Patent ID: 6673994
Filing Date: 2004-01-06
Classification: G10D

Abstract:
A method for making a microcellular drumstick, the method comprising the steps ofproviding a mold with a cavity in the shape of a drumstick wherein the mold has cooling hardware for cooling the mold; preparing a molten polymer, wherein the molten polymer comprises at least one plastic and at least one filler that are melted in a controlled manner in an extruder; incorporating into the molten polymer a gas which is pressurized or is supercritical thereby creating a mixture of the polymer and the gas inside the extruder; injecting a selected amount of the gas/polymer mixture into the mold at a selected rate of injection; controlling the mold temperature and allowing the mixture to internally foam inside the mold so as to achieve a targeted density and size range of microcells in a solidified polymer; and removing a finished microcellular drumstick from the mold.