Plasticator and system for molding parts

摘要

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).