Apparatus and methods using multiple extruders

A molding apparatus comprising:

• (a) a plurality of extruders, each extruder of the plurality of extruders has a longitudinal axis, wherein each extruder of the plurality of extruders is fluidly connectable with a common mold whereby the mold is concurrently filled from each extruder of the plurality of extruders, wherein each extruder of the plurality of extruders is positioned side-by-side whereby the longitudinal axis of each extruder of the plurality of extruders extends in a common direction;
• and,
• (b) each extruder of the plurality of extruders has a feed inlet, an output end, and an extrusion barrel having a length extending between the feed inlet and the output end, wherein the extrusion barrel of each extruder of the plurality of extruders is fluidically isolated along its length from the extrusion barrel of other extruders of the plurality of extruders,
• wherein the feed inlet of one extruder of the plurality of extruders is spaced a first distance in the common direction from the common mold and the feed inlet of a second extruder of the plurality of extruders is spaced a second distance in the common direction from the common mold and the second distance is greater than the first distance.