Method of attaching plastic to a metal section and part made thereby
View Patent ↗The present invention comprises a method of attaching plastic to a metal substrate and a part made by the method. A hydroformed metal section having top and bottom openings is provided. A plastic component is molded about the metal component and through the bottom opening. The plastic component includes a flange on one side thereof to secure the plastic component with the metal component.
1. A method of attaching a plastic component to a metal component comprising the steps of:
providing a metal component comprising a closed cross section having a first opening therein and a second opening therein;
placing the metal component in a die;
inserting a tool through the second opening and positioning the tool on one side of the first opening; and
molding the plastic component about at least a portion of the metal component and through the first opening, such that plastic component forms a flange on one side of the first opening for securing the plastic component with the metal component.
2. A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein the first opening is defined by an edge and said method further comprises curving the edge.
3. A method as set forth in claim 2 wherein the second opening is defined by a second edge.
4. A method as set forth in claim 3 further comprising bending the second edge of the metal component.
5. A method as set forth in claim 1 further comprising molding ribs into the plastic component.
6. A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein the flange extends beyond the edge of the first opening.