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What is Reaction Injection Molding (RIM Molding)? Benefits of Reaction Injection Molding (RIM Molding) Reaction Injection Molding (RIM Molding) vs. Thermoplastics Reaction Injection Molding (RIM Molding) vs. Structural Foam Reaction Injection Molding (RIM Molding)vs. Fiberglass Reaction Injection Molding (RIM Molding) vs. Thermoforming Reaction Injection Molding (RIM Molding) vs. Metal Reaction Injection Molding (RIM Molding) Encapsulation Alternative |
The Reaction Injection Molding (RIM) process uses less expensive molds, less energy, and lower-tonnage presses than thermoplastic processing. These characteristics provide design, economic and processing flexibility. Specifically, the RIM process is beneficial in applications requiring: Large RIM Part Molding - Large molds can be filled due to the low viscosity of the liquid polyurethane components. The size of the part that can be molded depends on the speed of the reactivity profile of the polyurethane formulation and the throughput of the metering unit (the pounds per minute that can be dispensed). Unlike thermoplastics where a molten plastic is compacted in a mold and then solidifies upon cooling, RIM systems use two liquids that chemically react to form a plastic material. RIM mold pressures are significantly lower than thermoplastic mold pressures, which permits large parts to be molded with modest sized presses. Wall-thickness Variation - The RIM process gives the designer the flexibility to produce parts with significant wall thickness variations - typically from .125" to 1.125" in the same part. Composite construction possibilities - Where additional strength or stiffness is required, the Reaction Injection Molding process can be used to make composite parts containing fibers of glass or carbon. Excellent encapsulation capabilities - Since the Reaction Injection Molding process uses low viscosity liquids with low temperatures and pressures, a wide variety of other materials can be incorporated (encapsulated) into the molded part. Electronic circuit boards can be encapsulated in polyurethane to protect the circuit from moisture and other environmental hazards. Excellent surface reproducibility and finishing - The surface finish of RIM molded parts allows Exothermic to produce Class A painted parts. A RIM part can be painted to match the client's paint chip. In addition, silk screening and other surface treatments are commonly applied. Good physical properties - Polyurethane Reaction Injection Molding parts have high strength and low weight, and exhibit heat resistance, thermal insulation, dimensional stability, and a high level of dynamic properties. Polyurethane RIM parts also exhibit resistance to weathering and aging. Good chemical resistance - Polyurethane tolerates many harsh chemical environments and can be formulated to withstand specific chemicals. As with all plastics, it is important to identify the chemicals the part may be exposed to during processing and assembly, as well as in end use. |
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Reaction Injection Molding |
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