SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MOLDING PARTS

摘要

A system (10) and method are disclosed for molding parts. The system includes a plasticator (12) and press (18). The plasticator is capable of receiving a plurality of molding materials (14) comprising a predetermined amount of a polyester (192), at least one other carbocylic (194) and reinforcing fiber (196), 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 (16) 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 and method are further characterized in that a single thermal rise is used to plasticate the molding materials. The system includes a plasticator having a screw, a screw drive system (74), a plurality of heaters and control system to control the pressure and temperature in a barrel (28) of the plasticator so as to create a billet having certain predetermined billet characteristics (such as a desired volume and/or density).