Abstract: A hybrid injection molding machine that has the capability to draw an decorative or other sheet into a mold cavity prior to injection into the mold has opposing male and female mold parts. One of the mold parts has an insert formed from a porous metal so that a vacuum may be drawn through the insert in order to draw a decorative sheet into all aspects of the insert cavity. The decorative sheet is held in place with a retention mechanism that is selectively attachable to either of the two mold blocks.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 10, 1999
Date of Patent:
November 12, 2002
Assignee:
Slipmate Company
Inventors:
Vincent Masterson, Steven Matecki, Daniel Darby, Gregory Peterson
Abstract: A hybrid injection molding machine that has the capability to draw a decorative or fabric sheet into a mold cavity prior to injection into the mold has opposing male and female mold parts. At least one of the mold parts has an insert formed from a porous metal so that a vacuum may be drawn through the insert in order to draw the fabric sheet into all aspects of the insert cavity so that plastic may then be injection molded into the cavity of the mold.
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