초록 ▼

A system 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 a polyester, at least one other carbocylic and reinforcing fiber, such as glass fiber. The plasticator

A system 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 a polyester, at least one other carbocylic and reinforcing fiber, 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 in a compression molding press where other materials may be molded or applied to its surface. The system is further characterized in that a single thermal rise is used to plasticate the molding materials. The system 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 plasticator for creating a billet of moldable material comprising: a feeder for receiving a plurality of molding materials comprising a predetermined amount of a thermoplastic and reinforcing fibers; and a barrel coupled to said feeder for receiving said plurality of molding materials from said fe

A plasticator for creating a billet of moldable material comprising: a feeder for receiving a plurality of molding materials comprising a predetermined amount of a thermoplastic and reinforcing fibers; and a barrel coupled to said feeder for receiving said plurality of molding materials from said feeder; a screw situated in said barrel, said screw being rotatably driveable to create a molten suspension in a storage area of said barrel while leaving a substantial number of said reinforcing fibers intact; a heater associated with said barrel to heat said barrel to facilitate creating said molten suspension; a driver for rotatably driving said screw to create said molten suspension in said storage area, said driver also being capable of axially driving said screw to force said molten suspension out of an extrusion end of said barrel after a predetermined pressure is applied to said billet; and a cutter associated with said extrusion end to close said extrusion end to facilitate defining said storage area of said barrel such that when said cutter is actuated to a closed position, said molten suspension is severed to provide said billet.