Method for pre-shaping of plastic films used in co-molding processes and improved paint film covered parts made thereby
US5968444A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 16, 1997 |
| Grant date | Oct 19, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 16, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/24802
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Methods for pre-shaping paint film laminates and co-molding processes using such laminates are disclosed. The methods comprise the steps of providing (e.g., forming or procuring) a plastic paint film laminate, softening the paint film laminate with heat such that one or more localized portions of the member absorb more heat than the remainder, and deforming the plastic film member to form a pre-shaped article. The formation of different heat absorption areas on the paint film laminate is referred to as the provision of heat sink areas. These heat sink areas can be provided for example by surface coating of heat retention means such as black paint or ink pigments on localized areas of the surface of the laminate followed by uniform heating of the laminate in an oven or the like or the sheet can be heated in localized areas to a greater extent (i.e. time and/or temperature) than in remainder portions by the means of heat guns or the like. In either case, the result is that certain desired portions of the paint film absorb more heat than the remainder sections. The heat sink portions are deformed in either a pre-shaping step or in the molding step. When the heat sink portions are plac…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.