-07-18 | Rohm Gmbh | Method for injection molding of hollow shaped bodies from thermoplastic resins |
US4201209A (en) * | 1978-05-24 | 1980-05-06 | Leveen Harry H | Molded hypodermic plunger with integral shaft and elastomeric head |
US4385025A (en) * | 1979-10-22 | 1983-05-24 | Barry Wright Corporation | Method of coinjection molding of thermoplastic and thermoplastic elastomer |
US4778366A (en) * | 1985-12-23 | 1988-10-18 | Libbey-Owens-Ford Co. | Molding apparatus for forming an integral windshield gasket and leaf screen assembly |
US4792425A (en) * | 1985-12-23 | 1988-12-20 | Libbey-Owens-Ford Co. | Method of making a windshield and leaf screen assembly |
US4830807A (en) * | 1986-07-14 | 1989-05-16 | Warren William L | Method of making a mounting disk for a floor polisher |
US4993931A (en) * | 1988-07-21 | 1991-02-19 | Sabel Plastechs, Inc. | Apparatus for making a hollow polyethylene terephthalate blow molded article with an integral external projection such as a handle |
US5057266A (en) * | 1988-07-21 | 1991-10-15 | Sabel Plastechs, Inc. | Method of making a hollow polyethylene terephthalate blow molded article with an integral external projection such as a handle |
US5251954A (en) * | 1992-01-31 | 1993-10-12 | Starcade, Inc. | Plastic vehicle cowling with integrally molded seal |
US5456957A (en) * | 1992-03-06 | 1995-10-10 | The Standard Products Company | Body side molding and method |
US5558824A (en) * | 1994-05-23 | 1996-09-24 | General Motors Corporation | Gas-assisted plastics injection molding with controlled melt flow and method of controlling melt flow |
US5566954A (en) * | 1993-11-08 | 1996-10-22 | Hahn Elastomer Corporation | Fan shroud attached air deflecting seal |
US5612067A (en) * | 1991-10-22 | 1997-03-18 | Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Molding apparatus for producing synthetic resin molded product |
US5711907A (en) * | 1995-02-22 | 1998-01-27 | Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. | Method for producing a weather strip for a motor vehicle |
US5776412A (en) * | 1995-08-31 | 1998-07-07 | Battenfeld Gmbh | Method and apparatus for producing plastic objects with solid sections and hollow sections |
US5799385A (en) * | 1991-12-10 | 1998-09-01 | Commer S.P.A. | Process for the manufacture of trim panels for motorvehicles |
US6062842A (en) * | 1998-04-14 | 2000-05-16 | Larry J. Winget | Mold for use in a gas-assisted injection molding system and runner shut-off subsystem for use therein |
US20010050450A1 (en) * | 2000-04-28 | 2001-12-13 | Yoshihiro Kayano | Method for injection-molding an article having a hollow portion and an injection-molding apparatus |
US6436320B1 (en) * | 1998-04-21 | 2002-08-20 | Synventive Molding Solutions, Inc. | Method using manifold system having flow control |
US6617015B2 (en) * | 1998-11-23 | 2003-09-09 | Hahn Elastomer Corporation | Motor vehicle seal assembly and method of manufacture |
Family Cites Families (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPS61235277A (en) * | 1985-04-12 | 1986-10-20 | Mazda Motor Corp | Front vehicle body structure for automobile |
US4750780A (en) * | 1985-04-23 | 1988-06-14 | Mazda Motor Corporation | Dash panel configuration for a motor vehicle front body structure |
US4637297A (en) * | 1985-05-13 | 1987-01-20 | Anneken James G | Means of isolating automobile blower intake from engine compartment and exhaust fumes |
JPS626009U (en) * | 1985-06-27 | 1987-01-14 | ||
JPH01278833A (en) * | 1988-04-29 | 1989-11-09 | Mazda Motor Corp | Windshield pane supporting structure for vehicle |
JP3939861B2 (en) * | 1998-07-24 | 2007-07-04 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Windshield support structure |
JP3613060B2 (en) * | 1999-03-16 | 2005-01-26 | 日産自動車株式会社 | Outside air introduction structure for automobiles |
US6565148B1 (en) * | 1999-09-10 | 2003-05-20 | Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. | Assembly structure for cowl louver |
JP3640637B2 (en) * | 2001-12-10 | 2005-04-20 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Seal structure for vehicle cowl top panel |
-
2001
- 2001-06-28 US US09/894,761 patent/US6623688B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2003
- 2003-05-27 US US10/445,979 patent/US20030206985A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2003-05-27 US US10/445,981 patent/US20030205915A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (21)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4101617A (en) * | 1975-01-15 | 1978-07-18 | Rohm Gmbh | Method for injection molding of hollow shaped bodies from thermoplastic resins |
US4201209A (en) * | 1978-05-24 | 1980-05-06 | Leveen Harry H | Molded hypodermic plunger with integral shaft and elastomeric head |
US4385025A (en) * | 1979-10-22 | 1983-05-24 | Barry Wright Corporation | Method of coinjection molding of thermoplastic and thermoplastic elastomer |
US4778366A (en) * | 1985-12-23 | 1988-10-18 | Libbey-Owens-Ford Co. | Molding apparatus for forming an integral windshield gasket and leaf screen assembly |
US4792425A (en) * | 1985-12-23 | 1988-12-20 | Libbey-Owens-Ford Co. | Method of making a windshield and leaf screen assembly |
US4830807A (en) * | 1986-07-14 | 1989-05-16 | Warren William L | Method of making a mounting disk for a floor polisher |
US4993931A (en) * | 1988-07-21 | 1991-02-19 | Sabel Plastechs, Inc. | Apparatus for making a hollow polyethylene terephthalate blow molded article with an integral external projection such as a handle |
US5057266A (en) * | 1988-07-21 | 1991-10-15 | Sabel Plastechs, Inc. | Method of making a hollow polyethylene terephthalate blow molded article with an integral external projection such as a handle |
US5612067A (en) * | 1991-10-22 | 1997-03-18 | Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Molding apparatus for producing synthetic resin molded product |
US5799385A (en) * | 1991-12-10 | 1998-09-01 | Commer S.P.A. | Process for the manufacture of trim panels for motorvehicles |
US5251954A (en) * | 1992-01-31 | 1993-10-12 | Starcade, Inc. | Plastic vehicle cowling with integrally molded seal |
US5456957A (en) * | 1992-03-06 | 1995-10-10 | The Standard Products Company | Body side molding and method |
US5566954A (en) * | 1993-11-08 | 1996-10-22 | Hahn Elastomer Corporation | Fan shroud attached air deflecting seal |
US5558824A (en) * | 1994-05-23 | 1996-09-24 | General Motors Corporation | Gas-assisted plastics injection molding with controlled melt flow and method of controlling melt flow |
US5711907A (en) * | 1995-02-22 | 1998-01-27 | Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. | Method for producing a weather strip for a motor vehicle |
US5776412A (en) * | 1995-08-31 | 1998-07-07 | Battenfeld Gmbh | Method and apparatus for producing plastic objects with solid sections and hollow sections |
US6143237A (en) * | 1995-08-31 | 2000-11-07 | Battenfeld Gmbh | Method and apparatus for producing plastic objects with solid sections and hollow sections |
US6062842A (en) * | 1998-04-14 | 2000-05-16 | Larry J. Winget | Mold for use in a gas-assisted injection molding system and runner shut-off subsystem for use therein |
US6436320B1 (en) * | 1998-04-21 | 2002-08-20 | Synventive Molding Solutions, Inc. | Method using manifold system having flow control |
US6617015B2 (en) * | 1998-11-23 | 2003-09-09 | Hahn Elastomer Corporation | Motor vehicle seal assembly and method of manufacture |
US20010050450A1 (en) * | 2000-04-28 | 2001-12-13 | Yoshihiro Kayano | Method for injection-molding an article having a hollow portion and an injection-molding apparatus |
Cited By (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7077456B2 (en) | 2004-03-11 | 2006-07-18 | Lear Corporation | Automotive interior trim assembly and pad insertion |
US20050242475A1 (en) * | 2004-04-30 | 2005-11-03 | Lear Corporation | Gas pin for thermocouple for gas assisted injection molding |
US7320765B2 (en) | 2004-04-30 | 2008-01-22 | International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc. | Gas pin for thermocouple for gas assisted injection molding |
US20060012216A1 (en) * | 2004-07-15 | 2006-01-19 | Bogdan Radu | Automotive ashtray and method for making the same |
US20060012205A1 (en) * | 2004-07-15 | 2006-01-19 | Bogdan Radu | Automotive storage compartment and method for making the same |
US20060012209A1 (en) * | 2004-07-15 | 2006-01-19 | Bogdan Radu | Sunvisor attachment for vehicles and method for making the same |
US7032954B2 (en) | 2004-07-15 | 2006-04-25 | Lear Corporation | Automotive ashtray and method for making the same |
US7086683B2 (en) | 2004-07-15 | 2006-08-08 | Lear Corporation | Sunvisor attachment for vehicles and method for making the same |
US20080277839A1 (en) * | 2007-05-07 | 2008-11-13 | Plastic Molded Technologies, Inc. | Co-Injection Molding System, Method of Injection Molding a Composite Structure and Article Formed Thereby |
US9635928B2 (en) | 2012-11-05 | 2017-05-02 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Toothbrush comprising elastomeric cleaning elements over-molded with a harder plastic and method for producing the same |
US9113254B2 (en) | 2013-08-05 | 2015-08-18 | Google Technology Holdings LLC | Earbud with pivoting acoustic duct |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20030205915A1 (en) | 2003-11-06 |
US6623688B2 (en) | 2003-09-23 |
US20030001411A1 (en) | 2003-01-02 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US6623688B2 (en) | Gas-assisted two-shot injection molding process | |
US7632445B2 (en) | Integrated co-injection molded vehicle components and methods of making the same | |
US5372491A (en) | Device for manufacturing plastic moldings and use of the device | |
US5744210A (en) | Natural wood-covered plastic part such as a vehicle part and method of manufacturing same | |
WO2004113046A3 (en) | Multi-color injection molded door panel and process | |
US6348169B1 (en) | Method of making a dual durometer water shield | |
US20070122623A1 (en) | Localized injection overmolding and articles produced thereby | |
US5387391A (en) | Process of making a resin panel | |
US7833462B2 (en) | Method and apparatus for manufacturing vehicle parts | |
WO2005021231A3 (en) | Multi-component injection moulding of a trim panel | |
JP2008155395A (en) | Method and apparatus for molding laminated molding | |
CA2595556A1 (en) | Method of manufacturing a semi-structural panel | |
CA2393938C (en) | Integrated co-injection molded vehicle components and methods of making the same | |
EP2149443A1 (en) | Multi-shot co-injected vehicle interior trim panel | |
KR102250411B1 (en) | Vehicle interior material and manufacturing method thereof | |
KR100424725B1 (en) | Manufacturing method of insert injection molding of automobile | |
JP3884529B2 (en) | Molding method | |
JP2005329544A (en) | Two-color molded product and its molding method | |
KR100559666B1 (en) | Garnish for vehicle | |
KR102335515B1 (en) | Dual Injection Molding Article of Radiator Grille and Dual Injection Molding Method | |
JP2000229518A (en) | Movable plate for vehicle roof, manufacturing device for this movable plate and manufacture thereof | |
JP4705460B2 (en) | Molded body molding method | |
KR100528080B1 (en) | Interior panel for vehicle and manufacturing method thereof | |
KR20230060334A (en) | infection molding method of interior material for vehicle | |
JPH05208428A (en) | Manufacture of composite synthetic resin molded body |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |