Multi-layer Thermoformed Fuel Tank and Method of Manufacturing the Same

摘要

A motor vehicle fuel tank and a method of making a motor vehicle fuel tank is provided. In particular, a twin sheet thermoformed plastic fuel tank or other plastic container including a hollow plastic tank body having a first shell portion and a second shell portion is fused together to form a seam. A pair of thermoplastic sheets are vacuum-formed at an elevated forming temperature in upper and lower mold cavities of a molding apparatus to the shape of upper and lower shells. The mold cavities are closed together to form the hollow tank body by fusion bonding the upper and lower shells at respective attachment flanges on each. A method of automated, manual or combination automated/manual manufacture of the fuel tank of the present invention is also provided.