Abstract: A panel assembly that includes at least a first upper base layer made of a thermoplastic material that includes fibers therein, at least a first lower base layer made of a thermoplastic material that includes fibers therein, and at least a first reinforcement layer sandwiched or positioned between the first upper base layer and first lower base layer. The upper and lower surfaces of the first reinforcement layer have a smaller surface area than the upper and lower surfaces of the first upper and first lower base layers. The lower surface of the first upper base layer is welded to the upper surface of the first reinforcement layer, and the lower surface of the first reinforcement layer is welded to the upper surface of the first lower base layer.

Abstract: A method of making a panel assembly that includes forming a thermoplastic panel, placing a thermoset portion into a pocket in a mold, placing an attachment member into the pocket in the mold, positioning the thermoplastic panel in the mold, cooling the thermoplastic panel while heating the thermoset portion to flow at least a portion of the thermoset portion into openings defined in the thermoplastic panel, and cooling the panel assembly so that the thermoset portion hardens, thereby securing the attachment member to the thermoplastic panel.

Abstract: A method of making a panel assembly that includes forming a thermoplastic panel, placing a thermoset portion into a pocket in a mold, placing an attachment member into the pocket in the mold, positioning the thermoplastic panel in the mold, cooling the thermoplastic panel while heating the thermoset portion to flow at least a portion of the thermoset portion into openings defined in the thermoplastic panel, and cooling the panel assembly so that the thermoset portion hardens, thereby securing the attachment member to the thermoplastic panel.

Abstract: A panel assembly that includes at least a first upper base layer made of a thermoplastic material that includes fibers therein, at least a first lower base layer made of a thermoplastic material that includes fibers therein, and at least a first reinforcement layer sandwiched or positioned between the first upper base layer and first lower base layer. The upper and lower surfaces of the first reinforcement layer have a smaller surface area than the upper and lower surfaces of the first upper and first lower base layers. The lower surface of the first upper base layer is welded to the upper surface of the first reinforcement layer, and the lower surface of the first reinforcement layer is welded to the upper surface of the first lower base layer.

Abstract: A method of repairing a thermoplastic panel having a damaged portion therein that includes the steps of obtaining a patch member made of a thermoplastic material, positioning the patch member over the damaged portion, positioning the panel and patch member on a heat sink tool, using a hot forming tool to soften the panel and the patch member such that the material of the panel and the material of the patch member are welded together, and cooling the panel and patch member to integrally bond the patch member to the panel, thereby forming a panel and patch assembly.