Abstract: A tire tread (74,76,194) is injection molded by increments in a mold cavity (56,58,119,224,262) having an open end (110,272) closed by a trailing end (116) of a cured section (114,228). A temperature moderating closed end (109,207,268) prevents complete curing of a trailing portion (116) of the cured section (114,228) while the rest of the section is cured. The mold (14,16,90,188,236) is opened so that the cured section (114,228) may be shifted to a position where the trailing portion (116) is clamped in the open end (110,272) of the mold cavity (56,58,119,224,262). A second section (118,228,264) is injection molded in the cavity (56,58,119,224,262) and the partially cured trailing portion (126) of the cured section (114,228,264) is cured and adhered to the leading portion (130) of the second section (114,228,264) as the second section is cured. This process may then be repeated for later sections to provide a desired length of cured tire tread stock (74,194,264).

Abstract: A transparent capsule is manufactured by using a lower die case having a substantially semi-spherical inner surface and an upper die cast having a substantially semi-spherical outer surface. The radius of the upper die cast is slightly smaller than that of the lower die cast. Transparent resin in the space between the lower die cast and said upper die cast is uniformly and gradually heated and then cooled in order to harden the transparent resin.Thereafter, the upper die cast is separated from the lower die cast and the transparent resin formed in the shape of a sphere is removed from the die casts.

Abstract: A speaker vibration member is made by melting materials containing no less than 10% of a thermoplastic liquid crystal polymer and 3 to 40% of fiber or flake filled by weight, allowing the mixture to flow, cooling the mixture, and solidifying it.

Abstract: A molding process of a molding compound containing an ingredient such as a binder, e.g., pitch or a thermosetting resin which generate gas before being set, is disclosed, wherein the molding compound is heated and molded under pressure according to a special temperature pattern. First, the molding compound may be preheated substantially uniformly to a temperature at which the binder melts and generates reaction gas. Next, temperature gradient in the direction of thickness of the molding is created while raising the temperature of the molding to an upper limit temperature so that the setting of the molding progressively advances from the higher temperature to the lower temperature side of the molding.

Abstract: A process for producing 2 press molded laminate including at least two theromplastic resin layers and an ink pattern layer, wherein inner unevenness is provided on the interface of the thermoplastic resin layers tuned with the ink pattern, wherein the unevenness can be viewed through at least one of the surfaces of the press molded laminate. The molded product visually provides stereoscopic appearance due to tuning the inner unevenness with the ink pattern.

Abstract: A mold for forming a plastic cap and a method of removing a cap from such a mold. The mold includes female and male members which, together, form a mold cavity in which the cap is formed. The female member includes an upper assembly and a plurality of cams. The cams have radial protrusions engaging the male member to form annular recesses in the cap. The cap is removed from the mold by moving the upper assembly of the female member axially and the cams thereof radially away from the cap, and then removing the cap itself from the male member of the mold. Preferably the cap is shrunk onto the male member to develop a space between the cap and the female member of the mold prior to moving the female member away from the cap.

Abstract: In the process for the production of thin, biaxially stretched films from polypropylene, the latter is melted in an extruder and extruded from a slot die over the surface of a take-off roll. The plastic melt cooled on the surface of the take-off roll into an intermediate film is temperature-treated in the region of the take-off roll in a zone and the intermediate film is subsequently biaxially stretched and heat-set in a known way. At a take-off roll temperature T.sub.W of between 10.degree. C. and 100.degree. C., blowing air of a temperature T.sub.L greater than/equal to 30.degree. C. is blown onto the film surface on the air side not in contact with the circumferential surface of the take-off roll, the duration for this temperature treatment being at least 1.5 seconds.

Abstract: A process for preparing composite films comprising at least one layer of a first plastic polymer and a substrate of a second polymer/first plastic polymer composition by intimately mixing about 15 to about 90 wt. % of first plastic polymer and about 10 to 85 wt. % of the second polymer, extruding the mixture through a film die while cooling at least one surface of the die outlet at least about 10.degree. C. below the melting point of the plastic polymer and cooling the film. In a preferred embodiment the first plastic polymer has a semi-crystalline or crystalline melting point which is at least 10.degree. C. above the softening or melting point of the second polymer.A sandwich type laminate comprising two outer skins of first plastic polymer enclosing a core comprising a blend of first plastic polymer and second polymer can be prepared by cooling both die outlet surfaces. Where a blown film die is utilized the inner and outer die layers must be cooled to accomplish this end.

Abstract: A slush mold for molding film moldings such as surface coverings of interior finishing parts of automotive vehicles. The slush mold comprises a mold body having a molding surface of a predetermined shape formed in the inner surface thereof, a skirt capable of being detachably joined to the mold body so as to cover the marginal portion of the inner surface of the mold body other than the molding surface so that a resin film molding is formed only over the molding surface, and guide members for guiding the skirt so that the skirt is joined correctly to the mold body. Thus, the molding material is distributed only over the molding surface, and thereby the yield rate of film moldings is improved and the work in the subsequent process is facilitated.

Abstract: Molded bodies of thermoset material are produced from monomers, oligomers or higher pre-polymers of reactive resins by pressure reaction injection molding. The molded bodies may contain filler and/or reinforcing material. The process is carried out in a mold consisting of a first, preferably upper half mold and a second, preferably lower half mold, and an inlet socket opening downwardly into the first half mold. The mold is equipped with heating coils adapted for applying separately a lower temperature to the first half mold and a higher temperature to the second one. During the introduction and hardening phase of the reactive mixture, the first half mold is maintained at a lower temperature than the second half mold, the temperature difference amounts to about 40 to 180, and preferably 60 to 120 centigrades.

Abstract: A mass is cooled systematically under the influence of an electrical or mechanical alternating field to obtain a quasi dielectric isotropic structure of a synthetic resin part.

Abstract: A compression forming apparatus for forming a thermoplastic resin sheet is disclosed wherein a thermoplastic resin blank is compressed between a pair of heated mold plates, the mold plates are cooled to solidify the thus-formed sheet, and the sheet is taken out from the mold plates. This compression forming apparatus has a clamping device, a pair of cooling die plates, a pair of mold plates which are attached to the cooling die plates, means for heating the mold plates, and springs or actuators enabling the mold plates to be held in contact with the cooling die plates when the mold plates are clamped and held in non-contact with the cooling die plates when the mold plates are opened.

Abstract: The preformed covering of polymeric material, for motorvehicle gear shift levers, comprises a sleeve portion for covering at least the upper part of a rod of the shift lever and a bellows-like portion, for covering at least the zone of an articulation joint of the lever. The sleeve portion has a top portion of knob-like shape defining internally a hollow space with engagement formations. The top portion of knob-like shape is an integral single piece body portion made integral with said sleeve portion of substantially soft polymeric material and made at least in a central part thereof of a substantially tough polymeric material.

Abstract: Apparatus for reducing the waste neck area in a mold of vinyl cast articles such as automotive arm rests, head rests and parts of similar construction includes a powder box of gellable material having a supply spout with its exposed outer surface area covered by a liner of heat insulating material; a waste inlet neck on a heated, machined nickel mold is sealed by the liner when the powder box is joined to the mold. The powder box spout is at room temperature and shields the inlet neck to prevent gel build-up on the inlet neck to effect considerable cost by both a reduction in waste deposits of gel and a reduction in labor required to trim a waste area on the mold. To obtain the coating, the mold is coated with powdered vinyl (hereinafter gellable material) by casting from the powder box to the mold and the excess material is removed from the mold by dumping it from the mold into the powder box.

Abstract: Apparatus for reducing the waste area in a mold for an article molded from a heat-fusing material by a powdered vinyl process, has a mold box disposed adjacent the backside of a mold surface for controlling the temperature over respective first and second areas of the mold surface. The waste area elimination is accomplished by isolating and insulating the section of the mold defining the waste area. A kerf is cut into the mold around the waste area to isolate the area. The kerf is filled with castable silicone to insulate the waste area from the heated segments of the mold. To obtain the coating, the mold is filled with powdered vinyl and the excess material is removed from the mold by dumping the plastisol from the mold into a return tank.

Abstract: A composite extrusion, such as a fiber, film or ribbon, having an inner core and an outer sheath, wherein the inner core is made of a molecularly oriented polymer capable of being rigidified by imposition of a temperature gradient and the sheath is made of a polymer wherein its molecules are generally not oriented. A method of making such a composite extrusion utilizing melt transformation coextrusion wherein the inner core-forming material is caused to assume a molecular orientation coaxial to the longitudinal axis of said core while in a molten state and then forced through a reducing die while being subjected to a temperature gradient while surrounded by the liquid sheath-forming material such that crystallization in at least the outer skin of said core occurs within the die but the sheath-forming material does not crystallize until the extrudate exits the die.

Abstract: Method of production of a reflector wall having a core of thermosetting material enclosed in a skin of thermoplastic material, by two-material injection molding. Between a concave mold face having projecting points and a convex mold face, a thermoplastic skin material and a thermosetting core material having a polycondensation temperature greater than the plasto-elasticity temperature of the thermoplastic skin material are successively injected, while holding a temperature intermediate between the two temperatures; the points cause in the skin material interruptions permitting the emergence of the core material to the concave mold face, in localised zones of this in which open vents; the polycondensation of the core material and the hardening of the skin material is successively caused.

Abstract: A method wherein an article is molded of a heat-fusing material or plastisol, either liquid or dry, in a mold having an array of gas impingement jets disposed adjacent the backside of a mold surface for controlling the temperature over respective first and second areas of the mold surface. There is included first and second gas heating and cooling circuits each including a blower and dampers for supplying gas at the gas impingement jets associated with the mold. All of the gas impingement jets are supplied with heated gas to preheat the mold surface to a non-gelling temperature and a liquid plastisol coating is applied to the mold surface. To obtain the coating, the mold is filled and the excess plastisol is removed from the mold by dumping the plastisol from the mold into a dump tank.

Abstract: A molding machine has a valve assembly that includes means for selectively heating or cooling a mold by controlling flow of gas through an array of gas impingement jets disposed adjacent the backside of a mold surface to regulate the temperature over respective first and second areas of the mold surface. Gas heating and cooling circuits include two drive cylinder regulated plate valves for supplying gas at the gas impingement jet nozzles associated with the mold.

Abstract: Two platens having glass plates are pivotally interconnected by means of hinges and U-shaped brackets. Spring loaded fasteners hold the platens closed but the fasteners may be opened to permit the platens to pivot open. The two platens are seated one on top of the other upon a housing within which are mounted lamps which produce ultra-violet rays. The position of the platens can be reversed so that the lower platen is on top of the upper platen. There is a cavity between the closed platens for accommodation of a negative, a layer of photo-sensitive composition and bearer strips. The photo-sensitive composition is exposed to the ultra-violet rays first on one side then on the other by reversal of the positions of the platens so that both a base on one side and a raised image on the other side are formed. The thickness of the bearer strips governs the thickness of the finished printing plate.

Abstract: A novel method and device for precision injection molding is disclosed providing controlled cooling of a portion of the mold cavity surface during the molding cycle, or several such portions independently, and also, in the preferred embodiment controlled heating of a portion of the mold cavity surface during the molding cycle or several such portions independently, whereby high quality, high precision parts having close dimensional tolerances may be produced. Another aspect of the invention, a volume-controlled variable conductance heat pipe is disclosed, which novel heat pipe comprises housing means forming a sealed chamber, fluid, such as water or ammonia, within the chamber, wicking means and control means for controlling the thermal conductance of the heat pipe comprising means for controlling the volume of fluid in the liquid phase in the chamber.

Abstract: Articles made by the reaction injection molding process obtain a reduced residence time in the mold, hence increasing the production rate, by choosing processing and material parameters according to the inventive method. This method makes use of material parameters and processing conditions, including temperature and cavity shape for determining the viscosity of prepolymer material as it solidifies in the cavity. This information is used to optimize fluid injection rates, temperature of the fluid or cavity wall, choice of reactive fluid, or shape of the cavity. Articles having more complex geometries than previously obtained can be produced when the cavity filling is mathematically simulated according to the present procedure, typically by means of a computer. This can ensure against blockage of critical passages in the cavity, polymer degradation, etc.

Abstract: A heating apparatus for thermally shrinkable tubes and the like has a heating density gradient such that a higher temperature is imparted initially to a central portion of the heated tube, spreading gradually to the ends of the tube, to purge air bubbles to the outside of the tube while employing only one heating element.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a cushion material by welding under heat a first layer to an adjoining second layer at necessary portions of the latter by use of a welding member having a plurality of pressure applying projections. The material of the second layer is deformed and molten and flows at temperatures higher than those of the material of the first layer. In the method, the surface portions of the first layer not engaged by the welding member and lying closer to the welding member and/or the welding member itself are cooled by cooling gas thereby welding the first layer to the second layer without giving rise to any appreciable thermal change on the surface of the first layer except the portions engaged by the welding member.

Abstract: The process includes a first molding step with an upper surface of the glass wool pelt having been sprayed with water and with a lower surface of the glass wool pelt insulated from the lower mold portion by a previously molded glass wool insulating sheet, and a second molding step with the insulating sheet removed.

Abstract: Plastic tubing of extruded polybutylene and the like has an end reformed into a structural bulb sealing surface which includes a stop flange permitting the tube to be drawn into sealing engagement with a mating part. The tube end is reformed in a press or jig which includes two molds, with the tube end projecting through one mold and toward the other. The other mold is normally chilled or cooled but includes an I.D. mandrel or pin projecting therefrom. The pin is insulated from the other mold. The pin may be heated and/or cooled during the reforming cycle of the process to enable uniform heating of the projecting tube end from both the inside (I.D.) and outside (O.D.) of the tube end. The process and apparatus of the invention provides a more uniform and integral reformed tube end. The cycle time of the process may also be reduced resulting in greater productivity with less energy consumption.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a contact mat suitable for a keyboard or ypad is described. This contact mat is produced by the injection-moulding process and consists of a sheet-like composite body made of an electrically non-conductive two-component silicone rubber, and at least one carrier part, which is elastically deformable when pressure is applied to a key and is moulded out in the shape of a calotte. On the inside of the carrier part and in the pole region, there is a contact component which is made of an electrically highly conductive material. When the carrier part is depressed, an electrical connection is made via the contact component between the contact surfaces of a printed circuit located below the contact mat. In order to be able to manufacture the contact component in a simple manner and without waste, the contact component is made in an injection mould, wherein the entire lower mould part is at a temperature above the vulcanization temperature of the contact component.

Abstract: A method of moulding a shaped article from a curable composition in which the composition is cured in a mould comprising at least two mould parts defining a cavity characterized in that prior to introducing the curable composition into the mould cavity, the pressure inside the cavity is increased above atmospheric pressure, preferably to at least 0.3 bar above atmospheric pressure, the dispersion is injected into the mould against this pressure and is subsequently cured. The method is useful for overcoming problems of color banding on the surface of the moulding which originate in the filling process and are particularly evident when high mould temperatures are used.

Abstract: A process is provided for vulcanizing a vulcanizable endless belt which is substantially V-shaped in cross-section, substantially uniformly, by heating the belt through its minor base and converging sides and then cooling the belt from its minor base and converging sides more rapidly than cooling of the major base. An apparatus for practicing the process has a drum and a substantially concentric jacket in spaced relation about the drum. An annular inflatable diaphram is disposed in the space between the drum and jacket. A belt to be vulcanized is placed in an annular groove in the drum, the diaphram is inflated to press the belt in the groove against the surfaces thereof. The surfaces of the groove facing the minor base and the converging sides are heated while the major base is flush with the surface of the drum and is not heated.

Abstract: Inner tubes for pneumatic tires including a toric cushion made from an elastomer material having cells independent of each other.A process for manufacturing such inner tubes with a mold for preforming and vulcanizing semi-toric elements, the mold includes fingers for molding recessed cavities and an incorporated heating network, the preformed semi-toric elements having undergone a first vulcanization are then joined together and subjected to a second vulcanization in an appropriate apparatus.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for molding precisely shaped articles and particularly high minus precision lenses in which a charge of synthetic resin approximating the mass of the finished article is injected under relatively low pressure into a space, having a volume greater than that of the finished article, between optically finished, heated, relatively movable mold inserts. After injection the inserts are moved toward each other under pressure and controlling the cooling of the mass while under pressure to provide uniformly timed solidification of all parts of the mass thus to form the article without the necessity of either high injection pressure or overflow from the mold cavity.

Abstract: The invention concerns the production of an extruded plastic sectional bar, or the like profiled element, having one longitudinally extending section which has a duller surface finish and another longitudinally extending section which has a less dull surface. To accomplish this, the extrusion tool, at the outlet end, has first and second temperature control devices so that as the bar is being extruded, the first section of the bar is exposed to one temperature while the second section of the bar is exposed to a different temperature, for producing the different surface finishes.

Abstract: A process for forming a low silhouette thermoplastic enclosure panel including the steps of heating a thermoplastic sheet while its periphery is restrained and tension exerted outward toward the periphery thereof, uniformly cooling one side of said sheet while maintaining the opposite side at or above plastic deformation temperatures until the side being cooled is sufficiently rigid to maintain its shape, removing the sheet from the restraining means and uniformly cooling both surfaces of the sheet material to effect a deflection of the sheet in a direction of the first cooled surface.

Abstract: Coated Prosthetic devices useful in the medical and dental fields, such as dental implants, intramedullary nails, and total hip prostheses, are provided having a porosity or density gradient in the sintered plastic coating. The higher porosity is at the outer surface which facilitates bone ingrowth while the lesser porosity which has a higher density and a more continuous plastic layer is on the inner surface and thus provides better adhesion to the load bearing component.

Abstract: A process whereby the reflective coating of a video disc is applied to the disc directly in the press in which the disc is stamped by the use of fluid organometallic compounds.

Abstract: A novel method and device for precision injection molding is disclosed providing controlled cooling of a portion of the mold cavity surface during the molding cycle, or several such portions independently, and also, in the preferred embodiment controlled heating of a portion of the mold cavity surface during the molding cycle or several such portions independently, whereby high quality, high precision parts having close dimensional tolerances may be produced. Another aspect of the invention, a volume-controlled variable conductance heat pipe is disclosed, which novel heat pipe comprises housing means forming a sealed chamber, fluid, such as water or ammonia, within the chamber, wicking means and control means for controlling the thermal conductance of the heat pipe comprising means for controlling the volume of fluid in the liquid phase in the chamber.

Abstract: A method of continuously forming articles having a predetermined, varying cross sectional geometry which comprises continuously introducing molten thermoplastic material from a die opening into a nip formed by opposing rotating rolls with at least one roll having a cooled, arcuate mold cavity in its surface contoured to correspond to each article cross sectional geometry thereby providing varying clearances in the nip, progressively successively arcuately forcing the mold cavity into shaping engagement with the molten thermoplastic material to mold the articles therefrom, maintaining the thermoplastic material containing the articles in contact with one of the rolls after exiting the nip thereby forming a first, curved intermediate shape wherein the thermoplastic material is partially set, immediately passing such shape over a cooled cylindrical surface to further yet not completely set the thermoplastic material and transpose the first shape into a second shape reversely configured from the first shape, disc

Abstract: Transfer molding of polypropylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, FEP fluorocarbon resin or PFA fluorocarbon resin to produce a lining for a 6" tee pipe fitting is accomplished isothermally by applying pressure of the order of 200 psi to the material while the material, the charge holding chamber and the tee mold are secured in a fixture in an oven. Transfer is performed at a stabilized resin temperature of the order of 375.degree. F. for polypropylene, 450.degree. F. for polyvinylidene fluoride, and 640.degree. F. for FEP and PFA resins over a relatively long time interval. Pressure is removed, the mold assembly is transferred to a press outside the oven, pressure of the order of 700 psi is reapplied to the material, and the mold is force cooled progressively from a remote point back toward the gate which is located in the fitting opposite the stack section thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of making a tube of thermoplastic material, comprising longitudinal channels of circular cross-section and having such wall stresses that, after axially cutting the tube, the edge parts along the cut edge overlap each other for less than 8% of the outer circumference of the tube.

Abstract: A method of molding cloth. A special multi-layer cloth is first preheated and then drawn into a heated mold by means of a vacuum between the cloth and the mold. The cloth includes a fabric layer having a heat-fixable fiber, a polyurethane foam layer and a polyvinyl chloride film layer bonded together. The cloth is preheated to at least the greater of the set temperatures of the fabric layer and the polyvinyl chloride film. The mold is heated to at least the same temperature. After the cloth has conformed to the contours of the mold, the cloth is transferred to a cooler mold. The steps of heating the cloth in the mold and then cooling the cloth in the cooler mold sets the stitch of the fabric to the contours of the mold. Polyurethane foam may then be poured into the mold and allowed to expand to form a seat cushion or the like.

Abstract: A method and system for cooling a mold, including the steps of providing fluid flow connectors insertable into a mold for conducting the coolant into the mold. One of the connectors is made in one-piece and includes a threaded stem which threads into a mold opening, and that one-piece also includes two threaded openings which are disclosed transverse to the length of the stem and which align with passageways in the mold for attaching to two tubes extending in the passageways. The system in method is arranged for the alignment of the threaded openings with the passageways while the stem is fluid tightly threaded into the mold opening, and all of these connections are made on the interior of the mold.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing a ribbed pattern on extruded film by differential cooling of the film during its stretching process. The film is extruded through a tubular film die, stretching as it leaves the die. Cooling mechanisms rotate about the tube as it is being extruded to define a large plurality of narrow strips on the melt as it is being extruded. The film is fixed in space to maintain a close proximity to the cooling mechanisms in order to achieve sharply defined ribs. A cross-ribbed pattern can be obtained by counter-rotating the cooling mechanisms. Increased tear strength is imparted to the film without increasing the amount of resin necessary to make the film. Such tube can be formed into high strength film products such as trash bags and the like.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for molding articles of manufacture of resinous materials whereby, the surface of the molded article contains a pile-like texture or structure. The pile-like structure is composed of material of the surface stratum of the article and is formed by the adherence of such material to the surface of the mold cavity wall in which the article is molded and by pulling the article away from the mold cavity wall while at least the surface stratum thereof is in a deformable condition such as a semimolten or plastic state resulting from the elevated temperature thereof caused either by the manner in which it is cooled or by applying heat thereto through the mold cavity wall.

Abstract: An improved process of producing a predetermined textured surface on a polypropylene film is disclosed including the steps of extruding the polypropylene into a stalk, cooling the stalk to crystallize the polypropylene, passing the stalk through a heating zone and biaxially stretching the stalk into a thin film. The stalk emanating from the extruder has a section primarily temperature controlled and correlated to the stalk velocity to cause extensive, continuous and uniform spherulite formation with a predominantly type III polypropylene crystal structure on the outer surface of the stalk, which upon subsequent inflation of the stalk causes the desired texture to occur.

Abstract: A unitary molded plastic blade support and metal blade is provided for an ice skate. The support includes an upper portion provided with heel and sole platforms to receive the heel and sole of a boot, and a runner portion embedding and anchoring a metal blade partially exposed. The blade has a central section and adjacent front and rear sections. A plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart anchoring projections are provided at least on the front and rear sections of the blade and integral with the blade. The keying projections extend inwardly towards the central section to form anchoring hooks engaged in the molded plastic.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing thin-walled articles by thermoforming from crystalline thermoplastic sheet or web material wherein the sheet or web is rapidly precooled from extrusion temperature, and the outer surface layers reheated prior to thermoforming.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing thin-walled articles from crystalline thermoplastic material comprising the steps of extruding a continuous web of hot crystalline thermoplastic material at an extrusion temperature above the crystalline melting temperature range of the material, substantially immediately rapidly precooling the opposite surfaces of the web to form therealong thin supportive layers having a temperature in the range wherein the said material is not further plastically deformable and wherein further growth of crystals is essentially avoided, while the hotter core material between said layers is cooled to a temperature adjacent to but above the crystalline melting temperature range and is held in a substantially crystal free condition, transporting the so precooled web into a thermoforming station within a sufficiently short time period to essentially maintain over the web thickness the above mentioned temperature profile produced by precooling, and then thermally forming at a rapid cooling rate said we

Abstract: A method wherein an article is molded of a heat-fusing material or plastisol in a mold having first and second groups of liquid passages disposed adjacent the mold surface for controlling the temperature over respective first and second areas of the mold surface. The mold is supported for rotation about an axis by a stationary pedestal. A movable module supports plastisol storage tanks, heat exchangers, valves, conduits, etc., for supplying the plastisol to the mold. The movable module also supports a dump tank which is disposed beneath the mold for receiving and retrieving the liquid plastisol which is emptied or dumped from the mold when it is rotated to an inverted position. There is included first and second liquid circuits including a pump and heat exchanger for supplying liquid at different temperatures to the passages associated with the mold.

Abstract: A method for curing resin in the fabrication of a composite material is described comprising enclosing the composite material within a flexible vacuum enclosure, and substantially simultaneously pressing the material within the enclosure between first and second platens of a press to preselected pressure, evacuating the enclosure, selectively heating one of the platens according to a preselected scheme to preselected cure temperature to cure the resin within the material, and cooling the other platen to maintain a preselected temperature differential between the platens across the thickness of the material, whereby cure of the resin is effected in the material first near the heated platen and progresses through the thickness of the material toward the cooler platen as the material is heated to the cure temperature.

Abstract: Thermoplastic parts are formed by a process that produces at least one surface that is a direct replication of the mold surface without secondary operations, e.g., a "Class A" surface. The process is particularly suitable for the production of large parts such as automobile panels, refrigerator panels and the like especially those employing a high-viscosity resin and particularly those parts made by blow-molding. The process comprises pressing at a selected pressure a plastic preform heated above the glass transition temperature (Tg) against a suitably smooth or detailed mold surface held at a temperature below the Tg of the resin; raising, preferably rapidly, the mold to a temperature above Tg for the time necessary to raise above Tg a depth of resin sufficient to remove surface imperfections, die lines, and pores, and fill voids, and substantially embed included matter; and rapidly cooling the mold until the molded part is below Tg when pressure may be released and the mold opened.