This paper presents a method of finite element modeling and analysis used in the process of development of laminating tools of automotive interior parts. In this research, the automotive interior part considered for analysis is a center console part covered with leather. This part is subjected to concentrated loading and the stress variation within the complete assembly is determined. Also, due to the fact that the leather is stretched and glued to the plastic part using heat transfer between two molds, a thermal assessment is necessary. The results, in the form of deformations and tensions, and conclusions of both analyses will demonstrate the need to use this method in the development of laminating tools of automotive interior parts.

This paper presents a design methodology of laminating tools for automotive interior parts using CATIA software package. The authors developed a software tool namedLTFrameDesignusingVBA for Applicationunder CATIA package, which automatically generates the main frame of the laminating tool according to the parts shapes, its dimensions and designer requirements. The software automates some stages of standard design and minimizes the design time and costs. The paper also presents the design stages which are followed by the user to obtain a 3D complete assembly of the laminating tool.

The paper presents a design methodology for a slider assembly from tools used in laminating process of decorative parts with big curvature and negative draft. In usual cases are used a single active part to laminate parts. For laminating process of this surface are designed a slider assembly with three active parts. All these three active parts have their own heating-cooling systems. That means a good temperature control in each point on surface. The results are a laminating process without scratches, signs or imperfections. In the paper are also presented the working method of slider assembly and all the main steps in design from concept direction to clash analysis.

The paper presents a special clamp with high precision used in fixing plastic parts on the lower mold of laminating tools or in prefixing devices. In most of cases in laminating tools is known that to fix a plastic part, in order to be covered with leather, on a heat lower laminating tool with suction cups is not a good idea because of high temperatures and additional systems needs. In solving this aspect was designed a pneumatic clamp with a special nose which fixed the plastic part with high precision. To achieve good results, the design was thoroughly checked in a software platform like COMSOL Multiphysics in terms of temperature and pressure. In this paper are also presented the main steps design, the results of clash assembly analysis, the results of temperature analysis and the results of pressure analysis.