Abstract: An apparatus for melting thermoplastics comprises a metal hopper having an upper portion with sides tapering inwardly at a first selected angle from the vertical; a lower portion with sides tapering inwardly at a second angle from the vertical, where the second angle is greater than the first angle; and, a discharge area at the bottom of the lower portion. At least one hopper heating element is disposed on the wall(s) of the hopper adjacent to the junction between the first and the second portions. A heated mold is positioned below the discharge area to collect the melted thermoplastic. A control system independently controls the hopper heating element(s) and the mold heating element(s). The metal hopper has a cover that is opened for loading and closed during melting; the top surface of the hopper is preferably angled downward toward the user for ease of loading.