SANDWICH-TYPE COMPOSITE COMPONENT HAVING IMPRINTED 3-D STRUCTURES WHICH PROVIDE AT LEAST ONE PATTERN AT AN OUTER SURFACE OF THE COMPONENT

摘要

A sandwich-type composite component having imprinted 3-D structures which provide at least one pattern at an outer surface of the component is provided. The component includes a first outer layer having an outer surface, a second outer layer and a core positioned between the outer layers and having a large number of cavities. The outer layers are bonded to the core by press molding. The first outer layer comprises an integral, unitary structure including 3-D structures imprinted by the press molding. The 3-D structures are sized, shaped and arranged in one or more patterns at the outer surface. The one or more patterns may form a textural surface finish, a logo or indicia such as instructions at the outer surface. The component may be a vehicle interior component such as a vehicle load floor component.