Extruded variegated plastic profile and method
An apparatus and method for forming as extruded variegated plastic profile, including a multi-manifold slotted feed block assembly having a primary input manifold assembly, a secondary input manifold assembly, a flow distribution assembly in fluid communication with the primary input manifold assembly and the secondary input manifold assembly, a zone assembly having at least one restrictor and at least one mixer, and optionally, an extra line manifold assembly in communication with the flow distribution assembly.
1. A method for manufacturing an extruded variegated plastic product including the steps of:
providing a multi-manifold slotted feed block assembly, said multi-manifold slotted feed block assembly including a primary input manifold assembly having a primary input and a primary output, and a secondary input manifold assembly;
providing said multi-manifold slotted feed block assembly with a flow distribution assembly, said flow distribution assembly including a plurality of finned channels;
providing a primary melt stream;
introducing a predetermined amount of said primary melt stream into said primary input manifold assembly at said primary input;
moving said primary melt stream through said primary input manifold assembly and into said flow distribution assembly;
distributing said primary melt stream though said plurality of finned channels;
providing a secondary inch stream;
introducing a predetermined amount of said secondary melt stream into said secondary input manifold assembly;
moving said secondary melt stream through said secondary input manifold assembly and into said flow distribution assembly;
distributing said secondary melt stream though said plurality of finned channels;
combining said primary melt stream and said secondary melt stream in said flow distribution assembly;
moving said primary melt stream and secondary melt stream out of said flow distribution assembly in a blended melt stream;
providing at least one surface control block, said at least one surface control block including at least one adjustment fin;
moving said blended melt stream through said at least one surface control block;
providing a zone assembly having at least One restrictor and at least one mixer;
moving said blended melt stream into said zone assembly; and
moving said blended melt stream out of said zone assembly and through a cooling tank.
2. The method of claim 1 including the further steps of;
providing an extra line manifold assembly;
providing a third melt stream;
introducing a predeterminined amount of said third melt stream into said extra line manifold assembly;
moving said third melt stream through said extra line manifold assembly and into said flow distribution assembly;
distributing said third melt stream though said plurality of finned channels; and
blending said third melt stream with said primary melt stream and said secondary melt stream in said flow distribution assembly.