Abstract: A method is disclosed for the production of a molded article, using a mold assembly including a mold having a cavity, for producing a molded article from a thermoplastic resin; an insert block formed of ceramic or glass having a thermal conductivity of 2.times.10.sup.-2 cal/cm.sec..degree.C. or less, the insert block being disposed inside the mold, constituting part of the cavity, and having a thickness of 0.5 mm to 10 mm; and a cover plate for covering a peripheral portion of the insert block. The cover plate is attached to the mold and constitutes part of the cavity, wherein a clearance between the insert block and the cover plate is 0.001 mm to 0.03 mm, an amount of overlapping of the insert block and the cover plate is at least 0.1 mm. The method includes filling a molten thermoplastic resin in the cavity, and then cooling the thermoplastic resin to solidness.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing molded articles from a continuous, nonsynchronous system using multi-section, self-clamping molds. The apparatus is a mold separator-assembler having an elevator, and a horizontal position mover for disassembling the mold into sections, tracks for receiving sections of the self-clamping molds, and a track mover for moving the mold sections along their respective tracks to parallel, co-planar work stations. Once the molded article is removed at one of the work stations using an intermediate mechanism, the main sections are pre-treated and then reassembled using a second elevator and second horizontal position mover, for the next injection operation.

Abstract: The recycling of used polyurethane foam is made possible by a process in which the starting material is first dried to a moisture content of 2 to 4% and is then filled into a multi-part mold (16, 17, 18) that defines the molded part (32). The parts of the mold (16, 17, 18) are then, with generation of the necessary compression pressure of below 20 N/mm.sup.2, pressed together and locked. These molds (16, 17, 18) that are subject to the compression pressure are heated in a tunnel furnace (20) so that the molding material reaches a temperature of approximately 130.degree. C. After a predefined holding time, the molds (16, 17, 18) can be opened under pressure and the molded parts (32) can be removed. Molded parts (32) with a thickness of 42 mm and of corresponding size have been produced successfully with this process. Instead of the molds (16, 17, 18), it is also possible that a two-part tool is used.