Molding method and metal-covered component formed thereby

Abstract

A molding method and a metal-covered plastic component such as partial or entire fascia, body side moldings, and the like, which have bright surface requirements and which includes a film sheet and a one-piece thermoplastic elastomeric structural carrier are provided. The film sheet includes a decorative layer of metal such as chrome. A plastic layer of the film sheet on which the layer of metal is formed is selected from a group consisting of polyester, polyurethane and polycarbonate. A bottom contact surface of the film sheet bonds with a front contact surface of the structural carrier by diffusion between the contact surfaces thereof within a mold cavity of an injection mold separate from the step of forming a preform which is securely positioned within the injection mold during injection molding to form the plastic part.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.