Advantages of Rubber Molding

Rubber molding is an essential part of the rubber production industry since components, parts, configurations, and designs can be produced to exactly fit the needs of an application. The main reason for choosing rubber as a central part of an application is its unique durability and endurance since rubber can withstand abuse for long periods of time without failing.

Advantages of Rubber Molding

Injection Molding

Injection molding heats the rubber material and places it under pressure such that it fills the mold cavity. The process of injection molding is a labor saving method for molding rubber parts since it is fully automated, which cuts down on labor costs.

Advantages of Injection Molding

  • Efficient process
  • Fully automated with insertion of raw material and ejection of final product
  • High precision products
  • Very repeatable with every part being the same
  • Able to mold complex and intricate geometries
  • Allows for molding of complex geometries
  • Eliminates preforming labor costs
  • Produces little to no flash
  • Rapid cycle times
  • Significantly reduces waste
  • Products that are produced are recyclable
  • Tighter dimensional tolerances
  • Uniformity of parts
  • Reduced tooling time

Compression

Compression molding uses a preformed piece of rubber that is placed in a mold. The mold is heated such that when it is closed, the preformed rubber piece is compressed to the sides of the mold. Products are produced under high pressure and temperature, which activates the curing process.

Advantages of Compression Molding

  • Cost efficient
  • Less expensive tooling
  • Increased cavity count
  • Perfect for larger pieces that need extended curing time
  • Accepts all forms of elastomers
  • Eliminates the need for runners, sprues, or gates
  • Simplified process
  • Little to no waste

Transfer Molding

Transfer molding is a closed mold system that uses rubber pellets and preformed rubber. The pellets or preformed rubber are placed in a pot that is located between the top plate of the mold and the plunger. In the pot, the pellets are heated by the plunger and forced by it down the sprue into the mold cavities. The plunger remains in place until the material takes the shape of the mold and cures.

Advantages of Transfer Molding

  • Economical process
  • Cost effective tooling
  • Shorter cycle times
  • Highly precise parts
  • Tight dimensional tolerances
  • Long curing time for larger products
  • Accepts all types of elastomers
  • Multiple parts produced during each cycle
  • Greater design flexibility allowing for sharp edges
  • Reduced flash
  • Simple process with pot, plunger, and mold