METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING AN INJECTION-MOLDED ARTICLE WITH OUTER FILM SECURED THERETO

摘要

A method and apparatus for manufacturing an injection-molded article having an outer film (28) on an exposed surface. The method includes securing the film about its periphery within a mold cavity prior to injection of molten material into the cavity. One way of securing the film (28) is by applying vacuum pressure through peripheral holes (24) in a frame (20) surrounding the mold cavity (16). Molten material is injected into the cavity, behing the film (28) and the film slips from its initial position to be forced against a wall (32) of the cavity by molten material (33) being injected into the cavity. The apparatus includes a frame (20) for a molding apparatus, adapted to initially secured the film (28) in place prior to movement of the core block (14) into place and to permit the film (28) to slip from its initial position to be forced against the cavity wall (32) as molten material fills the cavity.