Abstract: A plasticizing method uses an apparatus (10) including a barrel (12) having a bore (14) therethrough. An auger (24) and a rotor (30) are positioned in the bore, each extending from opposed ends (16, 18) of the barrel (12) and having ends (26, 34) that are substantially flush. The auger (24) conveys particulate plastic material along the bore (14), the plastic being frictionally melted before passing the auger discharge end (26). The rotor (30) is provided to uniformly heat the melted plastic. Auger (24) and rotor (30) each are associated with independent means for rotating (28, 32) and means for controlling the speed of rotation (50, 52). The speed of rotation of the auger (24) controls the flow rate of plastic through the bore, and the speed of rotation of the rotor (30) controls the temperature of the melted plastic.

Abstract: A plasticizing apparatus (10) including a barrel (12) having a bore (14) therethrough. An auger (24) and a rotor (30) are positioned in the bore, each extending from opposed ends (16, 18) of the barrel (12) and having ends (26, 34) that are substantially flush. The auger (24) conveys particulate plastic material along the bore (14), the plastic being frictionally melted before passing the auger discharge end (26). The rotor (30) is provided to uniformly heat the melted plastic. Auger (24) and rotor (30) each are associated with independent means for rotating (28, 32) and means for controlling the speed of rotation (50, 52). The speed of rotation of the auger (24) controls the flow rate of plastic through the bore, and the speed of rotation of the rotor (30) controls the temperature of the melted plastic.

Abstract: Dies are disclosed for forming sheet-like extrudate of fluent material, such as a film of thermoplastic or solvent-plasticized material, or a liquid coating, e.g. a photographic coating, on a continuous support web. The dies include inner and outer cavities with the fluent material being supplied to the center or an end of the inner cavity. Between the inner and outer cavities there is an inner slot and between the outer cavity and the exterior of the die there is an outer slot. The inner cavity is open at one end, if end fed, or at both ends, if center fed. The open end, or each open end, is closed by closing means which are detachable for allowing access to the inner cavity for cleaning and inspection. A member is located in the cavity extending from the open end or each open end. The member serves to reduce the effective flow path for fluent material in the inner cavity.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the continuous production of microcellular plastic web material having integral unmodified laminar skin. In accordance with the invention a web of plastic material impregnated with an inert gas is delivered continuously to a degassing device in which the degree to which gas diffuses out of the surfaces of the web can be selectively and continuously controlled, whereupon the web enters a foaming station where it is reheated to induce foaming. The temperature of the reheated web and the duration of the foaming process prior to quenching are also selectively controllable to produce the desired web characteristics.