Abstract: A process for automated sanding of a vehicle component surface is provided and includes providing a sanding mechanism having a sanding head engaged with a housing, a rotary motor contained within the housing, the rotary motor having a drive shaft rotatable about an axis and extending outwardly therefrom, a radial plate attached to a first end of the drive shaft, and a sanding disk having an abrasive surface releasably attached to the radial plate; attaching the sanding head to a gimbal having a pressure sensor; powering the rotary motor driving rotation of the drive shaft, the radial plate and the sanding disk in at least one of a clockwise or counterclockwise direction; movably applying the sanding disk to the surface at a maintained constant pressure; and achieving a desired finish on the surface prepared to be primed and painted to a class A auto high sheen surface finish.

Abstract: A process for automated sanding of a vehicle component surface is provided and includes providing a sanding mechanism having a sanding head engaged with a housing, a rotary motor contained within the housing, the rotary motor having a drive shaft rotatable about an axis and extending outwardly therefrom, a radial plate attached to a first end of the drive shaft, and a sanding disk having an abrasive surface releasably attached to the radial plate; attaching the sanding head to a gimbal having a pressure sensor; powering the rotary motor driving rotation of the drive shaft, the radial plate and the sanding disk in at least one of a clockwise or counterclockwise direction; movably applying the sanding disk to the surface at a maintained constant pressure; and achieving a desired finish on the surface prepared to be primed and painted to a class A auto high sheen surface finish.

Abstract: A process of compression molding an article from a curable resin is provided that includes opening a mold to an open position by displacing an upper die having an upper mold surface from a lower die having a lower mold surface. Resin is placed a mold surface and the dies are closed to an intermediate start position at a rate of from 1 to 10 cm/sec. The dies are then closed to a start position at a rate of between 25 and 60% of the rate of closure to the intermediate position. A shroud volume is evacuated for at least 3 seconds to a reduced pressure of less than 0.16 atmospheres while continuing to press toward a mold cavity volume at a rate of between 12 and 30% of the rate of closure to the intermediate start. The reduced pressure is removed as the full compression is applied.

Abstract: A process of compression molding an article from a curable resin is provided that includes opening a mold to an open position by displacing an upper die having an upper mold surface from a lower die having a lower mold surface. Resin is placed a mold surface and the dies are closed to an intermediate start position at a rate of from 1 to 10 cm/sec. The dies are then closed to a start position at a rate of between 25 and 60% of the rate of closure to the intermediate position. A shroud volume is evacuated for at least 3 seconds to a reduced pressure of less than 0.16 atmospheres while continuing to press toward a mold cavity volume at a rate of between 12 and 30% of the rate of closure to the intermediate start. The reduced pressure is removed as the full compression is applied.

Abstract: A method for repairing plastics, metal and the like. The method uses a compound comprising a thermosetting unsaturated polyester resin, a thermoplastic resin mixed with said polyester, particulate inorganic filler, as well as additional metallic particulate material, fibrous materials and a catalyst. The compound when cured at a relatively elevated temperature of about 325.degree.-350.degree. F. provides a low shrink material which can be painted and baked on normal processing lines up to 350.degree. F. without separating from the underlying substrate.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved, matured, moldabe, thermosetting polyester resin system which includes at least two different polyester resins, one of which is faster reactive and containing a minor amount of isophthalic acid and the other of which is slower reactive and devoid of such acid, such system also including suitabe reinforcing fibers and inert filler along with an organic polyisocyanate, a metallic oxide or hydroxide, an aliphatically-unsaturated monomer, a free radical polymerization catalyst, and an internal mold release agent, the resin system being especially useful for pressure molding of precisely-formed articles having greatly improved impact resistance and flexibility.