A hybrid paint process for thermoformed or molded parts has been developed and implemented at General Motors (GM) to fabricate exterior parts for automobiles. The use of this process eliminates the need to paint exterior parts and will provide an exact color match to any color, including metallics, in the current color pallet used for GM vehicles. The parts that can be fabricated using the new process may be as simple as a stone impact shield, an esthetic part, or a fully functional part such as a fascia that must absorb specific loads without breaking. The design, fabrication and launch of these various parts requires development and validation of many different material properties and part attachment schemes. In appearance, function and performance, the final part is superior or equivalent to a part made by the traditional injection-molding process.
Thermoforming class "A" parts at General Motors
2007
12 Seiten, 11 Bilder, 2 Tabellen, 2 Quellen
Conference paper
English
Thermoforming class A parts at General Motors
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