Method of encapsulating a sensor into a panel body

摘要

A flexible sensor, such as a membrane switch (14), is molded into a plastics automotive panel by a low temperature, low pressure, method which avoids damage to the switch while insuring its placement at a desired depth below the surface of the panel. This is achieved by a process which includes a first step of spraying a mold (10) with a rapid gelling liquid plastics (12) to a preselected thickness. After the plastics has firmed, the sensor (14) is placed thereon and is encapsulated by spraying with a second layer (18) of the plastics. The resulting shell with the embedded sensor may then be provided with a backing, such as a plastics foam.