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Molding Processes:
Composite Molding Processes

Below you will find links to the types of composite molding processes used at Molded Plastic Industries. Each section of this page will give you a thumbnail sketch of the process used. Use the link to take you to an area containing a detailed description and photographs specific to each type of process.

Resin Transfer Molding (RTM)

This molding process will make a part with smooth surfaces on both the 'A' and 'B' sides. This process is often used to make parts having a 'cosmetic' requirement to fulfill. Gelcoat can be used as an in-mold coating for one or both sides of the part. Continuous strand fiberglass mat or preformed fiber reinforcement is used as reinforcement. After the die halves are closed, a catalyzed resin mixture is injected into the die. The dies most often used are matched epoxy or nickel faced. Molded in ribs, inserts, and other details are possible.

 

Vacuum Molding (RTM Light)

The RTM light process is one which the bottom mold is normally a ridge cavity. RTM light uses a perimeter resin feed channel which fully circumvents the mold cavity feeding the resin from the mold perimeter towards the exit vent in the mold center in a converging flow path. This has allowed the use of closed to replace many moldings which were previously manufactured using open molding process.

Compression Molding

This molding process will make a part with reasonably smooth surfaces on both the 'A' and 'B' sides. This process is primarily used for 'non-cosmetic' under hood or under chassis parts. The molding dies are typically non-heated matched epoxy dies. However, heated epoxy, nickel faced and metal dies have been used to improve cycle time and surface quality. Continuous strand fiberglass mat or preformed fiber reinforcement is used as reinforcement. Catalyzed resin is placed into the die and the pressure exerted by a press tonnage forces the resin through the reinforcements.

Open Molding
(sometimes referred to as spray-up or hand lay-up)

This molding process will make a part with a smooth, cosmetic surface on the 'A' side only. A single surface mold is used. A high gloss surface appearance may be achieved on the 'A' side by applying gelcoat to the mold prior to the application and lamination of the reinforcements. The molds are typically constructed using polyester. The 'B' side will be somewhat rough with visible fiber reinforcements.


Thermoforming - Vacuum Forming / Vinyl Wrapping

Below you will find links to the types of thermoforming processes used at Molded Plastic Industries. Each area will give you a thumbnail sketch of the process used. Use the link to take you to an area containing a detailed description and photographs specific to each type of process.

Thermoforming Vacuum Forming Plastic Sheet

Thermoforming is a method of processing plastic sheet
(0.010"[0.254mm] thick or greater) or film (less than 0.010" [0.254mm] thick) using heat and vacuum. 
Thermoforming or vacuum forming creates custom parts by heating a plastic sheet; pulling it tightly against a mold corresponding to the desired shape; and allowing the sheet to cool. 

Vinyl Wrapping

In this procedure, a sheet of vinyl is heated and stretched to cover a reinforcement that has been treated with a heat sensitive adhesive.

Molded Plastic Industries, Inc.
2382 Jarco Drive
P.O. Box 70
Holt, MI 48842
Toll Free: 1-800-610-0811
Phone: 517-694-7434
Fax: 517-694-6620

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