Automated manufacturing method and system and in-mold coated plastic article produced thereby
US11518072B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 2, 2020 |
| Grant date | Dec 6, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 2, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB32B2605/003
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An automated manufacturing method and system and in-mold coated plastic article produced thereby are provided. The system includes a combination compression and injection mold and a plurality of program-controlled manipulators. An automatic sprayer supported on a first manipulator sprays at least a portion of a mold surface with an in-mold coating composition. An end effector supported on a second manipulator picks up a heated blank of moldable plastic sheet material from an oven and places the heated blank in the mold. An inner portion of the heated blank is forced into an article-defining cavity of the mold and into contact with at least a portion of the composition. The composition and the inner portion cure and bond to one another and a plastic compatible with the plastic of the sheet is injected into the mold so as to form the coated plastic article.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.