Apparatus and method for melting and dispensing thermoplastic material

An apparatus for melting thermoplastic material, the apparatus comprising:

• a heated manifold defining:
• an upper surface receiving particles of thermoplastic material from a hopper;
• a plurality of cavities extending downward from the upper surface, each of the plurality of cavities having an inlet and an outlet, the inlets of the plurality of cavities being defined in the upper surface, and the plurality of cavities being spaced apart from one another;
• a pump supply passage for receiving molten thermoplastic material from the outlets of the plurality of cavities and for supplying the molten thermoplastic material to a pump;
• and
• a discharge passage for receiving pressurized molten thermoplastic material from the pump, the discharge passage being in fluid communication with a dispenser;
• and
• at least one heating element disposed within the heated manifold, the at least one heating element transferring heat substantially throughout the heated manifold.