PLATED GAS-ASSISTED INJECTION MOLDED ARTICLE AND METHOD FOR MAKING THE SAME

摘要

A gas-assisted injection molded article (70) suitable for plating and a method for plating the article (70) is disclosed. A sleeve (90) is selectively mounted on an upstanding gas injection stud (82) formed on the molded article (70). The sleeve (90) seals an aperture (86) which extends through the sidewall of the gas injection stud (82) to the hollow interior (88) of the molded article (70). The sleeve (90) is preferably formed of a heat shrinkeable thermoplastic. After the sleeve (90) has been mounted to the article (70), the sleeve (90) is subjected to a source of heat such that it retracts and is securely mounted to the gas injection stud (82). With the aperture (86) sealed, the article (70) can now be submerged in a suitable plating bath or other liquid medium.