Apparatus and method for compression molding a chair mat

An apparatus is disclosed for compression molding a chair mat. The apparatus includes an extruder for extruding a quantity of accurately weighed melted polymer. A polymer transfer tray is disposed adjacent to the extruder for receiving the quantity of accurately weighed melted polymer thereon. A forming press is disposed downstream from the extruder for compression molding the quantity of accurately weighed melted polymer. A conveyor is provided for moving the polymer transfer tray with the quantity of melted polymer thereon from the extruder to the press. The forming press includes a first mold for molding an upper impression of the chair mat. A second mold is provided for molding a lower impression of the chair mat. The first and second molds are movable relative to each other from an open disposition thereof for permitting loading of the quantity of accurately weighed melted polymer between the molds to a closed disposition of the molds in which the molds are moved towards each other for compression molding the quantity of weighed melted polymer between the molds.