Methods for manufacturing a module for a modular conveyor belt having a sandwich layer construction

A method for providing a module for a modular conveyor belt, comprising the step of:

• a) providing a molding apparatus having a main injection unit with a barrel housing a feed screw, and an auxiliary plasticizing unit;
• b) providing a mold with a cavity configured to the shape of the module being produced;
• c) transferring a first quantity of a first polymeric material from the auxiliary plasticizing unit into the barrel of the main injection unit;
• d) transferring a second quantity of a second polymeric material from the main injection unit into the barrel so that the barrel contains both the first polymeric material and the second polymeric material in discrete shots loaded into the barrel;
• e) connecting the barrel with the mold and actuating the feed screw so that the first polymeric material is first injected into the mold to form a skin for the module followed by the second polymeric material injected into the mold to form a core for the module;
• and
• f) removing the module from the mold, the module comprising a first plurality of link ends, a second plurality of link ends and an intermediate section integrally formed with and joining the first and second plurality of link ends, wherein the polymeric material comprising the module is in a sandwich layer construction having the first polymeric skin material supported on the second core polymeric material.