Abstract: A lap shear test fixture and method of use to test the performance of the weld interface in welded thermoplastic composite parts such as infrared welded or resistive implant welded or adhesive bonded composite parts. The specimens to be tested are provided from production-ready parts with typical geometry. The test fixture has at least two aligned blocks with at least two lateral support blocks that operably hold the specimen including two welded substrates. The test is performed in compression-mode at a predetermined crosshead speed until the maximum load produced by a universal testing machine makes the weld interface between the two thermoplastic substrates fail in shear mode.

Abstract: A lap shear test fixture and method of use to test the performance of the weld interface in welded thermoplastic composite parts such as infrared welded or resistive implant welded or adhesive bonded composite parts. The specimens to be tested are provided from production-ready parts with typical geometry. The test fixture has at least two aligned blocks with at least two lateral support blocks that operably hold the specimen including two welded substrates. The test is performed in compression-mode at a pre-determined crosshead speed until the maximum load produced by a universal testing machine makes the weld interface between the two thermoplastic substrates fail in shear mode.

Abstract: A method for powder coating plastic substrate. The substrate in one embodiment is a formed part for a vehicle made from a polypropylene base, polyolefins or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. The method also further involves providing a conductive adhesion promoter, such as a chlorinated polyolefin that includes a conductive carbon black filler. A powder coat material is applied at a later step and then is melted onto the substrate creating a finished part having a high quality finish.

Abstract: A solar collector assembly with at least one primary locator feature. The solar collector assembly has housing having at least one wall and at least one mirror for directing rays of light toward a secondary objective. Each mirror of the solar collector assembly has a back side and a reflective side and at least one primary locating feature for connecting the mirror to the housing. The primary locating feature has a guide bushing that is operably connected to the at least one wall of the housing. A stud of the primary locating feature has a first end connected to a mirror bracket and second end extending through the guide bushing. The stud has a longitudinal axis that extends between the mirror bracket and the guide bushing for allowing the mirror to be positioned along the longitudinal axis relative to the at least one wall of the housing.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a motor vehicle panel from a melt, including a thermoplastic material and long glass fibers, and a film utilizes a mold assembly including a stationary mold, a movable mold, and a mold cavity defined therebetween. The method of manufacturing includes the steps of: securing the film to the movable mold; moving the movable mold towards the stationary mold; introducing the melt into the mold cavity when the mold cavity is at a predetermined thickness; and closing the movable mold against the stationary mold to compress the melt and form the motor vehicle panel with the film molded thereto.

Abstract: A valve gate is provided for an injection molding manifold having at least one drop defining at least one channel for transporting a flow of plasticized melt therethrough. The valve gate has a pin mounted in the manifold to extend across the channel in a sliding relation. The pin has a transversely extending aperture that aligns with the channel opening the flow. Reciprocating movement of the pin in a direction transverse to the flow of the plasticized melt opens and closes flow thereof.

Abstract: A valve gate is provided for an injection molding manifold having at least one drop defining at least one channel for transporting a flow of plasticized melt therethrough. The valve gate has a pin mounted in the manifold to extend across the channel in a sliding relation. The pin has a transversely extending aperture that aligns with the channel opening the flow. Reciprocating movement of the pin in a direction transverse to the flow of the plasticized melt opens and closes flow thereof.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a panel utilizes a first mold half (12) having a peripherally extending rib (24) and a second mold half (14). The first mold half (12) is moved relative to the second mold half (14) to define a first mold cavity with the rib extending into the first mold cavity. A first molten material (20) is injected into the first mold cavity and allowed to solidify to thereby form a notch (26) within the first solidified material (20) corresponding to the shape of the rib (24). A second mold cavity is formed which has a flow path between the first solidified material (20) and the first mold half (12) comprising a series of sharp turns which present a barrier to material flow. A second material (30) is injected into the second mold cavity and allowed to cure on the first solidified material.