Injection Molded Polypropylene Door Trim Panels

The development of the first fully molded, plastic, passenger car door trim panel is discussed in this paper. From the initial styling concept, an attempt is made to explain the various factors that lead to the choice of materials and final part overall design. Special consideration of the interaction of part shape and attachment methods is given. There is also a description of the mold and the molding conditions, and the quality control test procedures established to insure quality production. A prediction of concept acceptability is made in the Summary Section. Also, a suggestion for further developments of plastic surface coatings is made.