What is compression moulding?
Compression moulding, also known as compression moulding or simply compression moulding, is a proven process for manufacturing rubber parts. In this process, a Rubber-The blank is placed in a mould, pressed into shape and then pressed by means of targeted temperature control. vulcanised.
Sequence of the compression moulding process
- Inserting the Rubber blankBlank is inserted directly into the mould as a blank or preform (geometrically pre-fitted). Cavities inserted
- Closing the mould and initiating the pressing phase: Under a pressure of 20 to 100 tonnes, the Rubber pressed evenly into the cavities
- Temperature control and VulcanisationDepending on the material and the desired degree of cross-linking, the material is heated to 120-220°C, held for a defined time and vulcanised in the process
- Opening, demoulding and post-processing: The component is removed from the mould and generally post-processed, e.g. Deburred or coated
Advantages:
- Low Tool costs
- Wide range of materials can be processed
- Well suited for thick-walled components
- Low set-up costs
Disadvantages:
- Greater manual effort for material insertion and removal
- Restricted Cycle time optimisation
Processed materials:
Compression moulding is suitable for processing almost all elastomers. The only exceptions are thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), particularly low-viscosity elastomers such as liquid silicone (LSR) or elastomers with particularly short pot lives. These are usually used in Injection moulding process processed. Compression compression moulding is particularly suitable for materials with high viscosity, long Vulcanisation times or for mixtures that cannot be processed during injection moulding.
Typical applications:
Compression moulding is a standard process in rubber production. It is the right strategic choice especially for
- small to medium quantities,
- Rubber composite parts and
- Materials used for Injection Molding or are only suitable to a limited extent.