Abstract:
An apparatus and method for coating the peripheral surfaces of a large plastic television frame. The frame is mounted on a special metal fixture having a surface that complements the peripheral surfaces of the frame. Composite material on a foil having good abrasion resistance, good chemical resistance, selective adhesion properties and high gloss characteristics is bonded to the plastic frame using heat and pressure, but bonding does not occur between the metal fixture and the composite material even though the same heat and pressure are applied to the composite material and to the fixture. The bonding apparatus includes a conveyor system, a foil dispensing roll, a foil take-up roll, a heated roller and structure to move the heated roller so as to squeeze the foil between the roller and the moving fixture and frame assembly. A complete manufacturing system includes a frame molding machine, the bonding apparatus, an inspection station and a packaging station.