Slide ✓ Hypercompetitive pricing
✓ Precise and complex geometry
✓ Ideal for large plastic parts
✓ Suitable for low volume production
✓ ISO 9001:2015 certified
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REACTION INJECTION MOULDING

Inodus are partnered with highly capable prototyping manufacturers who specialized in Reaction Injection Moulding (RIM). The facilities are well equipped with custom-sized CNC machine for tool-making, as well as multiple low-pressure injection systems

 

Many large plastic component such as automotive bumpers, air spoilers, and fenders are made via RIM. The process is also well suited for any large-sized plastic part, either prototyping or small volume production.

 

We can provide a comprehensive RIM quote based on different tooling materials, coupled with other alternative such as PIM (Plastic Injection Moulding), Vacuum Casting or CNC, so you can have a complete overview of all scenarios to decide which route is the best for your project.

 

 

Reaction Injection Moulding (RIM) capability overview

Reaction Injection Moulding (RIM)
Maximum part size Product weight up to 20kg
Tool lead time 20 - 50 days (depending on the complexity of the tool)
Typical tool life
10 - 30 cycles (Epoxy + Silicone)
30 - 300 cycles (ABS / Resin)
1000 - 2000 cycles (Aluminium + Silicone)
Typical cycle time 15 - 30mins, large part can take up to 90mins
Standard linear tolerance ±0.20mm/100mm

When to use Reaction Injection Moulding

  • Large to very large plastic parts
  • Light-weight and thin-walled items possible
  • Significantly lower tooling cost than Plastic Injection Moulding
  • Prototyping before Plastic Injection Moulding
  • Low volume production from 10 – 1000 (depending on the size)

 

Note that cycle time of Reaction Injection Moulding (RIM) is faster than typical Vacuum Casting, it is still far slower than Plastic Injection Moulding (PIM). A relatively large part that take 1 minute to produce from PIM will take 1 – 1.5 hours for the RIM. Therefore, for any medium to high volume production PIM is still more viable in both cost and time.

Available materials for Reaction Injection Moulding

Material
Polyurethane (PU) resin (PP/HDPE-like) High temperature and impact resistance, high ductility
Polyurethane (PU) resin (ABS-like) High temperature resistance, high strength and stiffness

Post-processing service for reaction injection moulding

Service
Additional machining & fabrication
Polishing
Painting to RAL
Other applicable services *Extra lead time will be involved

Frequently asked questions

How does RIM differ from PIM

In general, the two methods are extremely similar to one another. The main difference though is reaction injection molding uses a thermosetting polymer in the low-pressure injection process, which needs a curing reaction to take place inside of the mold in order to harden. If this is not added, the injected material is not going to become stiff, rendering the process useless. With a plastic injection process, a hot plastic is injected into the mold, which is then rapidly cooled, causing the plastic to harden without a curing agent.

What are the advantages of RIM compared to PIM

· RIM provide high impact resistance and excellent abrasion resistance which can tolerate heavy abuse without marrying the surface of the item.

· The elastic memory of RIM makes it more durable and less breakable.

· The reaction injection molding provides a variable co-efficient of friction, a function of the normal pressure and rubbing velocity for a broader range of applications.

· Sound waves are absorbed more with PIM thereby resulting in noise reduction in the environment where the plastic molding machine is placed.

· RIM can be thick set molded much easier than the PIM process.

· The resilience of the final result of RIM technology is tougher than PIM

· RIM has a lower temperature, compression set as well as radiation resistance.

· The lower cost tooling of reaction injection molding makes it more attractive to buyers. RIM can handle large part and low volume production at an affordable price.

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