Inmold assembly

The competitiveness of materials is influenced to a considerable degree by how much time is required to produce prototypes rapid prototyping) and tooling techniques rapid tooling). The integration of rapid engineering with simultaneous engineering (CAD, CAE, CIM, TQM. ..) is now considered the state of the art. A further opportunity is presented by the continued intensive development of products suitable for inmold assembly techniques. 

In two-component IM (b), structural components with movable joints can be produced by selecting suitable melt temperatures and shrinkage parameters and employing inmold assembly techniques. Examples include hinges, toy figurines with movable limbs, and automotive ventilation valves [31]. 

Integration of processing steps in primary forming processes (inmold assembly of structural components)... 

Multicomponent injection molding opens up a considerable potential for inmold assembly. At first, the emphasis in this technique was on plastic components of different color in fixed composites, for example vehicle tail lights. 

Figure 19 shows the injection-molded, inmold-assembled planetary gear made of the material PBT/POM. In the mold, which is used in a two-component... 

Fig. 19 Injection-molded inmold assembly of a planetary gear made of PBT/POM (Oechsler AG)...

Table 20 Opportunities and risks of an inmold-assembled monoplastic car dashboard vs. the standard modem three-part dashboard...

Monoplastic dashboards ejected fully assembled from one and a half mold sets (inmold-assembled) represent a vision involving both opportunities and risks. Table 20. 

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