Abstract: A method for forming a vehicle headliner comprises providing at least one layer of formable material and a cover member; heating the layer and the cover member; providing a mold having a pair of mold halves and a compressible seal disposed between the mold halves, at least one of the mold halves having an aperture and a channel in communication with the aperture; positioning the layer and the cover member between the mold halves; bringing the mold halves toward each other to effect a sealed relationship; and applying a vacuum pressure to the aperture to sufficiently draw the mold halves together and compress the seal, thereby compressing the at least one layer and the cover member together to form the headliner.

Abstract: The present invention includes processes and resulting structures for producing moisture absorbing desiccant entrained polymers. A polymer is caused to assume a molten state, typically by applying heat and melting the polymer. To achieve certain results in the hardened end product, such as rigidity and durability, the polymer normally acts as a moisture barrier in a solidified state, both before and after melting. A desiccating agent is blended into the polymer so that the desiccating agent is distributed within the polymer. A channeling agent is also blended into the polymer so that it is distributed within the polymer. The blending of the components is preferably done before the polymer is caused to assume a molten state. Together, the polymer, desiccating agent and channeling agent create a blended mixture. The mixture is solidified so that the channeling agent forms passages in the mixture through which moisture is communicable to desiccating agent that is entrained within the mixture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing an injection-molded article having an outer film on an exposed surface. The method includes securing the film about its periphery within a mold cavity prior to injection of molten material into the cavity. One way of securing the film is by applying vacuum pressure through peripheral holes in a frame surrounding the mold cavity. Molten material is injected into the cavity, behind the film and the film slips from its initial position to be forced against a wall of the cavity by molten material being injected into the cavity. The apparatus includes a frame for a molding apparatus, adapted to initially secure the film in place prior to movement of the core block into place and to permit the film to slip from its initial position to be forced against the cavity wall as molten material fills the cavity.

Abstract: The present invention includes processes and resulting structures for producing moisture absorbing desiccant entrained polymers. A polymer is caused to assume a molten state, typically by applying heat and melting the polymer. A channeling agent is blended then reacted into the polymer so that it is distributed within the polymer. A desiccating agent is then blended into the product so that the desiccating agent is distributed within the product. The product is solidified so that the channeling agent forms passages in the product through which moisture is communicable to desiccating agent that is entrained within the product. The solidified product may be used to form plug type inserts and liners for closed containers, or it may be formed into any shaped article.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for seamless closed mold microreplication using a one-piece expandable mold are disclosed. The apparatus includes an expandable mold having a plurality of microstructured features on the inner surface thereof. The apparatus also includes a means for elastically expanding the mold in order to remove the finished molded article. The expandable mold may be used to make seamless articles having microstructured features, such as an illumination device comprising a fiber core having a plurality of microstructured light extraction structures on the surface thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in the production of fiber reinforced polymer composite structures includes a mold having a mold surface and a fiber construction on the mold surface including at least one layer of resin absorbing fibrous lay up material. A stiffener on the fiber construction is constructed of a resin absorbing material. A flexible, resin impervious vacuum bag lays over the mold surface and is marginally sealed to the mold surface to define an enclosure for the fiber construction and stiffener. The vacuum bag has a resin inlet to permit introduction of a resin into the enclosure. A vacuum is drawn upon the enclosure to draw the vacuum bag against the fiber construction and stiffener. The stiffener spaces the vacuum bag from the fiber construction when the vacuum bag is drawn against the fiber construction and stiffener to facilitate the distribution of resin uniformly throughout the fiber construction. The stiffener is integrated with the fiber construction upon curing of the resin.

Abstract: The present invention includes processes and resulting structures for producing moisture absorbing desiccant entrained polymers. A polymer is caused to assume a molten state, typically by applying heat and melting the polymer. To achieve certain results in the hardened end product, such as rigidity and durability, the polymer normally acts as a moisture barrier in a solidified state, both before and after melting. A desiccating agent is blended into the polymer so that the desiccating agent is distributed within the polymer. A channeling agent is also blended into the polymer so that it is distributed within the polymer. Together, the polymer, desiccating agent and channeling agent create a blended mixture. The mixture is solidified so that the channeling agent forms passages in the mixture through which moisture is communicable to desiccating agent that is entrained within the mixture.

Abstract: A single head forms an outside layer material supply passage connected through to an annular slit at joined portion, a reinforcing material supply passage and an inside layer material supply passage. An outside rubber layer is supplied to the outside material supply passage. A reinforcing cloth is supplied to the reinforcing material supply passage, and an inside rubber is supplied to the inside layer material supply passage respectively. A vacuum is formed up to the pressure of the joined portion by reducing under a vacuum the inside of the reinforcing cloth supply passage, thereby removing water or gas such as air attaching to both surfaces of the reinforcing cloth and increasing the adhesion of the outside rubber layer and the inside rubber layer with the reinforcing cloth being half there between.

Abstract: It is possible to manufacture articles out of thermoplastic materials and to metallize the articles at their surface. In this way one can manufacture reflectors and similar articles. Most thermoplastic materials require processing steps prior to the metallization like application of primers, chemical etching and the like. The invention is based on the discovery that a certain type of materials can be metallized without any extra processing steps. The materials involved are polyestercarbonates or blends of polyestercarbonates and polycarbonate. This is quite surprising since polycarbonates can not be metallized in good quality without extra processing steps prior to the metallization step.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for preforming soles which includes compressing a foot so as to push soft fat tissue masses of the foot on its underside and inner and outer lateral arches inward toward a top of the leg; making an accurate molding of the foot thus compressed by using material for making the molding which is capable of flowing into cavities which result from the compression of the foot and which is capable of filling the cavities; removing the foot from the molding; and placing a sole blank on a bottom of the molding, the blank preferably having been treated so as to be capable of being shaped by pressure from a foot on it; and pressing the foot, which is still compressed, onto the blank so as to shape it between an inner face of the foot and the bottom of the molding.

Abstract: A process for preparing fiber reinforced composite structures utilizing resin transfer molding techniques with vacuum and a resin which is capable of being cured with a peroxide catalyst or photocuring or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a costume having semi-rigid costume components, and the costume itself. The semi-rigid costume components are capable of being sewn to fabric to form an integrated costume. An embodiment is shown in which the costume includes a semi-rigid muscular torso suitable for a superhero chestpiece. The sewn rigid component is formed from fusing a layer of fabric to a layer of foam and the resulting laminate is vacuum molded into a three-dimensional shape.

Abstract: A lens mold cavity is formed and then evacuated via a vacuum channel contained within a mold member. A fluid valve is opened to expose the lens mold cavity to liquid lens material, whereby a vacuum of the lens mold cavity draws the liquid lens material to fill the lens mold cavity. The fluid valve is then closed and the liquid lens material within the lens mold cavity is cured to obtain an opthalmic lens such as a contact lens.

Abstract: Ophthalmic lens manufacturing equipment includes lens die assemblies constructed to accommodate fragile, high quality glass lens dies. The lens die supports of the assemblies provide a series of grooves of critically small widths on their interface surfaces to apply vacuum pressure from an external source to the backs of the lens dies and thereby hold them in place. The vacuum securement also enables rapid lens die changeover using robotic arms.

Abstract: A method for improving water transport and reducing shrinkage stress in membrane humidifying devices, and membrane humidifying devices and systems employing such devices that achieve enhanced and stable humidification performance, are disclosed. The inventive membrane humidifying device is made up of at least one membrane cell and means for introducing water into the cell(s). The membrane cell(s) includes at least one sheet of a hydrophilic membrane and at least one rigid screen, positioned adjacent to at least one membrane sheet. The cell(s) is assembled when the membrane sheet(s) is in a dry, contracted state and the assembled cell(s) is then exposed to an elevated temperature/vacuum treatment. As a result, the surfaces of the membrane sheet(s) permanently conform to the contours of an adjacent rigid screen.

Abstract: An improved, endless mold tunnel, clamshell-type, thermoplastic tube molding apparatus and method using exteriorly disposed, compressive roller elements and a cooperating keyway/matching lug assembly for maintaining the alignment of the independent mold blocks and mold block half sections substantially orthogonal relative to opposed half sections and relative to the contiguous upstream and downstream mold blocks in said tunnel while allowing for the introduction of cooling fluid or vacuum.

Abstract: It is object of the present invention to provide a method by which a variable property component, such as two-color parts, having the interior covered with a thin film of the surface area is molded from polyurethanes by RIM, eliminating the need for separately applying a mold release agent or colorants to the cavity surface. Greater latitude in design due to varying physical characteristics is provided.

Abstract: In an apparatus and method for resin transfer molding, a mold including at least two cooperating mold sections is placed in a vacuum chamber. A reinforcing material is positioned between the mold sections, which are separated from one another during evacuation of the chamber, thus maintaining the reinforcing material in a substantially uncompressed condition, to ensure that all gasses and/or liquids are evacuated from the reinforcing material and the mold prior to resin injection. After evacuation, the mold sections are brought almost into engagement to substantially define a mold cavity, and resin is injected into the mold cavity. Prior to terminating the resin injection, the mold sections are brought into engagement, and final resin injection is performed. The injected resin is then cured in accordance with the particular type of resin injected.

Abstract: An isobaric vaporization cooling for extruded thermoplastic profiles is carried out at 25 inches Hg in a tank by spraying water onto the extrusions. The water vapor and any air entering the tank are withdrawn to maintain the pressure constant during the cooling and the condensate from the withdrawn vapor is recycled to the spraying nozzles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a molded polyurethane foam without using low-boiling solvents such as Fleon and methylene chloride which present problems when used as a blowing agent. The polyurethane foam has the same good appearance and soft feeling as that produced with low-boiling solvents. A polyurethane foam is produced by injecting a polyurethane material into an evacuated cavity and permitting it to expand so that it flows and fills the cavity, said polyurethane material being composed of 100 parts by weight of polyol component and 0.1-0.6 part by weight of water as a blowing agent. The cavity pressure may be maintained high spontaneously or low while the polyurethane material is flowing in the cavity. When the polyurethane material has reached the final fill position in the cavity, the fore-end of the polyurethane material is discharged from the cavity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making an ophthalmic lens pumps monomer into one end of a gas permeable tube along its interior length while a chamber surrounding the gas permeable tube is maintained at a subatmospheric pressure by means of a vacuum pump. Preferably, the gas permeable tube is made of silicon rubber. Static mixers introduce mixing into the flow of the monomer within the tube in order to expose the bulk of the monomer to the gas permeable walls of the tube. Under such conditions in the gas permeable tube, the majority of the dissolved gasses are removed from the monomer and continue to be drawn out of the chamber by the pump connected to the chamber. The degassed monomer is then transferred into a mold where it is polymerized into an ophthalmic lens.

Abstract: A method for producing advanced composite structures includes the assembly of a number of layers of fibrous reinforcements into a desired configuration. A vacuum is applied to the reinforcement in order to evacuate any air therefrom and to consolidate the plurality of fibrous reinforcements. Resin is introduced to the reinforcement by using a flow path therethrough having entry and exit points. The vacuum is used to transmit the resin through the reinforcement between the entry and exit points. The resin flows into the reinforcement due to the pressure differential between the evacuated reinforcement and the hydrostatic pressure on the resin as well as the capillary effect on the reinforcement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming sheets of a first material, such as a metal, plastic, rubber, or the like, having a primary tank for heating a second molten material and containing the second molten material to form a surface upon which the first material is floated in a molten state. The temperature of the second molten material is maintained below the melting temperature of the first molten material, and the second molten material has a higher specific gravity than the first molten material. Thus, the first molten material floats upon the surface of the second molten material while it solidifies into a sheet of material, which is then withdrawn from the surface of the second molten material. A hood is disposed over the primary tank to remove fumes and vapors which, when removed, are discharged into water where they condense.

Abstract: An improved electrical insulator for high voltage transmission lines is formed from certain polymer-based concrete compositions. An apparatus provides for the molding of the polymer-based mixture to form a highly degassed product. The method and apparatus include the ability to combine the constituents of the mixture in a mixer. A vacuum is applied to the mixture to degas the mixture. A mold is filled with the degassed mixture without introducing air thereinto in the absence of a vacuum. The resulting insulator has highly reduced air entrainment.

Abstract: A tire molding system includes a mold having a surface defining a cavity for receiving and shaping an uncured tire. The uncured tire is pressed against the surface defining the cavity. Fluid is evacuated from between the uncured tire and the surface defining the cavity. A recess extends from the cavity for forming a marking on the sidewall of the tire. A passage fluidly communicates the recess with the exterior of the mold. The passage includes a first end portion adjacent the recess and a second end portion adjacent the exterior of the mold. The second end portion extends for a distance less than one-half of the total length of the passage. A restrictor is located entirely within the second end portion of the passage for restricting fluid flow through the passage during the evacuation of fluid and before the recess is sealed off from the cavity by the uncured tire when the uncured tire is pressed against the surface defining the cavity.

Abstract: A process for producing a resin molding having a concave-convex pattern on the surface includes the steps of providing an original die having a concave-convex pattern on the surface and a substrate having a flat surface, thereby counterposing the concave-convex pattern surface and the flat surface to each other through a spacer and forming a cell with a cavity formed by the original die, the substrate and the spacer; making an internal pressure of the cell cavity lower than an external pressure thereof, thereby filling at least one of a liquid polymerizable component and a liquid resin into the cavity due to a pressure difference between the external pressure and the internal pressure; curing at least one of the polymerizable component and the liquid resin in the cavity, thereby making a replica; and peeling the original die from the replica, thereby obtaining a resin molding.

Abstract: A fiberglass molding method characterized by the use of a male mask to which glass fiber material is affixed and then sealed against a female mold by a vacuum actuated gasket system. Resin is placed into the bottom of the female mold and is pulled by vacuum through the glass fiber material by means of vacuum ports which extend through the bottom of a spillway and open at an elevation above the bottom of the spillway. The method also allows the resulting fiberglass part to be subsequently surfaced coated using the vacuum method.

Abstract: A vacuum molding process uses a flexible molding skin having an imprint face arranged inside an airtight compartment. Before the vacuum is made, a pasty plastic material is incorporated in the compartment facing the imprint The vacuum is then made in the compartment to press the flexible molding skin onto the plastic material with formation of a molded surface with sculptures and asperities giving a decorative or functional granular appearance. The molding skin is made of a flexible anti-adhesive organic material, notably silicone, for ease of removal from the mold after the plastic material has hardened Shaping of the panel is performed after the vacuum bag has been positioned on a shaping part. The process is used for manufacturing artificial climbing wall panels.

Abstract: A method of producing a plasma treated article in a mold tool having electrically isolated mold dies including the steps of placing an article to be treated with a plasma between at least one of the dies and the article to be treated and applying an electric field between the dies to create a plasma in the space.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparing thermoplastic composites .e. laminates from a plurality of individual plies of thermoplastic resin prepregs. The prepregs are formed into composites under two substantially concentric vacuum chambers. High temperatures and low consolidating pressures are applied against the prepregs in an inner vacuum chamber while a lower vacuum is drawn from the rigid outer chamber to remove the volatiles and consolidate the prepregs.

Abstract: A tire mold having relatively reciprocable first and second mold halves is provided with a heat shield which includes first and second relatively reciprocable shield members. One of these shield members is fixedly secured to one of the mold halves; the other shield member is fixedly secured to the other mold half. The shield members are spaced from the mold halves so that they enclose a space which surrounds the mold halves. A vacuum tight seal between the shield members is provided. A nipple which is adapted to be connected to a source of vacuum extends through one of the shield members so that the space enclosed by the shield members can be placed under vacuum, thereby inhibiting heat transfer to the atmosphere surrounding the apparatus. Heat transfer is further inhibited by the thin reflective chrome plate layer on the inside wall surfaces of both heat shield members. Preferably the mold halves are arranged one above the other and each is secured to a platen.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for the production of thermoplastic, caprolactam containing molding compositions by hydrolytic polymerization of caprolactam in stirrer autoclaves in which a molten mass is polymerized at pressures of 5 to 20 bar and temperatures of 220.degree. to 280.degree. C., the molten mass is transferred into an intermediate vessel to which vacuum is applied for continued polymerization and removal of volatile portions. Subsequently, the mass is continuously fed into a multi-screw extruder, in order to attain at increased temperatures and vacuum the desired polymerization degree and the desired monomer and oligomer contents. In a subsequent zone of the extruder, when desired, additional agents are worked in, whereafter a further degasification occurs in the end zone of the extruder, whereafter the mass is extruded, quenched, subdivided and dried. The method and apparatus use relatively little energy as compared with the prior art.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing thermo-composites is disclosed where individual lies of a prepreg, to be formed into a laminate, are processed under two, concentric vacuum chambers. Heat and consolidating pressure are applied under a first vacuum to the material and then a second vacuum is drawn under an outer, rigid shell.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for moulding a fluid settable material. The apparatus includes male and female mould halves defining between them a mould cavity having an inlet thereto for the introduction of a fluid settable material; between the male and female mould halves of the cavity a seal can be interposed to seal the mould cavity from the atmosphere. At least one vacuum outlet from a mould half leads via an isolation valve to a vacuum source.

Abstract: A process for forming plastic tubing which involves extruding a molten plastic composition through a die which produces an extended length of plastic tubing, passing the hot tubing through a vacuum sizing tube wherein the wall of the tubing is sized by being drawn to the wall of the sizing tube by a vacuum, and cooling the sized tubing so that the tubing will be self-supporting at normal ambient temperatures, wherein the plastic composition contains a phosphorus-containing additive in an amount sufficient to cause an improvement in the smoothness of the interior of said tubing.

Abstract: A continuous vacuum processing apparatus has a vacuum processing chamber and at least one auxiliary vacuum chamber connected to at least one of the upstream and downstream ends of the vacuum processing chamber as viewed in the direction of flow of a material to be processed. The apparatus further has a slit-type seal device provided in the auxiliary vacuum chamber and capable of conveying the material to be processed while sealing the vacuum processing chamber from exterior of the vacuum processing chamber. The seal device is provided with a guide member for guiding the material. Independent tensioning devices are provided in the vacuum processing chamber and the auxiliary vacuum chamber and capable of independently applying tensions to the portions of the material in the vacuum processing chamber and auxiliary vacuum chamber, so that a material which is not resistant to heat can be processed without being damaged.

Abstract: A mold or die having two parts with a cavity and an interface between them and a feed opening in one of the mold parts cooperates with a charge feed for raw changes and any evacuation device providing a low pressure.

Abstract: Sailboards having a tucked rail are made from a flexible, resilient mold so that the seam of the board is along its bottom edge instead of at its point of greatest breadth. A flexible mold part having the contour of the sailboard to be produced has an opening smaller than the greatest breadth of the board. The mold is first flexed so that its opening is sufficiently wide to receive the blank that forms the body of the sailboard. Secondly, the blank is inserted into the flexed mold, and thirdly, the mold is released and its resiliency returns it to its original shape. A conventional rigid mold part closes the open end, and a vacuum is applied to form the final product. The flexible mold part is flexed a second time to remove the product.

Abstract: A method for molding powders comprises the steps of forming a mold support having at least an opening and a cavity, forming a film of latex on inner surfaces of the mold support by pouring the latex from the opening into the cavity of the mold support and discharging a substantial portion of the latex poured into the cavity, forming a thin-wall resilient mold inside the mold support by drying the film of latex formed, charging powders as materials for a compact from the opening into the thin-wall resilient mold, exhausting air out of the thin-wall resilient mold filled up with the powders through the opening and sealing the opening of the thin-wall resilient mold, separating the thin-wall resilient mold filled up with the powders from the mold support, and subjecting the thin-wall resilient mold to a cold isostatic press method treatment.

Abstract: Thermal transfer between a semiconductor wafer and a platen during vacuum processing is provided through a soft, thermally-conductive polymer layer having a thin, hard surface film. The soft polymer layer, which is preferably silicon rubber containing thermally-conductive particles, conforms to surface irregularities on the wafer and has low thermal resistance. The surface film is preferably silicon dioxide in the form of a multiplicity of flat plates integrally formed on the silicone rubber. Adherence of the wafer and of foreign matter to the polymer layer is prevented by the surface film. In addition, the underlying polymer layer is protected by the surface film. A high purity polymer layer is fabricated by evacuating the mold cavity and the resin container prior to injection of resin. The mold for the polymer layer utilizes a hard, smooth mold release surface and a resilient gasket between the platen and the mold release surface.

Abstract: A devolatilizer, especially suitable for high viscosity polymers, comprising a vacuum chamber into the top of which the polymer is introduced after having passed through a tubular or equivalent heat exchanger, with a low shear mixer located in the vacuum chamber and a pumping device for removing the devolatilized polymer from the bottom of the vacuum chamber. Devolatilization of high viscosity polymers is achieved in this apparatus and method without severe degradation.

Abstract: A method for the shaping of a sheet of preform material. A flat planar (heated) sheet of preform material is held tightly between two elastomeric sheets, the sheets and preform material forming a laminate assembly. The laminate assembly is then formed about a mold having the desired contours. The elastomeric sheets maintain the preform material parallel to the surface contours of the mold as the molding process proceeds. A fluid such as air is flowed between the mold surface and the laminate assembly during the forming process to prevent the elastomeric sheets from binding on the mold surface. Wrinkles are eliminated in the final shape of the preform material, and fiber distortion of tears or rips in the material are minimized due to the fluid lubrication between the mold surface and the laminate assembly.

Abstract: The process uses a vented barrel to decrease the mositure content of the ionomeric resin cover stock prior to injection molding of a golf ball cover or the formation of semi-circular cover halves. The vent is located at a point on the barrel where the temperature of the melted ionomeric resin melt is between 400.degree. F. (204.degree. C.) and 500.degree. F. (260.degree. C.). The venting drops the moisture content of the ionomeric resin to below 800 ppm.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with the method of compression molding a metallic or ceramic powders. The method includes the step of maintaining a negative pressure within a first mold of noncompactable powders for intimately contacting on its inner surface a pouch-like member of thin-walled resilient material for producing a second mold, and the step of compactly charging starting powders into the second mold and exhausting air from and sealing the second mold, taking out a pre-molded body of the metallis or ceramic powders together with the second mold and the step of processing the pre-molded body by a cold or hot isostatic press.

Abstract: A method to obtain corrected impressions of the foot so as to produce corrective soles including two or three superimposed rigid frames connected to a supporting structure secured by arms of different length joined to the supporting structure. Each frame is equipped with two flexible walls which, along with the frame, delimit a sealed enclosure filled with a granular material, the enclosure communicating with a suction device.

Abstract: A method for producing thermoplastic tubular containers having a tubular wall section, open neck, and integral sealed bottom where a thermoplastic disc, is sealed to the inner wall of the tubular wall section, and the disc, while in a moldable state, is formed into a bottom wall by application of either a vacuum to the exterior surface of the disc or a fluid pressure to the interior of the tubular wall section, or both, to mold the disc in a mold cavity to a desired shape. A supporting sleeve surrounds the tubular wall section during application of the fluid pressure. Thermoplastic containers can be formed from a single thermoplastic material or from laminates, such as a laminate material containing an oxygen impermeable layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum mold for manufacturing cushions with back-foamed covers, wherein a section of cover material is stretched across a mold cavity, held down at the rim of the cavity, but allowed to slide into the mold cavity under the influence of a vacuum. The cover is also placed against and fitted to contourings (ridges and/or grooves) of the mold cavity, and subsequently back-foamed. The resulting flexible foam core is allowed to harden and the finished cushion is removed from the form.

Abstract: Composite tooling of carbon fiber reinforced polyimide of high Tg is prepared by first curing in an autoclave followed by post-curing in an air circulating oven.

Abstract: A method for molding powders which comprises introducing a thin-wall resilient mold inside a ventilative mold support, reducing the outside pressure of the ventilative mold support to less than the atmospheric pressure (760 Torr), putting a thin-wall resilient mold exactly close to the inside wall of the ventilative mold support, supplying powder material into the thin-wall resilient mold, exhausting air existing in the voids formed in the powder material, and taking the ventilative mold support apart to apply cold isostatic press treatment to the thin-wall resilient mold. The shape of the thin-wall resilient mold is similar to the shape of the ventilative mold support.

Abstract: A process is provided for reducing black speck formation which occurs during melt processing of oxymethylene polymer compositions containing polyamide stabilizers having a melting or softening point below the melting point of the oxymethylene polymer and for simultaneously removing volatile materials from a molten oxymethylene polymer, according to which from about 0.05 to about 5.0 weight percent based on the weight of the oxymethylene polymer of said polyamide stabilizer and from about 0.05 to about 10.0 weight percent, based on the weight of the oxymethylene polymer, of hindered phenol antioxidant is added while the molten polymer is passed through a rotating disk polymer processor having at least three stages; a first devolatilization stage, then a stabilization stage and then a second devolatilization stage. The molten polymer in the first devolatilization stage is maintained at a temperature above its melting point in the temperature range of from about 160.degree. C. to about 220.degree.