Injection molded component production assisted by gas injection, producing opening which is subsequently plugged

摘要

The mold (20) cavity (22) matches the molded surface of the component. It provides for a connection (28) accepting a nozzle (26) which extends into the cavity. The connection is below the molded surface of the component, and forms an opening through it, the opening having predetermined size and shape. The component is injection molded with gas assistance through the nozzle and removed from the mold. The opening left is covered by a closely fitting plug. Preferred Features: The gas injection opening (16) is sunk beneath the opening in the molded surface of the component. The opening is slightly larger than the gas injection location and the nozzle (26) injects directly into the mold cavity. Gas assisted injection molding is carried out on the visible side of the component. Removal of the component from the mold includes removal of the nozzle. The plug has an outer surface flush with the molded surface of the component.