Abstract: A method, molding device and vehicle component (10) provide for minimized sink marks (30) caused by structural ribs (28) in the molding process. Molten material is injected into a first mold cavity to form a primary vehicle component part (20) having structural ribs (28) on a back side. Typically, sink marks (30) may develop at a front surface of the primary vehicle component part (20), located opposite to the structural ribs (28) on the back side. Molten material is injected into a second molding cavity that is arranged to overmold the front surface (26) of the primary vehicle component part (20) and to cover sink marks (30), if any, in the front surface (26). In this manner, a vehicle component (10) is manufactured with structural ribs (28) and without visible sink marks (30).

Abstract: A bumper beam extension for a bumper beam having left and right bumper beam extensions and a method for manufacturing the bumper beam extensions to provide impact crush resistance is disclosed. The bumper beam extensions include an insert end contoured and sized to fit in the end of the bumper beam and a main body portion having substantially a rearwardly facing saddle shape that includes an upper wing and a lower wing joined at a bight section. The main body portion is blow molded to configure the bight section to taper from a preselected distance from a forward wall of the main body portion until it is face to face with the forward wall. For increased stiffness, the bumper beam may be welded to a frame of a vehicle.

Abstract: A bumper beam extension for a bumper beam having left and right bumper beam extensions and a method for manufacturing the bumper beam extensions to provide impact crush resistance is disclosed. The bumper beam extensions include an insert end contoured and sized to fit in the end of the bumper beam and a main body portion having substantially a rearwardly facing saddle shape that includes an upper wing and a lower wing joined at a bight section. The main body portion is blow molded to configure the bight section to taper from a preselected distance from a forward wall of the main body portion until it is face to face with the forward wall. For increased stiffness, the bumper beam may be welded to a frame of a vehicle.