Automotive Reaction Injection Molding, RIM rapid small batches manufacturing

Reaction Injection Molding is a low pressure, low temperature process used to mold many types of plastic parts. This process is typically used for the medical equipments/devices, industrial and automotive interiors and exteriors.

Reaction Injection Molding (RIM) is often utilized for the molding of strong, lightweight parts that are easily painted. The rigid materials used by KAIAO come with a UL94V-0 rating for flammability.

The RIM molding material utilized by KAIAO is a two-component system which consists of polyol and isocyanate liquids that are mixed at a high pressure and then metered into the closed tool at a low pressure. The material then expands to fill the tool and is ejected in about 5 minutes.

This is a new technology implemented to fabrication of rapid prototyping. After mixing the two components PU, inject the mixture into rapid prototyping mold under room temperature and low pressure. After polymerization, cross-linkage, and curing chemical reactions, physical part will be formed. High efficiency,short production cycle, simple process and low cost are the advantages of low pressure injection, which is suitable for small batch production, simple structural parts, large parts, even or uneven wall thickness parts verification.

Advantages of RIM Molding

RIM molding allows for many distinct advantages, some of which include:

• Large Parts - The properties of the liquid polyurethane components enable them to fill molds for very large parts.
• Encapsulation of Inserts - Inserts of many types can be placed into a mold prior to injection of the RIM material. The RIM material can also encapsulate many inserts during molding.
• Thick and Thin Walls - The RIM process offers you the flexibility to design parts with significant wall thickness variations.
• Class-A Surfaces - The surface finish of parts molded with the RIM process allows manufacturers to produce Class A painted parts.
• Low Cost Tooling Options - The low injection pressures of the RIM process allow for tooling to be manufactured quicker, and at lower cost, than tools used in traditional injection molding, or structural foam.

RIM Design & Custom Part Manufacturing

With our versatile RIM design capabilities, we can manufacture a wide variety of custom parts, including:

• Bezels
• Covers
• Handles
• Multiple part complete plastic enclosures
• Internal components
• Doors
• Autotmotive interiors & exteriors
• Medical equipment covers