 RIM vs. Urethane CastingBoth processes offer a good deal of design freedom, including the ability to mold in features and encapsulate materials. They differ in the fact that only RIM allows for part design with significant wall thickness variations - typically from .125" to 1.125" in the same part.
Both RIM and urethane casting can be used to encapsulate a variety of materials, from metals to electronics.
Both processes produce a high quality finish, but also take paint, silk screening and texturing well for improved branding. RIM Molded parts are typically stronger and more accurate.
Urethane casting is often the more cost-effective choice for small production volumes under 25 pieces, but continually using rubber molds for long-term production becomes very expensive compared to RIM Molding.
Both processes are appropriate for producing molds for quick turnaround.
The initial tooling costs of urethane casting are lower than that of RIM. Tooling modification is also very cost-effective, but when aiming for production parts RIM becomes the better choice.
Many companies utilize urethane molds for years prior to converting to more permanent tooling, which can end up being extremely expensive. Because RIM can bridge the gap between prototype and production with parts that are molded instead of fabricated, it can actually be most cost effective to utilize RIM in lieu of rubber molding.
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. |
