Rubber injection molding creates precise small parts that fit with other components. A metal mold is inserted into a press and connected to a rubber injection system. There are two types of molds: horizontal and vertical. Improvements increase productivity and reduce waste.
Rubber injection molding is a manufacturing process used to create rubber parts. This type of process is ideal for creating small parts that require precision or parts that fit with other components. Rubber parts are widely used in a variety of mechanical parts and machines. A rubber injection molding machine is typically found in a press shop or manufacturing sector.
The basic process used in rubber injection molding is quite simple. A metal mold is created with the exact specifications and dimensions of the rubber part. This mold is inserted into a press and connected to a rubber injection system.
A press applies pressure to hold the top and bottom of the mold together. The rubber is injected into the mold using a large piston or screw. The heated, uncured rubber is forced into the mold cavity using an injection nozzle. Extra rubber or overflow may occur due to the force required and the need to completely fill the mold. As the rubber cools, it separates from the walls of the mold, while retaining the detail and shape of the design. The press opens and the rubber part is released.
It is important to note that there are no heating elements in a rubber injection molding system. The rubber is heated and temperature controlled by the rubber injection molding machine. The molds themselves are usually made from stainless steel and are not designed to hold heat. In fact, many projects require the mold to be cooled rapidly, forcing the rubber to cure in a shorter amount of time.
There are two different types of molds: horizontal and vertical. These units have a lot in common, but there are a few key elements that differ between the two models. In a horizontal machine, robotics are often needed to move the mold to another part of the machine and eject the finished product. In a vertical machine, the finished parts simply drop into a waiting container. There is less rubber lost with each part in a vertical system, as the pressure in the injection system has to contend with gravity.
Many units are designed to include press brushes, strippers and multiple dies. These improvements significantly increase the productivity of the system and reduce the dependence on human intervention in the production process. Reducing the amount of rubber lost in the process is key to keeping costs down and waste to a minimum. Rubber is a natural resource that is quite expensive to obtain and should not be wasted.
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