Roy Gibbs - Plymouth MI, US Gary Zaleski - Rochester Hills MI, US
International Classification:
B32B001/00
US Classification:
428/141000
Abstract:
A method for producing a polymeric component having a surface with a reduced gloss appearance is provided. A mold tool has a surface that includes a plurality of raised portions configured in a tool surface pattern. Each of the raised portions has a maximum width, and the average maximum width of the raised portions is less than 350 m. A polymeric material is disposed within the mold tool such that at least some of the polymeric material contacts the tool surface. This forms in the polymeric material a corresponding surface having a pattern of cavities that generally match the tool surface pattern. The corresponding surface of the polymeric component has a reduced gloss appearance, resulting, at least in part, from the cavities formed by the raised portions of the mold tool.