Abstract: A method of manufacturing an automotive reflector comprising a series of steps. A thin plastic film having a backing material is thermoformed into the rough shape of the reflector. The thermoformed film is called a pre-form. The pre-form has a concave surface and a convex surface. The backing material forms the convex surface. The pre-form is placed within an injection molding press with the concave surface juxtaposed a mold core. Molten reinforced plastic material is injected into the mold adjacent to the backing material. The plastic material heats and fuses to the backing material to form a reflector. After the plastic material has cooled, the reflector is removed from the injection mold as a finished reflector.

Abstract: A method of molding articles includes providing a first mold having a first lens cavity surface, a reflector core surface and a second lens cavity surface. A second mold has a first lens core surface, a first reflector cavity surface, a second reflector cavity surface, and a second lens core surface. A first position is established to form a first article cavity and a second article cavity and a first joining cavity. A second position is established to form a second joining cavity, a third article cavity, and a fourth article cavity. A plastic material is placed into the first article cavity to form a lens. A plastic material is placed into the second article cavity to form a reflector. The first mold and the second mold are arranged in the first position to form the lens and the reflector. The first mold and the second mold are arranged in the second position to form the lens and the reflector. The first mold and the second mold are shuttled between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A plastic joint for an automotive lamp assembly (10) has a housing (14) containing a tongue (20) and lens (12) containing a groove (18) to accept the tongue. The tongue or the groove can provide a channel for a thermoplastic material that is a bonding agent between the tongue and groove. The channel can also be formed by making the tongue narrower than the groove or by providing protrusions or depressions on the tongue or groove. The joint is formed by assembling the housing and lens and injecting the thermoplastic material into the channel in the joint. When the thermoplastic material cools, a bond is formed between the tongue and groove that fastens the lens and housing together.