Compared to injection molding and transfer molding, compression molding has been used in rubber manufacturing industry the longest and is still highly valuable. Compression molding is really quite simple in theory, however, it takes wisdom and experience to properly load the mold cavity without wasting any material.
You can trust that the skilled operators at Vip Rubber and Plastic know just how to perform uncured material to the correct amount and weight, yielding a perfectly molded part that meets your exacting standards.
Preforming is the important process of preparing the uncured rubber into smaller amounts so it is precisely what is needed for your part. This step helps eliminates any waste, which then reduces cost.
What is the Process of Compression Molding?
A. Highly skilled Vip operators calculate how much material is needed for each cavity, preforming the uncured rubber to this measurement
B. Rubber is placed into the mold cavity
C. The mold is closed over the material
D. The mold is placed under heat and pressure for a predetermined amount of time
E. When the correct amount of time has elapsed, the mold is opened and your part, fully cured, is removed, and the next part is ready to be made.
F. Any excess flash will be trimmed by hand, or in the cryogenic deflasher
What are the Advantages of Compression Molding?
- Molds are lower in cost
- Less material waste due to careful preforming
- Typically better for larger or less complex parts
What are the Disadvantages of Compression Molding?
- Slightly less consistency in repeatability on reordering
- More flash, excess material, than other processes
- Slightly slower production time
Ready to see if compression molding is right for your job? Contact us today.