Reaction injection molding (RIM), which was developed in the 1960s to produce more impact-resistant automobile parts, fortunately, makes it possible to mold thermosets. The kind mentioned above of injection molding uses a specific mixer to combine the two liquid components of the thermosetting polymer and start a chemical reaction that causes the material to cure and harden once it is injected into the molding cavity, as compared to melting down solid pellets.
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Reaction injection molding can be done with a variety of thermosets. The most typical molding material are Polyurethanes, Polyurethanes with elasticity, polyurethane foam, Flexible, Architectural Rigid, Polyureas, Polyesters, Polyphenols, Nylon 6, Polyisocyanurates and Polyepoxides.
What is the Process of Reaction Injection Moulding?
Two thermosetting polymer components that react and cure when combined are the basis of reaction injection molding. An injection of the mixture into a mold cavity causes curing, leading the material to solidify and produce a part with the dimensions of the mold cavity.
A unique kind of injection molding machine must be available for the reaction injection molding process, despite the fact that the tooling used in RIM can resemble molds employed in ordinary injection molding.
Important Components
Reaction injection molded components tend to be lightweight and flexible because of the materials employed, which can be beneficial in many applications. RIM foams have strong, high-density skin covering a low-density core. Usually, a reaction injection molding machine has a few different parts:
- Two tanks for keeping the thermoset’s two liquid components.
- High-pressure pumps for measuring and transporting liquids.
- The mixing and pouring device for the two liquids.
- Making the thermoset into the required shape using a mold.
Advantages of Reaction Injection Molding
The positive effects of reaction injection molding are numerous. The procedure provides a few advantages over conventional injection molding in addition to just offering a technique for manufacturing molded objects using thermosetting polymers.
The capacity to make big, thin-walled pieces is made possible by the low-viscosity liquid materials. Furthermore, since the pieces do not thermally contract inside the mold, changing the wall thickness of the part is an option if necessary. Because of the low injection pressure, fewer clamping forces are required to be used, which saves on setup time and expense. Furthermore, many components can be made with inexpensive aluminum molds.
Disadvantages of Reaction Injection Molding
The expensive price of raw materials compared to thermoplastics is one drawback of RIM. The need for one particular RIM computer is another. Cycle times are also greater than those of conventional injection molding, but less than those of other thermoset forming methods like vacuum casting.
Applications for Reaction Injection Molding
High-strength packing foams and lightweight parts for automobiles can both be made using the reaction injection molding technique. Reaction injection molding (RIM) is now frequently used to create parts including bumpers, air spoilers, fenders, body panels, trunk covers, and insulated cab floors in the automotive industry, where its original uses were developed in the 1960s.
Other applications can be seen in furniture, packaging, enclosures for electrical devices, machinery housings, and sporting equipment (internal helmet foams, for instance). For unusual geometries (such as large pieces with variable wall thickness) or for over-molding and insert molding, RIM may be more advantageous over injection molding.
Bottom Line
Pellets made of thermoplastic materials can be melted down and pumped into a mold cavity, where they will become harder, however, thermoset materials won’t act the same way. A thermoset requires it to be cured by heat, radiation, or combined with a catalyst in order to harden. This cannot be accomplished through the standard injection molding procedure. Hope so you would like to read this interesting and informative article.
