Patent ID: 8029721

Claim:
A method for molding articles, the method comprising the steps of: positioning a first mold and a second mold between first and second platens, wherein the positioning includes sliding a first mold assembly into a fixture attached to the first platen, the first mold assembly including the first mold and a first heating element; heating the first and second molds from one or more heat sources located between the first and second platens, the one or more heat sources comprising the first heating element; pressing the first and second platens together so as to place the first and second molds into a cooperating position whereby the first and second molds at least partially define a mold volume; moving the first and second platens away from one another so as to move the first and second molds out of the cooperating position; sliding the first mold assembly out of the fixture after the pressing and the moving steps; sliding a third mold assembly into the fixture, the third mold assembly including a third mold and a third heating element; and repressing the first and second platens together, while heating the third mold with the third heating element, so as to place the third and second molds into a cooperating position whereby the third and second molds at least partially define a mold volume, and wherein the first mold assembly comprises a first carrier, the first mold and the first heating element, the second mold is part of a second mold assembly, the second mold assembly further comprises a second heating element and a second carrier and is configured for placement between the first and second platens, the third mold assembly further comprises a third carrier, the first and third mold assemblies are configured for sliding engagement with the fixture attached to the first platen.