Abstract: A process for molding a thermoplastic fiber reinforced article including the step of positioning a first thermoplastic tubular member on a first mandrel and a second thermoplastic tubular member on a second mandrel. Each tubular member is reinforced with oriented filaments. The first and second mandrels having the respective first and second tubular members thereon are positioned in a mold cavity and the remainder of the cavity is filled with a fiber reinforced thermoplastic matrix. The fiber reinforced matrix may be compression molded or injection molded.

Abstract: A disk element for a butterfly valve utilizing a flattened disk-like member which typically has diametrically opposed tubular sleeve insert members mounted therein, one of such insert members being noncylindrical. The disk element is comprised of fiber reinforced thermoplastic polymer. Preferably the polymer is poly(arylene sulfide) and the fiber reinforcement is comprised of carbon or glass.