Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A method for insert-molding a plural color film laminate part and part made by the method. The method comprises preforming a film laminate and subsequently insert-molding a plastic substrate against the preformed film laminate. An improvement in traditional insert molding techniques is provided by use of a specific mold cavity structure which facilitates positioning of the film laminate transition line(s) between colors within longitudinally extending groove(s) in the part show face. According to one embodiment, the film laminate is preformed with a re-entrant edge portion which is positioned within the mold cavity such that the edge of the plastic substrate will be substantially covered. The insert molding step involves positioning the preformed film laminate in a specially configured mold cavity, closing the mold and injecting molten resin into the mold cavity against the film laminate. The part includes a show surface having the paint film laminate superposed over a portion of the underlying substrate with a portion of the substrate exposed to provide a plural color or plural component aesthetic effect. The boundary between the paint film laminate and substrate, on the show surface, is defined by a channel into which an edge of the film laminate is tucked.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim