Please fill out the following form to submit a Request for Quote to any of the following companies listed on
Get Your Company Listed on this Power Page
Introduction
A list of rim molding manufacturers with an explanation of the rim molding process
You will learn:
What is Reaction Injection Molding?
A Description of the Reaction Injection Molding Process
Reaction Injection Molding Equipment
Reaction Injection Molding Products
And much more �
Chapter 1: What is Reaction Injection Molding?
Reaction injection molding, often referred to as RIM molding, is a specialized molding technique that utilizes two highly reactive, low molecular weight chemicals. These chemicals are combined and blended before being injected into a closed mold. High-pressure pumps are used to circulate isocyanate and polyol from their respective storage tanks into multi-stream mixing heads, operating in a continuous cycle. When these elements meet in the mixing head, impingement mixing occurs. This interaction produces turbulence and shear forces, creating a uniform liquid that is then injected into a mold to form polymer components.
Upon entering the mold, the materials initiate a curing process, driven by the exothermic heat and pressure, which can take a few minutes, depending on the complexity, size, and thickness of the part. The RIM molding method requires less pressure and operates at lower temperatures, enhancing its efficiency, reducing costs, and allowing the use of lightweight aluminum molds.
The term “reaction� distinctly sets reaction injection molding apart from standard injection molding, despite the common confusion among some engineers and designers. This technique allows for adjusting the raw materials and polyurethane reaction to create parts with specific attributes such as weight, strength, density, and hardness. Although the production timeframe with reaction injection molding is extended, the advantages include its versatility, cost efficiency, accommodating a vast range of part sizes, and enabling the creation of uniquely intricate designs.
Chapter 2: The Reaction Injection Molding Process
Reaction Injection Molding (RIM) is an advanced plastic manufacturing technique involving the mixing of highly reactive liquid polymers and injecting them into a mold to produce complex and durable plastic components. While traditional injection molding relies on melting thermoplastic pellets made from a diverse range of polymers such as ABS, polycarbonate, and polypropylene, then forcing the melt into a mold to cool and solidify, RIM specializes in using thermosetting polymers and creating intricate, high-performance parts with outstanding detail.
Although thermosetting polymers are sometimes used in typical injection molding, they generally require post-molding curing through heat, radiation, or catalyst mixing, making them less ideal for speed and cost efficiency. Reaction Injection Molding was developed in the 1960s, initially for automotive applications demanding impact-resistant, lightweight, and complex structures—such as automotive fascia, bumpers, and instrument panels. Unlike standard injection molding, RIM combines liquid thermosetting polymers, initiating a rapid chemical reaction that quickly cures and solidifies the mixture directly within the mold. This specialization enables manufacturers to produce large and lightweight components at lower tooling costs.
With classic injection molding, melted polymers are injected under high pressure and remain in the mold until cooling completes the cycle, outputting hundreds or thousands of parts quickly. However, this process is not suitable for thermosets requiring chemical curing. The essential concept in reaction injection molding is the “reaction”—the critical chemical process sparked as the mixed liquids enter the mold under precise conditions. This immediate chemical reaction distinguishes RIM from thermoplastic processing, making it ideal for custom parts, prototypes, and short or medium production runs. RIM is widely used in the automotive, electronics, medical device, and industrial equipment markets for parts that demand a blend of durability, elasticity, and design complexity.
Materials Used in RIM Molding
The primary plastic formulated for RIM molding is polyurethane (PUR), a versatile organic polymer and highly resilient elastomer prized for its adaptability, durability, and ability to form intricate designs. Invented prior to World War II and gaining rapid traction as a high-performance alternative in aviation applications, polyurethane’s chemical structure results from the reaction between diisocyanates (TDI and MDI) and polyols. Polyurethane resin systems offer a range of hardness levels, flexibility, and impact resistance to suit diverse industrial requirements.
Some of the key advantages of polyurethane in the RIM process include its customizable mechanical properties, chemical resistance, and lightweight nature. It is also recyclable and frequently selected for its affordability and sustainability in manufacturing. Beyond polyurethane, formulations can include polyurea, epoxy, and other thermosetting resins, enhancing RIM’s overall versatility. RIM-molded polyurethane is used extensively in the manufacture of automotive body panels, enclosure housings, rapid prototypes, sports equipment, and medical casings.
The mechanical properties of polyurethane can be chemically engineered, allowing changes in density, elasticity, and compression load capacity. This adaptability makes it ideal for manufacturing components ranging in weight from a few grams up to 1500 lbs. (680.39 kg), and with varying wall thicknesses or geometries—capabilities less achievable with standard thermoplastics.
For the RIM molding process, the two main reactants are polyol and isocyanate, which are supplied in low-viscosity liquid states. Their rapid and controlled mixing prior to injection is essential for initiating the polyurethane formation. Unlike standard injection molding, the reactants expand and undergo thickening as part of an irreversible chemical reaction known as polymerization, forming a stable, cross-linked polyurethanous structure with enhanced mechanical integrity.
Upon injection into the mold, these two components chemically react and expand, perfectly filling detailed cavities while curing to become a robust final part. This exothermic process allows for precise replication of complex designs, with surface finishes and mechanical characteristics tailored to specification. The post-cure properties of PUR can be engineered to meet demands for chemical resistance, high impact strength, or flexibility in the end application.
Polyol � Polyols are multifunctional organic compounds containing multiple hydroxyl groups, serving as crucial building blocks for polyurethane synthesis. The chemical, physical, and mechanical characteristics of the final polyurethane part directly relate to the selection and blending of polyol types and molecular weights. Polyols impart flexibility, rigidity, and defined foam properties, enabling manufacturers to match application-specific criteria in different industries.
Isocyanates � Isocyanates are highly reactive molecular compounds featuring the –NCO group. They drive the formation of polyurethane through their interaction with polyols, resulting in robust, cross-linked elastomers. The selection of specific isocyanate types (such as TDI or MDI) influences the flexibility, toughness, and environmental resistance of the molded product. RIM’s use of low molecular weight isocyanates enables fast cycle times, excellent mold flow, and consistent mechanical performance.
Other optional additives may include flame retardants, colorants, or reinforcing fibers to further tailor the physical and aesthetic properties of the end product for specialized industry requirements.
Storage Tanks
Proper storage and handling of RIM raw materials are essential for process consistency and finished part quality. Storage tanks used in the RIM process not only store but also condition the polyol and isocyanate reactants, maintaining ideal temperature and viscosity before metering. Modern RIM systems use tanks ranging from 30 gallons to 250 gallons (113.56 L to 946.35 L), which are thermally regulated using heat exchangers and equipped with high-performance agitators to prevent phase separation and ensure homogeneous mixing.
Individual supply lines, precision pumps, and return systems feed reactants directly from the storage tanks to mixing and metering stations. Continuous circulation under closed-loop temperature and viscosity controls preserves material quality. Automated agitation, driven by robust motor systems, guarantees even dispersion of additives and reactants, supporting batch-to-batch consistency. These features are critical for meeting the strict tolerances required in the reaction injection molding process.
Hydraulic Metering Pump
Precision in metering and mixing of reactants is fundamental to successful RIM molding. Hydraulic metering pumps—or RIM dosing pumps or lances—accurately proportion polyol and isocyanate, maintaining ratios within ±1% to ±1.5% tolerance for optimal polymerization. The pumps are equipped with digital controls, valves, and high-pressure lines, ensuring reliable and repeatable delivery for every injection cycle.
During the injection phase, RIM pumps quickly transfer accurately measured liquid volumes through conversion between high- and low-pressure systems, fine-tuning flow rates for different product sizes and complexities. This accuracy eliminates material waste, reduces defects, and is essential for automated, high-volume production of OEM and custom-molded polyurethane parts.
Mixing
Superior part quality in RIM depends on efficient mixing technology. High-pressure impingement mixing—operating at 10.34 MPa to 20.68 MPa (1,500�3,000 psi)—rapidly blends polyol and isocyanate for a perfectly uniform, bubble-free polymer matrix. When the mix head valves open, the liquid streams are impinged, colliding at high velocity to create intense turbulence, thoroughly homogenizing the reactive streams and eliminating voids or incomplete curing.
This mixing method accommodates a wide range of viscosities (often around 500 centipoise) and supports high flow rates of up to 17 lbs. per second. Such capabilities are crucial for manufacturing large, complex, or thin-walled parts for diverse industries, including automotive, appliance housings, and medical equipment. Impingement mixing in RIM also facilitates rapid cycle times, helping manufacturers minimize downtime and improve overall productivity.
Injection
The injection phase in RIM molding introduces the thoroughly mixed polyurethane blend into a precise, pre-heated mold. Unlike standard injection molding, RIM utilizes lower processing temperatures and pressures—enabled by the low viscosity of reactants—allowing the use of lightweight aluminum molds. This advantage reduces tooling costs and supports faster mold changeovers, making RIM especially attractive for short-run, custom, and prototype production, as well as large structural components.
During injection, the mixture flows at approximately 0.5 meters per second, with a viscosity around 0.1 Pascal-seconds. The relatively low temperatures involved (under 194°F/90°C) and moderate mold clamping forces further decrease energy consumption and speed cycle times. Combined, these factors make RIM more flexible and cost-effective for complex part geometries unsuitable for standard injection molding processes or blow molding techniques.
Exothermic Reaction and Curing
The exothermic chemical reaction triggered as the mixture enters the mold is central to the RIM process. The reaction rapidly elevates internal temperatures to around 350°F (176.67°C), launching the curing cycle that transforms the liquid polymer mix into a tough, dimensionally stable solid. Controlled clamping pressure—sometimes supplemented by pneumatic or hydraulic systems—ensures perfect mold closure as expansion and solidification progress. Water lines embedded in mold tooling help sustain target mold temperatures for consistent results.
The exothermic process, a product of the polyol-isocyanate interaction, triggers vigorous polymerization and cross-linking, enabling designers to engineer parts with varying wall thicknesses, integral ribs, and tailored stiffness. This flexibility supports the production of lightweight, high-strength products for demanding engineering and commercial applications, including electric vehicle structural components, agricultural equipment panels, and advanced consumer electronics casings.
Curing
During curing, polymerization is completed and the part solidifies. Cure times—controlled by part size, wall thickness, geometry, and material selection—can range from less than a minute to several minutes, making the RIM process well suited for efficient, on-demand production. The chemical cross-linking differentiates RIM from traditional cooling-based injection molding, resulting in exceptional heat resistance, dimensional stability, and mechanical performance in finished products. Some minor shrinkage may occur, as expected, and is factored into mold design for accuracy and repeatability.
Once curing concludes, the molded part is either ejected for immediate use or advanced to post-processing for further customization, cleaning, or surface finishing, per customer requirements. The rapid cycle rates, low tooling cost, and ability to yield both rigid and flexible molded parts make RIM highly valuable in the competitive engineered plastics market.
Demolding
Demolding in the RIM process involves carefully ejecting the fully cured part from the mold using a system of ejector pins, which may include step or shoulder designs depending on part size and ejection force required. Proper pin selection and placement minimize damage or marking, ensuring high-quality surface finishes and dimensional precision. Additional care during demolding helps maximize yield and reduce scrap in high-volume orders, benefitting continuous production workflows in sectors like aerospace, medical, and consumer goods.
Well-designed ejection systems maintain product integrity by avoiding critical structural or aesthetic areas, and are integral to the automation of RIM molding lines. Efficient demolding also supports downstream assembly and finishing processes, contributing to the speed and cost-efficiency of the overall manufacturing cycle.
Post Production Processing
Post production processing in RIM molding may involve minimal finishing steps due to the precision and high-quality surfaces achievable during molding. However, depending on the complexity and end-use requirements, parts may undergo trimming, surface finishing, deburring, painting, priming, coating, or other secondary operations. Advanced finishing techniques can impart additional UV resistance, chemical durability, or enhanced aesthetics demanded by automotive, electronics, or consumer products industries.
Value-added post-molding processes not only ensure the parts meet exact technical specifications, but also improve assembly compatibility and customer satisfaction. In today’s manufacturing landscape, these capabilities further position reaction injection molding as a flexible and cost-effective solution for rapid prototyping, low- to mid-volume production runs, and custom-engineered plastic product development across a broad range of industries and applications.
Chapter 3: Types of Reaction Injection Molding
The types of RIM molding are divided by their types of additives and variations in the process. Some of the variances are manipulations of other forms of molding, such as rotary molding. The different methods and addition of other elements makes it possible to use the RIM molding method to create stronger, tougher, and more durable plastic parts. In addition, the inclusion of other RIM methods expands the potential for creating more aesthetically pleasing parts.
Reinforced Reaction Injection Molding (RRIM)
The steps for RRIM are essentially the same as those for regular RIM and is an alternative to standard RIM processing. RRIM is widely used by the auto industry to produce body panels, bumpers, spoilers, and floor panels. The factor that separates RRIM from regular RIM is the addition of fibers, such as glass or carbon, to polyol and isocyanate during the molding process. The fibers add to the strength and resilience of the thermoset polymer to increase impact resistance.
All steps of the RRIM process follow those of the RIM process with a significant change at the injection process where the fibers are added to the polyol and isocyanate mixture. The impingement method is still essential but includes the colliding of three elements instead of two. The parts produced by the process are lighter, more flexible, highly durable, and tough with exceptional strength and impact resistance.
Structural Reaction Injection Molding (SRIM)
The purpose of RRIM molding is to increase the strength, size, and durability of molded products. SRIM takes the process in a different direction with the goal of increasing the stiffness of the resultant products. Like RRIM, SRIM uses fibers that are more formed and not granular, such as mats, meshes, and preforms. Instead of injecting the fibers into the impingement mixture, with SRIM, the preforms are placed in the mold prior to the mixing and injection of the resin elements. As the mixture enters the mold, it soaks and saturates the fiber material creating a stiff and sturdy composite form. The low viscosity of the resin mixture enables it to slowly soak into the fiber material and provide complete uniform coverage.
The process for structural reaction injection molding eliminates the need for an additive storage unit since the fiber mats, forms, and mesh are already part of the mold. Aside from adding strength to the final product, the process is more efficient as it enhances molded products.
Unlike RRIM and SRIM, DCPD RIM involves the use of different chemicals than polyol and isocyanate. DCPD, known as C10H12, is a chemical made by polymerizing DPCD with monomers, such as styrene. It is normally used to produce paints, adhesives, and special forms of thermoset resins.
As a resin, it has low viscosity and resistance to heat, impact, and corrosion, which makes it possible to create larger, stronger, and lighter products. The special formulation of DCPD gives it higher filling capacity and exceptional mechanical strength. Common use of products produced using DCPD reaction injection molding are vehicle bodies, hoods, and various types of shields.
As with regular RIM molding, DCPD RIM begins with the chemicals that create DCPD and are injected into a closed mold with a catalyst, such as molybdenum or tungsten. The chemicals and catalyst with added heat set off a chemical reaction that converts the DCPD mixture into a solid thermoset. Parts normally cure in the mold in less than two minutes. The cycle for creating a part varies between 4 to 6 minutes.
Parts produced using DCPD RIM molding can have a surface area of 120 square feet (11.15 m²) with thicknesses up to 12 in (30 cm). Small DCPM RIM parts can have dimensions of 8 sq ft by 10 sq ft (80 cm² by 1 m²), a range that is higher than standard injection molding. Although DCPD RIM parts are larger, they still have the characteristic strength, flexibility, and lightweight that is expected of parts from the RIM method.
The quality of products produced by reaction injection molding and the durability of products has made the RIM molding the fastest growing manufacturing method. The low tooling costs and ability to produce complex parts has further enhanced its attractiveness and wide use.
Chapter 4: The Benefits of Reaction Injection Molding
The use and popularity of reaction injection molding is due to several factors including its ability to produce durable and resilient parts using a low-cost production process. Large scale parts produced by RIM molding have exceptional wall thicknesses, strength, durability, and endurance. The use of RIM molding is due to its dependability and repeatability.
Tool Costs
One of the constantly repeated advantages of RIM molding is the lower tooling costs due to the less expensive molds used. Unlike other molding processes that require the use of steel tooled molds, molds for RIM molding are made of lightweight metals that are easy to produce. This makes the process applicable for prototyping, small batch production, and precision engineered parts.
The cost per part for RIM produced parts is higher than the cost of parts produced by normal injection molding. The lower tooling costs offsets the production costs. The tooling of steel for injection molding of large parts is several hundred thousand dollars. Since large parts are not produced at high volumes, the high cost of tooling is reflected in the cost of the product.
Assembly Costs
The flexibility of RIM molding makes it possible to produce complex and intricate parts with exceptional tolerances, avoiding post mold assembling. This aspect of the process makes it possible to produce multi cavity molds in a single cycle reducing production time and labor expenses. RIM molding is able to accurately produce the most intricate geometries with undercuts and internal features.
The deep draw capabilities of RIM molding are the main reason for RIM’s ability to produce intricate and complex parts. Designers and engineers can fabricate delicate and complex components that are molded with precision accuracy.
Insert Molding
The RIM process makes it possible to place various materials and components into a mold, which helps in increasing the efficiency of the manufacturing process. As with SRIM, metal components, parts, and features can be placed in the RIM mold prior to the injection of the resin mixture. This helps increase efficiency and removes the need for post production assembly.
Repeatability
An aspect of modern industry that is constantly being emphasized is repeatability, the assurance of the uniform production of parts and components. This characteristic of RIM molding drastically lowers the rejection of poorly formed parts, which further lowers production costs. RIM always delivers consistent repeatable results through numerous production cycles. Such dependability ensures stability, uniformity, and reliability in regard to proper alignment with design specifications.
Large Size Parts
The advent of RIM molding has substantially changed the auto and aerospace industries due to its ability to produce streamlined, lightweight large parts with precise tolerances and dimensional accuracy. Single shot parts produced by RIM molding can be as large as 8 ft by 8 ft by 2 ft due the low pressure of the process and the speed of curing. Although other molding processes can produce the same size parts, tooling and machining costs make the final product too expensive.
Surface Finish
The speed at which parts are formed, cured, and solidified ensures RIM’s ability to produce parts with beautiful textures, appearances, and smooth even finishes. The high-quality surface finishes remove the need for post production operations to bring products up to design specifications. The rapid rate of production and unequaled finishes streamline production and significantly lower costs.
Design Freedom
RIM molding makes it possible for designers to envision aesthetically pleasing parts. The ability to design components with varying wall thicknesses, radical curves, and encapsulation is a feature that is characteristic of RIM molding. Highly technical equipment necessitates an appearance of professionalism and technological sophistication, which are features that can easily be designed into RIM molded parts.
Encapsulation
The temperatures that are necessary for other forms of molding eliminate the possibility of encapsulating sensitive electronic components that would be damaged or destroyed by the process. The low temperatures, pressure, and viscosity of RIM molding makes it possible to encapsulate delicate precision devices during the molding process. The use of encapsulation for technical equipment protects instruments from harsh conditions, chemicals, vibrations, and extreme temperatures.
In some ways, RIM molding encapsulation is a method for preventing the theft of technically advanced and proprietary devices. Since devices are securely held without the confines of equipment, it is unlikely that they can be easily removed or stolen. In addition, the protective aspect of RIM molding ensures that the technology used to create a device will not be corrupted or diminished.
Rapid Prototyping
The speed of cycle types of RIM molding makes it ideal for rapid prototyping. Aluminum molds for RIM molding can be shaped, cut, and readied quickly. Prototypes can be molded, trimmed, and presented without slowing the development process. This aspect of the RIM molding offers an additional tool for designers and engineers to test the practicality of their ideas.
As can be ascertained from the list of benefits above, the many positive aspects of RIM molding far exceed any of its negative drawbacks. The two prominent negative arguments regarding the RIM process are in regard to its speed and cost. Each of these factors is far outweighed by the exceptional quality of the products produced and their strict adherence to design parameters.
Chapter 5: Distinct Features of RIM Parts
With RIM molding, computer aided design (CAD) models are used by plastic production for the creation of molds. The quick and easy fabrication of the aluminum molds allows for faster initiation of production and cost-effective tooling. CAD designs used for RIM molding enable side action and hand load inserts, over molding, and insert molding. Electrical discharge machining (EDM) is used to adjust and improve mold features, including surface finishes. The quick availability and access of RIM molding make it possible to produce parts in weeks instead of months.
All of the features of RIM molding are the same as those found in traditional injection molding. The difference between them is the distinctive way RIM molding can adjust and adapt these features to precisely match mold designs.
Wall Thickness
Wall thickness is a major issue with plastic part molding. Thin walls can lead to disastrous consequences. Wall thickness is the most important part of high-quality molded parts. Uniform wall thickness minimizes possible warping or distortion of a component. Wall thicknesses for RIM molds can vary from 0.118 in (3 mm) or 0.236 in (6 mm) up to 2 in (50.8 mm). A unique characteristic of RIM molds is the ability to have varying wall thicknesses with isolated areas having thicknesses as small as 0.08 in (2 mm) or as thick as 1 in (25 mm).
Although RIM molding allows for different wall thicknesses, it is important to understand that the thickness of part walls affects the length of part molding. As the walls of a plastic part become thicker, molding and cycle times increase, which may make the manufacture of a part uneconomical.
Ribs
Ribs for a mold are supports that are strategically placed to prevent sink marks, warp, and voids. They are thinner than primary walls and are placed perpendicular to part walls. Ribs help parts retain the structural integrity of a parts original design. They improve performance and can be decorative additives. Ribs are used in conjunction with part walls and make it possible to have parts with thinner walls. They decrease the cost related to having thicker walls and lower cycle times.
Draft Angle
The draft angle of a part is a taper applied to the walls that assists in part ejection. Draft angles are added at the design phase of RIM molding. They make part removal from the mold easier, reduce deep draw, and prevent damage to a part when it is ejected. In most instances, draft angles are 1° on outside walls and 2° on inside walls. As parts get taller, draft angles increase. The main focus of draft angles is for the core side of the mold due to molded parts shrinking in the mold cavity.
Bosses
Bosses are included in molds to allow for inserts and make it possible for air to escape during molding to decrease cycle times. They assist in part assembly by providing holes for screws, locator pins, and threaded inserts. Bosses are an open topped cylinder and have wall thicknesses that are 40% to 60% of the thickness of the mold walls. To increase the strength of bosses, gussets are added for extra support. Although it may be tempting to connect a boss to a wall to give it extra support, such a design feature would increase the thickness of the wall and affect cycle times. In order to avoid such a complication, ribs are added to support bosses.
Holes, Grooves, Vents
The inclusion of holes, grooves and vents is an efficiency design feature that removes the need to have them drilled, cut, or grooved during post production. Their inclusion enhances injection by reducing stress, the threat of air entrapment, and potential knit lines.
Undercuts
Undercuts are a blessing and curse for RIM molding. They add functional features and increase part support. Undercuts have several positive aspects that enhance plastic molds but have the downside of interfering with a mold’s separation from its core. Special measures used to overcome this difficulty include sliders, lifters, and loaded inserts. The addition of such supportive measures increases the cost of the RIM process.
Other Features and Design Considerations for RIM Molding
There are many factors that have to be considered during the design process that may increase the cost of RIM molding. Most of these factors are part of traditional injection molding but are adjusted for the speed and accuracy of RIM molding.
Radii � Radii are the rounded corners of molds or fillet radius that improve mold quality and increase load bearing ability and strength. Fillet radii are found on inside corners or at the bottom of a mold and are used between ribs, bosses, and gussets to connect them to mold walls.
Over Molding � RIM molding is an ideal process for over molding since the process operates at low temperature and pressure, neither of which damages the piece being over molded. With RIM molding, over molding is completed in a single cycle and does not require multiple resin injections.
Chapter 6: Resins Used in Reaction Injection Molding
Although polyurethane is one of the more popular types of plastics used in RIM molding, other types of plastics are also used due to their specific properties and characteristics. The increasing popularity of RIM molding has led to the introduction of other resins that have the qualities and features that fit the RIM molding process.
Reaction injection molding is a thermoset process that uses low viscosity liquid polymers. It is designed to produce tight tolerances, intricate designs, and molded in distinctive features. Reaction molding is a low pressure, low temperature process that produces exceptionally accurate and resilient parts using various materials.
Polyurea � Polyurea is produced by the reaction between isocyanate and amines and has many of the same properties as polyurethane. The difference between them is the use of amines instead of a hydroxyl to create the reaction.
Polyisocyanurate � Polyisocyanurate is a thermoset plastic with the same starting materials as polyurethane but uses polyester polyol for the reaction instead of polyether polyol. The variation produces a highly complex polymeric structure.
Polyesters � Polyester RIM molding involves the use of a polyester polyol instead of a polyol hydroxyl. Polyester polyol assists in enhancing the complexity of RIM molded products.
Polyoxide � Polyol is the most common form of chemical used in reaction injection molding.
Nylon 6 � Nylon 6, in its liquid form, rapidly polymerizes when mixed with a curing agent, which makes it ideal for RIM molding.
Dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) � Dicyclopentadiene is a thermoset resin that is known for its impact resistance. It is used to produce large RIM molded parts.
Chapter 7: Products Produced Using RIM Molding
The range of products produced by RIM molding is ever expanding as new and innovative methods are being introduced. Unlike other plastic molding processes, RIM molding is not designed to produce products in volume and is best used for product runs of 60 to 100. Aside from this one restriction, the quality, tolerances, and accuracy of products produced by RIM molding is far beyond any other injection molding process.
Automotive
The automotive industry uses RIM molding to produce bumpers, quarter panels, trim, and wheel arch liners. RIM produced plastics are ideal for automobile production due to their durability, strength, lightweight, and flexibility, which are key and necessary features for modern automotive manufacturing. In addition to the many positive properties, RIM molding is able to produce large automotive parts quickly and efficiently. Design changes can be rapidly produced due to RIM’s low-cost tooling.
Heavy Equipment
For heavy equipment, RIM molding produces heaters, mobile generators, and light towers. The polyurethane material is resistant to corrosion, wear and tear, and impacts. Parts and components are tougher and require less maintenance. Included in RIM molding is B-side geometry, in mold paint, and inserts, which gives designers more latitude and control.
Healthcare
The healthcare industry relies on RIM molding for its accuracy and ability to overmold and encapsulate certain aspects of medical instruments. The high quality and tolerances of products makes the use of medical equipment easy and convenient. In special cases, RIM molding is used to produce complete devices, such as electronic spray systems, DNA analyzers, and full body examination equipment. Polyurethane’s antibacterial properties and its reputation for being hygienic enhances the use of RIM molding for medical instruments.
Aerospace
The requirement of lightweight super structures for aircraft necessitates the use of RIM molding for the manufacture of interior elements, cabin components, seating, and other structural factors. The stability and durability of RIM molded products makes it a perfect choice for airplane and aircraft implements and components.
The list of industries above is an example of the many industries that rely on RIM molding to produce parts with the properties and characteristics that benefit a wide range of products. From consumer products to roofing for construction projects, RIM molding is used by manufacturers to produce high tolerance, dimensionally accurate, and high quality plastic molded products.
Conclusion
Reaction injection molding is a manufacturing process that can quickly produce a wide assortment of parts in a short amount of time.
Reaction injection molding differs from traditional injection molding in regard to how molded parts cure. With reaction injection molding, the curing process involves impingement mixing and an exothermic reaction in the mold cavity.
Reaction injection molding can produce large scale parts of several feet at a lower cost due to its economical and low-cost tooling.
Reaction injection molding is a chemical process that uses impingement mixing to combine the ingredients of a polymer that are instantly injected into a mold where they rapidly cure and solidify.
Reaction injection molding is a rapidly expanding manufacturing process that is known for its tight tolerances, dimensional accuracy, and smooth even surface finishes.
Related Posts
Overmolding
Many of the products used daily are made possible by producers and suppliers of rubber and plastic. These substances are robust, adaptable, and capable of practically any shape required for various industrial purposes. Several varieties are...
Plastic Gears
A plastic gear is a toothed wheel made up of engineering plastic materials that work with others to alter the relation between the speed of an engine and the speed of the driven parts. The engineering plastic materials used in manufacturing plastic gears can be...
Plastic Injection Molding
Plastic injection molding, or commonly referred to as injection molding, is a manufacturing process used in the mass fabrication of plastic parts. It involves an injection of molten plastic material into the mold where it cools and...
Plastic Overmolding
Plastic overmolding has a long and interesting history, dating back to the early 1900s. The first overmolding process was developed by German chemist Leo Baekeland, who invented Bakelite, the first synthetic plastic. Baekeland used a...
Thermoplastic Molding
Thermoplastic molding is a manufacturing process that works to create fully functional parts by injecting plastic resin into a pre-made mold. Thermoplastic polymers are more widely used than thermosetting...
Blow Molding
Blow molding is a type of plastic forming process for creating hollow plastic products made from thermoplastic materials. The process involves heating and inflating a plastic tube known as a parison or preform. The parison is placed between two dies that contain the desired shape of the product...
Compression Molding
Molding is a manufacturing process that uses a mold - the latter being a solid container used to give shape to a piece of material. It is a forming process. The form is transferred from the mold to the material by...
Fiberglass Molding
Fiberglass molding is a method for forming complex and intricate parts using fiberglass resin. Though there are several reasons for producing parts and components from fiberglass, the most pressing reasons are the...
Fiberglass Sheets
Fiberglass is a plastic reinforced material where glass fiber is used as reinforcement, and the glass fiber is flattened into a sheet. It is also known as glass fiber reinforced plastic or glass reinforced plastic...
Plastic Bottles
Plastic bottles are bottles made of high or low-density plastic, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Each of the materials mentioned has...
Plastic Caps and Plugs
Plastic caps and plugs are two distinct ways for sealing the ends, tops, and openings of tubes and containers. Caps are placed over the opening, and plugs are placed in the opening. Due to the many varieties of...
Plastic Coating
Plastic coating is the application of liquid polymers or plastic on the surface of a workpiece by dipping or immersion. The result is a thick plastic finish for protective and decorative purposes. This gives the material additional resistance against...
Polyurethane Molding
Polyurethane molding is the process of fabricating or manufacturing plastic parts by introducing a urethane polymer system into a tool or mold and allowing it to cure. Like any other type of plastic, the excellent processability...
Polyurethane Rollers
Polyurethane rollers are cylindrical rollers covered by a layer of elastomer material called polyurethane. Depending on the application, the inner roller core is prone to scratches, dents, corrosion, and other types of damage...
Rotational Molding
Rotational molding, commonly referred to as "rotomolding", is a plastic casting technique used to produce hollow, seamless, and double-walled parts. It uses a hollow mold tool wherein the thermoplastic powdered resin is heated while being rotated and cooled to solidify...
Rubber Molding
Rubber molding is a process of transforming uncured rubber or an elastomer into a usable product by transferring, compressing, or injecting raw rubber material into a metal mold cavity...
Rubber Overmolding
There are several methods to perform rubber overmolding, and each method has its own unique advantages and disadvantages. The choice of method typically depends on the design and material requirements of the product being...
Thermoforming
Thermoforming is the process of heating thin plastic sheets to its forming temperature and stretching it over a mold which takes its shape. After cooling and setting of the molded plastic sheet, each part will be separated from its batch to form a single unit or product...
Urethane Casting
Urethane casting is the process of injecting polyurethane and additive resins into a soft mold usually made of silicone elastomer. The casting process is similar to injection molding; injection molding differs by using hard, metal molds...
Urethane Wheels
Urethane wheels are wheels made of molded urethane, also known as polyurethane. Urethane is an elastomer that comprises urethane carbamate linkages and is a portmanteau phrase for elastic polymer...