Method and apparatus for forming a 360 degree skin handle.

摘要

A method for forming a 360 degree integral skin handle (30) in a thermoplastic part for use in automotive trim products includes the steps of forming a mold with a partial recess closed by a removable plug (54) and thereafter selectively directing heat from a first source through the mold and from a second source through the plug to form a completely closed, curved, heated tube surface and thereafter casting thermoplastic material against the curved, heated tube surface to fuse and cure a layer of material thereon in the form of a tube skin segment which is releasable from the mold when the plug is removed. Apparatus for practicing the method includes a mold with a recess therein and a plug is supported on the mold for movement into a position for closing the tube surface and into a demolding position for releasing the molded part. The article formed by the method and apparatus includes a shell of thermoplastic material which is fused N=24> an integrally formed tubular segment thereon for defining the outer skin surface of a full 360 degree handle.