 RIM vs. Fiberglass
While fiberglass can be used to produce very large, stiff parts, reinforced RIM can offer the same advantages with less labor for a lower unit cost.
Traditional fiberglass molding is a slow, manual, and labor intensive process, and issues of conformity and accuracy can often arise in these parts. The RIM process can produce more uniform parts with features molded into the interior. While fiberglass is the best option for prototyping very large parts, it is possible to mold fibers into a RIM part to gain the strength and weight advantage of fiberglass.
While both processes provide a solution for encapsulating metal, only RIM urethane is appropriate to use when encapsulation of PCBs and other electronics is necessary.
Fiberglass parts have a high quality finish, but RIM parts take paint, silk screening and texturing much better for improved branding.
Fiberglass is mostly used to make small quantities of prototype parts. RIM is more cost-effective for actual production of low to medium volumes (25-500 parts/mo.) compared to fiberglass. Neither process is the appropriate for higher production volumes.
Exothermic uses in-house, feature-based machining to drastically reduce processing and assembly time and create production molds within 2 to 4 weeks; this timing is typically faster than a fiberglass mold can be created.
Both RIM and fiberglass tools require a low up-front cost, and both types of tools allow for cost-effective modification if market feedback shows that features need to be changed.
Fiberglass production emits large amounts of hazardous styrenes. RIM is a much more environmentally safe option compared to fiberglass.
While fiberglass can be used to produce very large parts, they are only as strong as their outside shell and can often “oil can” or blemish from sink marks. Stiffening ribs can be molded into RIM parts to produce high strength products that are still lighter in weight.
Though these are some of the main considerations to account for when deciding on a production process, there are many issues to balance when determining the most effective option. Let Exothermic help you uncover the opportunities for success and guide your design concept to meet those process needs. |
