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

Reaction Injection Molding (RIM Molding) Materials

Reaction Injection Molding (RIM Molding) Design Guidelines

A unique and useful characteristic of the Reaction Injection Molding process is its ability to encapsulate other materials. The low molding pressures and low temperatures allow even the most sensitive electronic boards and components to be encapsulated without damage. Encapsulation of electronic components protects them from the environment and competitors. But that's only a part of the advantage.

Encapsulation of structural metal components not only protects the metal parts but also can create useful "assemblies" coming out of the mold. The benefit is a lower piece count and less assembly time later.

A form of encapsulation is molding glass or carbon fiber in the Reaction Injection Molding material. Commonly called "composites" this is a growing and exciting use of the RIM process. It is quite simple. Glass or carbon fiber is laid or sprayed into the mold and then the mold is closed and the Reaction Injection Molding process proceeds as normal. The result of this "encapsulation" process is a very stiff and lightweight part with excellent dimensional accuracy. And of course, large parts with variable wall thickness can be molded.

Summary of advantages of Encapsulation:

  • Reaction Injection Molding is uniquely suited to encapsulation of other materials
  • Electronic parts can be protected from the environment
  • Structural parts can be protected and assemblies consolidated
  • Composite lightweight parts with high strength and stiffness can be formed from glass or carbon fibers in a RIM part.
 Reaction Injection RIM Molding Design Guide

 

 

Reaction Injection RIM White Paper
Download our new White Paper!