A method of manufacturing a composite, polymeric panel comprising providing first 30 and second 32 moulded polymeric sub-panels, the sub-panels each having at least one corresponding adhesive bed surface 36, 40, and at least one of said sub-panels comprising a plurality of integrally-moulded spacers 44; applying adhesive to the or each adhesive bed surface, bringing the first and second sub-panels together surface such that the spacers of a respective sub-panel engage the other of the sub-panels to maintain the corresponding adhesive bed surfaces at a pre-determined spacing; and prior to the adhesive setting fully, welding the first and second sub-panels together, each weld being formed at a position where a spacer contacts the other of the sub-panels. Welding the sub-panels together may be by laser welding or ultrasonic welding. A composite polymeric panel and a method of manufacturing a polymeric tailgate panel for a motor vehicle is also provided.
Panels
2021-09-29
Patent
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch