Patent ID: 6478569
Filing Date: 2002-11-12
Classification: B29C,B29K,B29L,Y10T

Abstract:
A hybrid injection molding machine for forming an injection-molded article with an outer skin attached to a surface of the article, comprising:a mold assembly having first and second mold blocks, the first mold block having a cavity portion disposed thereon, said first mold block including a porous metal insert having a porosity sufficient to permit the passage of gases therethrough, but not to permit the passage of molding material therethrough, the porous insert defining at least a portion of said cavity portion; the second mold block having a core detail portion disposed thereon, the first and second mold blocks being engageable with each other such that the core detail portion is received within said cavity portion when said first and second mold blocks are brought together, said detail and cavity portions cooperatively defining a mold cavity of a mold assembly said molding machine; means for placing a sheet of deformable film on one of said first and second mold blocks, said one mold block including means for registering said film sheet in position thereon; means associated with said one mold block for drawing said film sheet into said cavity portion formed therein; and, means for retaining said film sheet in a preselected position between said first and second mold blocks.