Reaction Injection Molding, also known as RIM, is a process used to create parts and products from polyurethane. This type of molding is different from other injection molding processes because it uses two liquid components that react and harden when mixed together.
Parts created with RIM are typically strong, lightweight, and durable. They also respond well to paints and can be colored to match your design preferences with little effort.
Benefits of Reaction Injection Molding
One of the most popular uses for RIM is the ability to create large plastic components with smooth finishes. This process is often used to create car parts, truck parts, and other sizable products.
RIM systems also offer generous flexibility for manufacturing a wide range of parts with various design requirements. You can choose from a wide range of inserts during manufacturing as well as adjust the thickness of the walls in the part you’re manufacturing.
Additionally, parts made through RIM offer superior surface smoothness. This can help enhance the appearance of your products and makes them infinitely easier to paint.
Lastly, RIM provides the ability to manufacture these parts with relatively quick turnarounds at low costs. As you scale your production operations, you can do sustainably and profitably without having to sacrifice product quality for your parts.
How the RIM Process Works
RIM manufacturing processes start with a mixture of liquid polymers that are injected into the mold. Once deposited into the desired mold, the chemicals harden into the desired shape with the necessary thickness and hardness. The product is then removed from the mold where any excess material is removed and it is inspected for quality.
The strong, lightweight, and durable material produced by injection molding allows for the manufacturing of a wide range of standard and nonstandard designs. Where producing parts with difficult or complex dimensions may cost more when produced with other materials, you can benefit from the immense cost savings that RIM provides for your business.
Applications for RIM
Due to the high level of customization that RIM offers, it has long served as a popular solution for manufacturing parts across many industries. Some of the most popular applications for this type of molding include but are not limited to:
Transportation
RIM is often used to create parts for cars and trucks. These parts can be both large and small, depending on the needs of the vehicle. Some of the most common applications are curved components like spoilers, bumpers, and interior paneling.
RIM is also popular in the aerospace industry where it is used to create a variety of parts. These can include both small and large parts depending on the needs of the aircraft. Some common applications are fuel tanks, nose cones, and cargo holds.
Appliances
In the appliance industry, RIM is used to create a wide variety of parts, both large and small. Some common applications are washing machine drums, dryer drums, and refrigerator linings.
Manufacturing universal parts for appliances can often prove a difficult task. Many brands have specific design requirements to distinguish the appearance of their products from their competitors. With RIM, you can quickly produce new parts with specific dimensions, shape, and thickness.
Electrical Parts
Many electrical parts manufacturers turn to RIM due to its insulation properties. This process is commonly used to create parts such as sockets and plugs. These components often have small, intricate designs where protection from electric current is absolutely essential.
How a RIM Manufacturing Partner Can Help Your Business
The RIM process requires specific equipment, tooling, and expertise to produce high-quality finished parts at scale. Depending on the size and needs of your business, in-house molding operations may not be efficient or feasible.
This is where an injection molding manufacturing partner can add true value to your business.
A reliable manufacturing partner can fulfill your production needs for you, which can also help reduce your internal labor costs, payroll expenses, and other similar overhead. Their team of experienced RIM specialists can ensure that you receive a consistent, high-quality product that faithfully meets your design specifications.
Work with a Reaction Injection Molding Partner for Your Business
Headquartered in Cerritos, CA, our team at Foam Molders & Specialties provides 100% U.S.-based RIM manufacturing services for your business. To learn more about how you can leverage a partnership with us to improve your parts manufacturing operations, contact us today.
