A thermoplastic material processing method and system including an integrated melting, pressurizing and dispensing unit and a regulated feed supply system to improve overall performance by only heating the amount of material needed and minimizing the time it is at raised temperatures. The system includes a compact heat exchanger consisting of a plurality of thin heater plates arranged primarily parallel and spaced closely together to form small spaces therebetween. This puts all thermoplastic material in close proximity with the heated surfaces thus improving the overall melting process. The heat exchanger can include heater plates arranged in a radial or fan orientation and a grid of thin heated fins set within a heated enclosure.