Gm Global Technolgoy Operations, Inc.

Steven J Schmidt

Charles K Buehler

Catherine A Ostrander

Michael P Balogh

Charles C Mentzer

Michael A Szymberski

Charles Calvin Mentzer, Jr

A thermoforming methodology for laminated thermoplastic sheets which preserves the class 'A' finish and high gloss thereof. In a thermoforming process including heating followed by vacuum and opposing air pressure application, and then followed by application of chilled compressed air, control of spherulite formation using any of: addition of a nucleating agent to the paint film, using the chilled compressed air at a temperature of substantially about 32&#xb0; F., heating to no more than about 311&#xb0; F., selecting a paint film having a high melting point temperature, and selecting a paint film that is non-crystalline.

Thermoforming process for producing class 'A' finish, high gloss automotive exterior parts

A thermoforming methodology for laminated thermoplastic sheets which preserves the class 'A' finish and high gloss thereof. A thermoformer has a vacuum box component which includes a mold, and a pressure box component which is selectively sealable in relation to the vacuum box component. A heated laminated thermoplastic sheet is placed in the thermoformer, the class 'A' side thereof facing away from the mold, and the thermoformer sealed. Vacuum is applied to the vacuum box component and simultaneously air pressure is applied to the pressure box component, including application of chilled compressed air, resulting in forming of the sheet on the mold and controlled cooling of the sheet which preserves its class &#x201c;A&#x201d; finish and high gloss.

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Holly, MI, United States of America

Steven J Schmidt