Methods for foil stamping parts having asymmetrical edges

A method for coating a part comprising an asymmetrical edge wherein the side is asymmetric about a longitudinal axis, comprising the steps of:

• a. attaching the part to a part holder;
• b. placing a film between the part and a mandrel;
• wherein the film has a first edge and a second edge, and wherein the film is a decorative coating, a protective coating or combinations of these;
• c. rolling the part over the mandrel such that the asymmetrical edge of the part contacts the film;
• and,
• d. moving one or both of the mandrel and the part holder in an angular relationship to one another as the angle of the part's asymmetrical edge changes;
• wherein a film dispenser holds the first edge of the film and a film retriever holds the second edge of the film and the film dispenser and the film retriever move co-operatively in at least three dimensions with respect to the part holder;
• and
• wherein the mandrel operates.