Abstract: A method for forming a heated steering wheel includes a member formed from a sheet of plastic having an attached electrically conductive pattern. The film is formed into a desired configuration. Electrical leads are connected to the pattern. A plastic resin is applied to encapsulate the conductive pattern and to strengthen the film. The member is connected to the steering wheel core.
Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a differential temperature vacuum forming tool having differentially heated sections. In a specific application, vacuum formed plastic buttons with indicia thereon are produced without distortion of the print indicia. The vacuum forming tool accepts a printed plastic overlay for shaping; and the shaped printed plastic overlay can be used to produce back-lit buttons.