Automated manufacturing method and system and in-mold coated plastic article produced thereby
US11618188B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 2, 2020 |
| Grant date | Apr 4, 2023 |
| 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 compression 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 between upper and lower mold halves of 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 in-mold coating composition. The in-mold coating composition and the inner portion of the heated blank cure and bond to one another so as to form the coated plastic article.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.