Extruded running board
A multi-layer running board extrusion including a multi-material running board extruded out of a combination of high-performance plastics. The running board is extruded in multiple layers, which optimizes the size and desired performance of the multiple materials to achieve predetermined desired result.
1 . A method of manufacturing a running board adapted for a vehicle, comprising:
providing at least one tri-durometer extruder tool;
providing a plurality of predetermined extrudable materials, wherein at least one of the materials is reinforced for strength, comprising at least three of said plurality of predetermined extrudable materials, wherein said main body, said at least one cap layer, and said at least one central rib are different materials and/or durometers from each other, and wherein at least said at least one central rib is reinforced material;
extruding said plurality of predetermined extrudable materials forming a main body, at least one central rib section within a central cavity of said main body, and at least one cap layer, wherein said at least one central rib is a different material than said main body and is a reinforced material.
2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein said reinforced material is a glass filled polypropylene of at least about 60 Shore D durometer.
3 . The method of claim 1 , wherein said at least one cap layer is a scratch-resistant thermoplastic elastomer or thermoplastic vulcanizate.
4 . The method of claim 1 , wherein said cap layer predetermined extrudable material has a durometer of at least about 60 to 95 Shore A.
5 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising operably cutting said extruded running board to predetermined length.