The following highlights the main benefits of reaction injection molding (RIM). For a more comprehensive look at the RIM process, download the RIM capabilities brochure.

The Advantages of RIM

Compared to thermoplastic injection molding, which requires high heat and high pressure to press melted plastic pellets into a steel mold, RIM parts are formed when two liquid components (polyol and isocyanate) chemically react inside a mold.

The RIM process consumes less energy because it requires significantly less heat, less clamping pressure and saves on tooling costs as well.

RIM also:

• is generally less complicated with a reduced initial cost of investment
• requires lower-tonnage presses than thermoplastic molding
• requires significantly less equipment and floor space than injection molding
• uses less expensive molds and/or presses as IPPE mold pressures are much lower

The RIM process offers many advantages over competing technologies including:

Very large, lightweight parts

The "flowability" of polyurethane components means the material is distributed evenly inside the mold. This lets you produce large parts, which is not possible with injection molding. Because mold pressures are much lower, large presses are not necessary.

Low-cost molds

Because of RIM's low injection pressures, mold builders can use less expensive mold materials including steel, aluminum, Kirksite alloys, nickel, epoxy, silicone and fiberglass. The larger the mold, the greater the savings.

Freedom of design

RIM lets you mold highly detailed, intricate parts at relatively low tooling and capital equipment costs. Parts with varying wall thicknesses can be designed into the same molded part.

Rapid prototypes

Excellent working prototypes can be developed with lead times of 3-15 days, at a cost much less than traditional injection molding.

Class A Surfaces

The surface finish of RIM parts allows manufacturers to produce Class A painted parts - high-gloss finishes that match high-gloss painted metal parts.