초록 ▼

A method is disclosed for molding parts. The system comprises a plasticator and press. The plasticator is capable of receiving a plurality of molding materials comprising a predetermined amount of at least thermoplastic polymers and long reinforcing fibers, such as glass fiber. The plasticator is ch

A method is disclosed for molding parts. The system comprises a plasticator and press. The plasticator is capable of receiving a plurality of molding materials comprising a predetermined amount of at least thermoplastic polymers and long reinforcing fibers, such as glass fiber. The plasticator is characterized in that it is capable of simultaneously receiving contaminated molding materials and relatively long glass fibers and molding them into a billet wherein the fibers remain substantially undamaged. The billet is subsequently placed in a compression molding press where other materials may be molded or applied to its surface. The method is further characterized in that a single thermal rise is used to plasticate the molding materials. The system employed by the method comprises a plasticator having a screw, a screw drive system, a plurality of heaters and control system to control the pressure and temperature in a barrel of the plasticator so as to create a billet having certain predetermined billet characteristics (such as a desired volume and/or density).

대표청구항 ▼

A method for creating a billet for molding a part comprising the steps of: loading a barrel of a plasticator with a plurality of molding materials comprising a plurality of thermoplastic polymers and long reinforcing fibers, said barrel having a screw rotatably mounted therein; heating said barrel;

A method for creating a billet for molding a part comprising the steps of: loading a barrel of a plasticator with a plurality of molding materials comprising a plurality of thermoplastic polymers and long reinforcing fibers, said barrel having a screw rotatably mounted therein; heating said barrel; rotatably driving said screw to blend said plurality of molding materials together to create a molten suspension in a storage area of said barrel such that a majority of said long reinforcing fibers remain intact; axially retracting said screw in a first direction as said molten suspension is accumulated in said storage area; axially driving said screw in a second direction to force said molten suspension out of said barrel, said second direction being opposite said first direction; and severing said molten suspension to provide said billet.