1.1 REACTION INJECTION MOLDING (RIM)

 

• Basic Principle - A mold is brought together, and a multipart thermosetting polymer is mixed and injected. After the part sets, the mold is opened, and the part is removed. Post curing may be used.

 

 

 

 

• Features:

- Very little energy is required, most energy is provided by the chemical reaction.

- Parts up to 100 lb produced.

- Surfaces don’t have flow lines found in traditional injection moulding.

- RIM materials tend to be low weight, corrosion resistant, and variable properties can be obtained by additives and ratio adjustment.

- RIM machines use lower pressures, and are therefore less expensive.

- Typical parts are; bus bumpers, large electronics cases, shoes, etc.

- Fillers can be used to increase strength.

- The basic process involves mixing the raw components.

 

 

• Metering and mixing are critical

- special metering pumps are required for the components to maintain material properties.

 

 

- mixing must thoroughly mix the components at high speed, and inject them without becoming clogged when the mixture sets.

 

 

 

 

• While the previous mix head is for a runnerless system, it is also common to have an extra component that is between the mix head and the part (the runner).

 

 

• An aftermix may also be used to increase mixing. A typical design will split the stream and cause it to impinge at 180°, then continue on to the mold.

 

• A comparison of the materials shows the advantages over a similar injection molded material.