Abstract: There is provided by the present invention a compression molding tool for producing apertures of a desired configuration in preselected locations in a compression molded article and a method for producing the apertures. The tool has first and second relatively movable tool halves each supporting a mold section. The mold section associated with the second tool half includes a movable portion that is relatively movable with respect to the second tool half. The first tool half is moved relative to the second tool half until the first and second mold sections engage each other to form a mold cavity therebetween. Devices for creating apertures are included on at least one of the mold sections and are extended into appropriately configured receptacles in the other mold section after the mold sections are engaged, but before molding material is forced by compression into the mold cavity.

Abstract: Multiple extruder apparatus for compounding thermoplastic resin and reinforcing fibers incorporates a resin extruder in which thermoplastic resin pellets are melted and a compounding extruder in which the molten thermoplastic resin is mixed in intimate contact with long reinforcing fibers of at least one inch in length. The melted thermoplastic resin is introduced into the compounding extruder at a point downstream of the inlet point for the reinforcing fibers, so that the fibers are mechanically worked and heated before coming into contact with heated, molten thermoplastic resin. The extrudate from the compounding extruder consists of a homogeneous, molten mass of thermoplastic resin having discrete lengths of fibers randomly dispersed therein. This hot mixture may be fed directly into preform-making equipment to produce a measured preform of desired size, weight, and shape. The preform may then be fed directly into a compression molding machine.

Abstract: Multiple extruder apparatus for compounding thermoplastic resin and reinforcing fibers incorporates a resin extruder in which thermoplastic resin pellets are melted and a compounding extruder in which the molten thermoplastic resin is mixed in intimate contact with long reinforcing fibers of at least one inch in length. The melted thermoplastic resin is introduced into the compounding extruder at a point downstream of the inlet point for the reinforcing fibers, so that the fibers are mechanically worked and heated before coming into contact with heated, molten thermoplastic resin.The extrudate from the compounding extruder consists of a homogeneous, molten mass of thermoplastic resin having discrete lengths of fibers randomly dispersed therein.