Reaction Injection Moulding - accurate metering for rapid-cycle production.
RIM Moulding
Reaction Injection Moulding (RIM) injects a fast-reacting, two-component polyurethane system into a closed mould, where it cures within seconds to form the finished part.
The RIM Process
Because the reaction happens so quickly, mix ratio accuracy and injection timing need to be right before the material ever reaches the mould - there's no opportunity to correct a bad mix mid-process.
RIM injects a fast-reacting polyurethane system into a closed mould under moderate pressure. The two components react and cure rapidly once mixed, allowing short cycle times suited to low-to-medium volume production - a middle ground between one-off casting and high-volume injection moulding of thermoplastics.
- Accurate, consistent mix ratio matters more here than in slower-curing processes, since the material begins reacting immediately and there's no time to adjust once injection starts.
- RIM is typically used for parts that would be impractical or uneconomical to produce via high-volume tooling - lower production runs where the tooling cost of conventional injection moulding isn't justified.
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Materials Used for RIM Moulding
- Polyurethane - There are many RIM resin systems that have been formulated to simulate all types of production grade plastics. RIM systems offer products that can simulate the properties of Polypropylene for example, making them perfect for after-market auto parts. Other systems have Fire Retardant properties, with others being virtually unbreakable on impact.
2KM Machines for RIM Moulding
- PGM 100 Standard - Entry level system for basic unfilled systems.
- PGM 200 - More suited to higher viscosity technical RIM systems that contain fillers.
- PGM 320 - As PGM 200 with addition of PLC control and Mass-Flow meter monitoring.
Industries Relying on RIM Moulding
1. Automotive - The RIM process provides an opportunity to produce low volume production grade parts for the Automotive after market Industry. The process is especially attractive as it benefits from low cost tooling, accessible dispensing equipment and rapid demould time of cast parts.
RIM Moulding - FAQs
What is meant by RIM Moulding?
RIM stands for Reaction Injection Moulding - a process that injects a fast-reacting, two-component polyurethane system into a closed mould, where it cures within seconds to form the finished part.
What materials are generally used for this process?
Polyurethane is the standard material for RIM. Most production grade plastics can be simulated with the RIM process.
What industries might be producing these types of parts?
Automotive is the clearest example - RIM is used for producing low-volume car and van replacement parts, where the tooling cost of conventional high-volume injection moulding isn't justified. However, RIM is very adaptable and it is used to produce many parts in a low / medium volume requirement.
Is purchasing resin in bulk containers more cost effective than manually mixing from small kits?
Generally, yes - bulk containers avoid the packaging premium built into small pre-measured kits, and reduce cost per litre at production volume. For RIM specifically, consistent bulk supply also supports the rapid, repeated injection cycles the process depends on.
Would a 2KM machine help to reduce cost and speed up the RIM moulding process?
Yes - RIM's fast reaction time means metering accuracy has to be right before injection, not corrected afterward. Automated, precisely metered dispensing reduces the scrap and rework that can blight a poorly configured processes. 2KM have supplied many RIM machines and would be happy to discuss how we can introduce this process to your business.
Get In Touch
Discuss Your RIM Moulding Application
Looking to improve consistency or cycle time in your RIM process?
Call us today on +44 (0) 1527 834 720 or email us at sales@2km.co.uk
Or complete the form below and a member of our engineering team will be in touch to discuss your specific process requirements.
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