a plasticizing apparatus including a barrel having a bore therethrough . an auger and a rotor are positioned in the bore , each extending from opposed ends of the barrel and having ends that are substantially flush . the auger conveys particulate plastic material along the bore , the plastic being frictionally melted before passing the auger discharge end . the rotor is provided to uniformly heat the melted plastic . auger and rotor each are associated with independent means for rotating and means for controlling the speed of rotation . the speed of rotation of the auger controls the flow rate of plastic through the bore , and the speed of rotation of the rotor controls the temperature of the melted plastic .