An object of the invention is to provide an injection molding process for preparing
thermoplastic resin molded articles and an injection molding apparatus for use
in practicing this process, the process and the apparatus being adapted to supply
a blowing agent, especially a nonreactive gas such as carbon dioxide or nitrogen
gas, to a thermoplastic resin continuously at a relatively low pressure with good
stability to incorporate the agent or gas into the resin. As shown in FIG. 3,
a resin in a cylinder (2) of an injection molding machine (1) as
melted by rotating a screw (3) is mixed and dissolves carbon dioxide which
is supplied to the molten resin from a gas supply opening (5) formed in
the screw (3). An amount of the gas-incorporating molten resin is measured
out and injected into a mold cavity to obtain an expansion-molded article. To incorporate
carbon dioxide into the molten resin, the gas is supplied from a gas inlet (11)
formed in a rear end portion of the screw to a portion (4a) not fed
with the resin and positioned between front and rear screw flights and closer to
the front flight, through a gas supply channel 6 extending through the screw
and via the supply opening (5).