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.
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