In-mould painting by spraying thermoset powder coating into a closed mould, followed by standard thermoplastic injection moulding : part 1 : introducing the in-spire process

Abstract

A novel in-mould coating technique for injection moulding, called IN-SPIRE (IN-mould Spray Painting, Impact Reduced on the Environment), which combines thermoset and thermoplastic materials to provide a durable paint-like finish on thermoplastic injection mouldings, is reported. Design features of the process, which includes a novel feed system, are described and the results of open and closed tool trials are reported. The control system is also described. 15 refs