System and method for plastic overmolding on a metal surface

摘要

A plastic-metal hybrid part includes an anodized metal substrate having plastic structures formed on the metal substrate. In a particular embodiment, the metal hybrid part is an electronic device enclosure and plastic structures are mounting features formed on the enclosure. Methods for manufacturing the plastic-metal hybrid part are also disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the metal substrate undergoes a pretreatment, is anodized after the pretreatment, and the plastic structures are molded directly on the anodized exterior surface of the metal substrate. In another embodiment, the anodized metal substrate is primed with a coupling agent before the plastic features are formed thereon.

主权项

1. A method for manufacturing a plastic-metal hybrid part, said method comprising: providing a metal substrate having a first exterior surface;
providing a moldable plastic material; anodizing said metal substrate to form irregularities on at least a portion of said first exterior surface of said metal substrate; applying a primer material to said exterior surface of said metal substrate whereon said irregularities are formed, said step of applying said primer material to said exterior surface of said metal substrate being carried out after said step of anodizing said metal substrate and before said step of forming said plastic structure on said metal substrate, said primer material being adapted to bond to both said metal substrate and said moldable plastic material, wherein said primer material is selected from the group consisting of organosilane, titanate, aluminate, phosphate, and zirconate; forming a plastic structure on said metal substrate by molding said moldable plastic material directly over said irregularities formed on said first exterior surface of said metal substrate; and rinsing said metal substrate with deionized water after applying said primer material and before forming said plastic structure.