EMD USA posted on June 19, 2012 01:44
Compression molding is one of the most rampantly used and cost-effective processes to mold plastics into a usable component or a utility product. Texas Compression molding is a process where plastic is heated and pressed into the required shape. Compression molding is typically done with thermosetting materials because unlike thermoplastics, thermosets do not soften with heat and firmly retain their molded form.
Developed to manufacture parts in a simpler and more cost-effective way as opposed to metal machinery components, the process of compression molding first came into being in 1909. Simply stated, compression molding is a process where plastic is heated and pressed into the required shape. Compression molding technology is especially used when the density and material type required has to be consistent throughout the part. Quite often, many small compression molded parts are also assembled together to create larger houston machining tooling.
Some classic examples of compression molding products range from household items and appliance knobs to critical vehicle panels and radios. Some of the parts that are successfully made using the compression molding process include electrical receptacles, gaskets, pump parts, and spindles.
In compression molding, a hydraulic press is used to inject the liquid plastic material into a molds that resembles in shape to the desired end-product. The compression molding process cycle can take up to six minutes or less, depending on the nature of the product and the finish required.
When the material inside cools and solidifies, the mold is removed and excess plastic is trimmed away. After the hydraulic press in the molds has compressed the plastic, it will eject the finished parts, and this is repeated each time the process is undertaken. Once the finishing is complete, the component is ready for use in a manufacturing industry. Or, if it is a utility product, it is ready for sale in the market.
Compression molding is extremely beneficial because of low cost moldings and meager labor costs. Besides, there is less shrinkage, a high level of repeatability and extremely small amount of material wastage. Compared with other types of manufacturing processes, the cost of parts produced through compression molding is economical. Compression molding is an inexpensive process that allows you to make a lot of components/end-products quickly and consistently.
Compression molding process starts with the design phase. The whole process consists of three basic parameters - correct part design, accurate material selection, and proper plastic processing. If you take into consideration things like shrinkage and warping even at the design stage, it will eliminate many irksome problems when the parts are actually being produced. Because of its manifold advantages as compared with other manufacturing processes, compression molding has today become the preferred manufacturing method for a wide variety of parts and components used in several industrial sectors.
Compression molding has proven to be an essential part of the modern manufacturing environment. Compression molding process is the right technology for inexpensively making items that you need in bulk. It has to be acknowledged that compression molding is a fantastic technology that has come to stay and it will continue to be an indispensible process in the manufacturing sector for a long time to come.