Compression Molding

Compression molding is a high pressure process using a closed cavity

matched molds. Material can be powder, sheet, billet, or liquid form.
Material is placed into a heated mold. When the mold closes, the
material is compressed and flows to fill the mold. Continued heating
under pressure solidifies the part. The mold is opened and the part is
removed.

Compression molding of thermosets usually incorporates reinforcing or

filling materials.

Physical properties of part depend on length and orientation of fibers.

Temperature - Stability
 Compression Molding

Relative Relative
# of Parts Tool Tool Piece Surface
Produced Construction Cost Cost Advantages Limitations Finish Part Size Tolerances Applications Materials
50,000+ Steel 75% Moderate part Long cycle Good to Small Close Electrical Materials
complexity and cure excellent electrical tolerances Components best suited:
times components (largest single ABS
Precision Draft: 1/2 to auto body Process is user) Acrylic
tolerances Slides and min. + panels known for Polycarb
core pulls 1/.001" dimensional Auto body
Lower molded are texture depth Wall: .003- stability at panels
in stress than expensive 1.00" high
inj. mold temperatures Battery Cases
(doesn't force Part weight?
plastic through Ashtrays
gate) Flash
removal Auto int.
Stiffining ribs parts
possible (Max. Minimum
height 3X wall inside radius Pan Handles
thickness, typ
5 draft) Post trim
operations
50,000 Aluminum 50% Wide range of Tool life and Same - except
materials(fiber maintanance porosity of
filled) tool can cause
imperfections
Low labor
input

Insert molding

Heat resistance
20,000 Spray metal 30% Same as above Same as Good
above
Texture is
added to
master pattern
5,000 Epoxy 10% Same as above Same as Fair
above
Lead time
Cycle time

Avoid small
details
2,500 Wood 5% Same as above Same as Fair
above
Easy to modify
tool Cycle time

Avoid small
details