Method and apparatus for making an integral structural cellular and

Abstract

A method and apparatus is provided for making a composite structural homogeneous resinous article having (a) a smooth, shiny non-cellular or homogeneous relatively thin injection compression molded liner on the outer surface and (b) a cellular relatively thicker injection molded core integral with the molded liner. One extruder is connected by valve controlled passages to a pair of injection devices, each device having an injection chamber. One chamber stores the homogeneous plastic resin and the other chamber stores the foam plastic resin. A first mold assembly having a movable upper mold part and a stationary lower mold part form a cavity, with a gap opening, at a first molding station. The cavity is in communication with the first injection chamber. A second mold assembly having a second cavity, which is closed, is provided at the second molding station and is formed by the aforementioned movable upper mold part of the first mold assembly, which is transferred thereto, and with another stationary lower mold part. The second cavity is in communication with the second injection chamber. Controls are provided for insuring the correct amount of each resin to be extruded and stored in the injection chambers. Fluid operated means are provided for energizing the first injection device to inject the homogeneous plastics material therein into the first mold cavity. This is followed automatically by rapidly applying a compressive force to the first mold assembly to compression mold the relatively thin injection compression molded liner. Thereafter the upper mold part of the first mold assembly, with the molded liner retained therein, is transferred to the second molding station and immediately the stored foam resinous material is injected into the second mold cavity to form with the solid liner the composite homogeneous-foam plastic article having an integral relatively thin, smooth, shiny and homogeneous molded outer surface.