Abstract: In a method for preparing a welded metal panel having a high surface quality a first metal blank and a second metal blank are disposed so that edge portions of the blanks are in an abutting relationship. The blanks are laser welded together utilizing a powdered metal filler so as to produce a weld seam which is convex. A portion of the seam is removed to produce a flush weld seam between the blanks. The hardness of the weld seam is determined, and if the hardness of the weld seam is more than the hardness of the remainder of the panel, the weld seam is tempered so as to reduce its hardness. The thus produced welded metal panel may be subjected to a further shaping operation such as stamping, bending or the like. After shaping, the article may be plated, painted or otherwise finished.

Abstract: A process and apparatus utilize a multi layer material and a section molding process in which a multi layer length of material having a primary layer and at least one additional layer has a portion that is section molded through a zone heating method creating a molten zone in at least the primary layer. The molten zone is aligned with a section mold to mold only that portion of the multi layer length of material. The section molded portion cools forming a section molded feature. Although exemplary multi-layer components are described herein, a variety of components may be produced utilizing the apparatus and method described by varying the shape of either the primary layer, the at least one additional layer, or the section molded component, or all.

Abstract: A process and apparatus utilize an extrusion and zone molding process in which a polymeric material is extruded, shaped and cooled to form a primary extrusion having a shaped length of uniform cross section, zone heating is then applied to only a portion of the primary extrusion creating a molten zone in that portion, the molten zone is aligned with a section mold to mold only that portion of the primary extrusion. The portion section molded cools quickly forming a section molded portion. Although an exemplary polymeric component is described herein, a variety of components may be produced utilizing the apparatus and method described by varying the shape of either the primary extrusion component or the section molded component, or both.

Abstract: A process and apparatus utilize an extrusion and zone molding process in which a polymeric material is extruded, shaped and cooled to form a primary extrusion having a shaped length of uniform cross section, zone heating is then applied to only a portion of the primary extrusion creating a molten zone in that portion, the molten zone is aligned with a section mold to mold only that portion of the primary extrusion. The portion section molded cools quickly forming a section molded portion. Although an examplary polymeric component is described herein, a variety of components may be produced utilizing the apparatus and method described by varying the shape of either the primary extrusion component or the section molded component, or both.

Abstract: A method for extruding foam of a thermoplastic elastomer, which is a blend of olefin rubber and polyolefin resin, includes the steps of mixing the thermoplastic with water, introducing the mix to an extruder, melting and compressing the thermoplastic elastomer and water and extruding the resultant mix as foam. In more detail, a first quantity of thermoplastic elastomer in pellet form is mixed with a second quantity of water. The mixed water and thermoplastic elastomer is introduced to an extruder. The thermoplastic elastomer is allowed to soak for a predetermined period of time after mixing. The thermoplastic elastomer is melted and mixed with the water to a uniform mix of thermoplastic elastomer and water. The mix is extruded through a die, wherein the water expands in a vapor form to create foam cells with the cells having walls of the thermoplastic elastomer.