Importance

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Abstract

An apparatus and method for making thermoplastic brushes includes a first unit for injection molding an anchoring plate having through openings for tufts of bristles. The apparatus further includes an arrangement for inserting the tufts in the openings so that an end portion of each tuft is adjacent a first side of the anchoring plate and a major portion of each tuft projects beyond the opposite second side of the anchoring plate. A heating plate is provided to form welds between the end portions of the tufts and the anchoring plate, and between the individual bristles of the tufts. This seals the through openings at the first side of the anchoring plate. The apparatus additionally includes a second unit for injection molding a covering member over the first side of the anchoring plate. To make a brush, the anchoring plate is injection molded using the first unit and the tufts are welded to the anchoring plate. If not already so positioned during welding of the tufts, the anchoring plate is arranged with the first side facing the second unit and the projecting portions of the tufts extending into holes adjacent the second side of the anchoring plate. The covering member is then injection molded over the first side of the anchoring plate. The anchoring plate with its sealed openings prevents the injected material for the covering member from entering the holes with the tufts.

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First Claim