Large, sculpted parts can be molded economically.

Variable thickness walls allow for greater design freedom.

Closed molds produce accurately molded and structurally strong parts.

Lower tooling cost and shorter tooling lead time.

A wide variety of material properties including UL94VO.

Electronic components can be encapsulated.

RIM parts are lower cost than the same parts made from metal or fiberglass.

Composites - RIM parts can be reinforced with many materials.

 

Exothermic Capabilities

CAD Engineering Review

RIM Molding Design

RIM Molding Manufacture

RIM Molding Repair/Modification

RIM Molding

Precision Painting

Silk Screening

Assembly

Reaction Injection Molding Replaces Sheet Metal and Fiberglass; Cuts Cost by 85% While Improving Quality and Productivity

Speedline Technologies has built a reputation as an industry leader in the development of product solutions for the electronics and semiconductor industries. Their cutting edge solutions to complex manufacturing challenges have helped many manufacturers bring their products to market.

Speedline has a great deal of experience designing large hoods used in the production of printed circuit boards. Until they discovered Exothermic Molding and the Reaction Injection Molding process, the hoods (48" x 38", and 18" deep) were manufactured from either sheet metal or fiberglass. But Speedline found that each material had some serious drawbacks.

Sheet metal posed many design limitations. Sheet metal cannot accommodate compound curves, is very heavy, and requires a strong substructure which also adds cost and weight. The extra weight not only adds to manufacturing and shipping costs, it poses a potential safety hazard in the event the hinged hood were to close on someone. In addition, the unit cost was prohibitive - over $1,500 per hood.

Speedline replaced the sheet metal with fiberglass, but it too proved ineffective. Since fiberglass employs an open mold, as opposed to the closed molds used in Reaction Injection Molding, it has poor part-to-part repeatability. The inconsistency compromised the quality of the hoods. In addition, fiberglass is difficult to prepare for painting. The cost was still a substantial $750 per hood.

Speedline then turned to Exothermic Molding, for its experience and knowledge of the Reaction Injection Molding process. The Reaction Injection Molding hood made by Exothermic Molding replaced the sheet metal and fiberglass at considerable cost and weight savings, while improving accuracy and repeatability. Not only does the Reaction Injection Molding hood cost under $250, the improved manufacturing accuracy allowed Speedline to reduce inspection requirements. Reaction Injection Molding also allows for significantly more production volumes.

Reaction Injection Molding provided Speedline's designers with more flexibility. The hood includes features such as compound curves, window ports, and an extensive rib structure.
Reaction Injection Molding
Reaction Injection Molding