Michelle J Mikulec

US Patent:

58781536, Mar 2, 1999

Filed:

Sep 9, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/709947

Inventors:

Michelle Jarmilla Mikulec - Dearborn MI
John Xiaoyang Li - Sterling Heights MI
Mark Paul Everson - Canton MI

Assignee:

Ford Global Technologies, Inc. - Dearborn MI

International Classification:

G06K 900

US Classification:

382108

Abstract:

A method for monitoring process parameters in a multiple step process for an article molded from a plastic material containing at least two constituents to determine propensity for adhesion of a subsequently applied coating includes imaging at least one region of the article to examine surface morphology and analyzing the surface morphology to identify one of the constituents. In a preferred embodiment, the method is applied to monitor a manufacturing process for a molded plastic bumper to determine adhesion propensity of a subsequently applied adhesion promoter or paint based on surface morphology of the component. Analysis of the surface morphology includes identifying the presence of rubber globules near the surface layer or skin.