Synthetic resin process and article useful for plating applications
AssigneeSabic Innovative Plastics IP B.V.
InventorsMatthew D. Marks, Andrew W. May
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method for processing reinforcing filler-filled synthetic resins and applications made therefrom wherein the resulting articles have the ability to be plated to form a structurally aesthetic product substantially free of visual defects. The process utilizes an accelerated heat and cool process to form a resin-rich surface that is substantially free of any reinforcing fillers, such as fiber strands and/or bundles, on the external surface of the article. As such, the resulting article is capable of being plated to form an article that is substantially free of visual defects caused by these fillers on the surface of the article.
Claims12
1-11. (canceled)
A process for molding an article comprising:
- injecting a thermoplastic resin having a reinforcing filler into a mold to contact a mold surface, wherein the mold has at least one channel for receiving a temperature control fluid;
- supplying a heated temperature control fluid to heat the mold surface to a temperature from 1 to 100° C. above the heat deformation temperature of the thermoplastic resin;
- molding the thermoplastic resin to form a molded article;
- and
- supplying a cooled temperature control fluid to the mold to cool the molded article;
- wherein the molded article is capable of being plated such that at least a portion of surface of the molded article is substantially free of any reinforcing fillers.
A molded article comprising:
- a thermoplastic resin including a reinforcement filler;
- wherein the molded article is capable of being plated such that at least a portion of surface of the molded article is substantially free of individual fillers or bundles of fillers.
A process for molding an article comprising:
- injecting a thermoplastic resin having a reinforcing filler into a mold such that the thermoplastic resin contacts a mold surface, wherein the reinforcing filler is present in an amount of about 5 wt % to about 70 wt %, based upon a total weight of the thermoplastic resin with the reinforcing filler, and wherein the mold surface has a temperature greater than a heat deformation temperature of the thermoplastic, wherein the mold has at least one channel for receiving a temperature control fluid;
- molding the thermoplastic resin to form a molded article;
- and
- supplying a cooled temperature control fluid to the mold to cool the molded article;
- wherein the molded article has a gloss rating of greater than or equal to 40, as measured with a 60° gloss meter.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.