Polymer processing system including compression chamber and method for using same

Abstract

Polymer processing systems are provided including an extrusion assembly, a specially configured decompression chamber assembly, and a die assembly. Such systems are effective to provide shaped polymer products having reduced extrusion markings. Methods of using such systems are also provided.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 464,285, filed Jun. 18, 2003, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to polymer processing systems and methods for using same. More particularly, the invention relates to polymer processing systems including decompression chambers preferably structured to provide products which are more aesthetically pleasing, and methods for using such systems. [0003] Polymer processing to produce articles, such as sheets, films, other profiles and the like, has become increasingly important as the use of such articles become more prevalent. Production of polymer products often involves the use of extrusion processing, for example, using screw extruders, other types of extruders and the like, to produce a workable or flowable extruded polymeric material. This extruded polymeric material is of...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] New polymer processing systems and methods for using such systems have been discovered. The present systems are straightforward and advantageously provide for effective reduction of extrusion markings, other visually apparent blemishes and the like caused by processing a polymeric material prior to passing the material through a shape-forming die. The present systems provide for such advantages substantially without reducing production rates or increasing operating costs. The present systems take advantage of the flow characteristics of extruded polymeric materials, while being easy to operate and control.

Problems solved by technology

One disadvantage of such processing is the presence of visually apparent markings, blemishes and the like, such as extrusion marks or markings, in the final product.

Such extrusion markings in the final product is aesthetically disadvantageous, may reduce the value of the product and may be so severe as to require expensive reprocessing.

However, such approaches reduce production rates and / or increase production costs.

In addition, providing longer distances between the extruder(s) and die assembly can be disadvantageous in that polymeric material can hang up within, or even block, the processing system, which can result in system shutdown, leading to substantial additional costs and system downtime.

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