Sandwich-type, composite component such as motor vehicle component and unitary structural assembly utilizing same

A sandwich-type, composite motor vehicle component having a sealed, moisture-resistant, A-surface edge, the component comprising:

• a first reinforced thermoplastic skin having an A-surface to display in the interior of the vehicle;
• a second reinforced thermoplastic skin having a B-surface;
• and
• a thermoplastic cellular core positioned between the skins and having a large number of cavities wherein the skins are bonded to the core by press molding, and wherein an edge portion of the component is locally crushed by the press molding so that the skins are bonded together to form the sealed, moisture-resistant, A-surface edge for display in the interior of the vehicle.

A unitary structural assembly comprising:

• a component having a bottom layer and an outer peripheral side wall;
• and
• a sandwich-type, composite panel having a sealed, moisture-resistant, A-surface edge, the panel including:
• a first outer layer bonded to a lower surface of the bottom layer;
• a second outer layer;
• and
• a core positioned between the outer layers and having a large number of cavities wherein the outer layers are bonded to the core by press molding, and wherein an edge portion of the panel is locally crushed by the press molding so that the outer layers are bonded together to form the sealed, moisture-resistant, A-surface edge.