Abstract: A composite structural panel includes a cover sheet laminated onto a three-layered substrate including a thermoplastic foam core sandwiched between two composite outer layers. Each composite outer layer includes natural fibers embedded in a thermoplastic matrix. The thermoplastic material of all layers is preferably polypropylene, and the core consists of an expanded cellular polypropylene rigid foam. In a method for forming the composite structural panel, a first preheated outer layer is laminated and molded onto the foam core in a first molding step, and then the second preheated outer layer and the cover sheet are laminated and molded onto the foam core in a second molding step, with a cooling-down time allowed between the two molding steps. In this manner, each preheated outer layer provides enough heat to thermally fuse the outer layer onto the foam core, without overheating the foam core to the point of softening or melting the foam core.

Abstract: A multi-layered laminated body may especially be used as an interior trim panel in a motor vehicle. The panel includes a substrate, a foam intermediate layer, and a decorative surface layer. The substrate preferably includes three layers, namely a core layer including a natural fiber filler material embedded in a thermoplastic matrix material, and two cover layers comprising natural fibers, glass fibers or polyester fibers in a thermoplastic matrix material. The thermoplastic matrix material is preferably polypropylene. All of the materials of the multi-layered panel are easily broken down or otherwise processed for reuse or recycling. The panels are preferably produced by hot laminating the individual layers of the substrate together and then laminating and molding the decorative surface layer onto the substrate.

Abstract: A structural component such as a car door panel or door trim insert panel is produced in a single molding operation. For this purpose at least one premolded hard foam material block or member is inserted in a respective nesting mold cavity. Then an intermediate fiber material layer preferably in fleece form is placed on top of the foam material block. Then, a surface cover layer, such as a layer with a decorative exterior surface is placed on the intermediate fiber material layer with the decorative surface facing an upper mold section. The mold is then closed and the necessary heat and molding pressure are applied to laminate the intermediate fiber material layer to the cover layer. Then a nesting die applies additional pressure to the hard foam block for bonding the hard foam block to the intermediate fiber material layer.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing trim panels which are made of several trim components or trim materials, such as door trim panels of automobiles, the trim panel is essentially finished in a single work operation in one work station. A vinyl cover film (12) is formed, trim inserts (10, 11) are laminated into the cover film with the aid of a nesting die (8a, 8b), soft-touch inserts (26) are laminated underneath the cover film and the so produced laminate is further laminated onto a rigid substrate (2 or 2'). The substrate may be a prefabricated substrate (2), or may be a rigid foam substrate (2') back-foamed onto the formed vinyl film (12). An apparatus for carrying out the method is essentially a forming station with an upper form or mold (1) and a lower form or mold (15). The lower mold (15) includes nest dies (8a, 8b) for securely holding and then pressure laminating the trim inserts (10, 11), whereby a high placement precision of the inserts (10, 11) is achieved.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing trim panels which are made of several trim components or trim materials, such as door trim panels of automobiles, the trim panel is essentially finished in a single work operation in one work station. A vinyl cover film (12) is formed, trim inserts (10, 11) are laminated onto the cover film with the aid of a nesting die (8a, 8b), soft touch inserts (26) are laminated underneath the cover film and the so produced laminate is further laminated onto a rigid substrate (2 or 2'). The substrate may be a prefabricated substrate (2), or may be a rigid foam substrate (2') back-foamed onto the formed vinyl film (12). An apparatus for carrying out the method is essentially a forming station with an upper form or mold (1) and a lower form or mold (15). The lower mold (15) includes nest dies (8a, 8b) for securely holding and then pressure laminating the trim inserts (10, 11), whereby a high placement precision of the inserts (10, 11) is achieved.

Abstract: Flat goods such as sheets of cardboard are destacked or removed from a stack for the purpose of further processing, especially in stamping, cutting, or break-out devices. A carrier is introduced into the stack. The carrier has a surface which remains stationary relative to that portion of the stack which is being removed when the carrier is withdrawn from the stack. For this purpose the carrier which is supported in a frame, is provided with a surface which is movable relative to the carrier. The movable surface is guided at least around the leading edge of the carrier.