Lamination of panels, used for interior car trim - comprises applying 1st surface layer, cutting to shape, applying 2nd surface layer, joining on and cutting off the excess gives clean joint

摘要

Lamination comprises applying a 1st surface layer cutting to shape; applying 2nd surface layer; joining on and cutting off the excess. The 1st layer (2) is cut normally and then trimmed by an ultrasonic cutting blade (7). The depth of cut is controlled by one or more depth stops (14,15) which are attached to the non-vibrating part of the blade carrer (6). The 2nd surface layer can be cut and trimmed in a similar way. The blade (7) can be double-edged (8,9) and the depth stops (14,15) can also be guiding elements to lead the blade along the desired contour. The depth stops (14,15) can be built as contact sensors. An automobile door panel (1) has part of its surface covered by a fabric (2) which joins on to another covering of textured synthetic film. The fabric covering (2) is roughly cut to shape and is then trimmed accurately by an ultrasonic cutter (7) attached to a robot arm (12) to give the required profile. The synthetic film covering is similarly cut to accurate shape and the edges joined by high frequency welding. Alternatively, the two layers can be placed on top of each other and the desired shape cut simultaneously in the two layers. USE/ADVANTAGE - The invention produces a clean join without the danger of damaging adjacent surfaces.