Gas-assisted two-shot injection molding process
US6623688B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 28, 2001 |
| Grant date | Sep 23, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 26, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29C45/1676
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.