One of several moulding forms, compression moulding is the act of using compression and heat to shape a raw material using a mould. In short, raw material is heated until pliable, while the mould is closed for a certain period. Upon removing the mould, any excess material formed by it may contain flash – a term describing excess product not conformed to the mould – which can be cut away.
The compression moulding process isn’t the most complex in the market right now and is widely used for the production of simple product designs. Let’s dive into the details of the term, types, and processes.
Defining Compression Moulding, its Process, and Need
Compression moulding is a process used to shape raw materials into finished products, such as the making of hydraulic and pneumatic seals by using a metal mould. The raw material is heated in the mould until pliable while the mould is closed for a specified period. Upon removal it is quite common that the moulded product will contain excess materials, normally called flashing; these have extruded while being heated and compressed in the mould.
Flashing can sometimes be removed by an experienced cleaning team to maintain the exact measurement of the product manufactured.
Furthermore, the need for compression moulding is rising due to multiple reasons. You will find it very cost-efficient, to begin with. The tools and equipment involved in the process of creating a product are much less intricate than the injection moulding process. This allows you to create a balance between your raw products and production line.
In addition to that, compression moulding is a perfect solution for large chunky part manufacturing. Therefore, brands with massive market needs prefer these solutions which can quickly make simple products. There is no limitation to the product weight which is a significant aspect of Injection moulding.
Types of Compression Moulding Used in Production
Depending on the machines and moulding processes, there are a few types of compression moulding that is used to create a high-grade product in the market.
- Industrial-Grade Hydraulic Compression
The industrial products that are used in the market utilize massive equipment with big moulded parts. These are created with high-level pressure which gives them the shape they need. The hydraulic compression moulding technique is extensively used to create large and uniform parts in quick succession. Industrial products are mostly huge and require pressure-controlled production and this type of compression moulding is typical for businesses.
- Heatless Compression
Cold compression moulding is an efficient solution in the market which saves time and cost in the production business. Generally, heat is an integral part of the compression process and it is crucial to melt down the raw product and give it the shape it needs. Even in the heatless compression process, there is a use of heat to provide the raw material with the consistency that allows it to be set into the mould. The compression happens after that with heat supply in certain stages.
- Wet Compression Molding Machine
Wet compression moulding machines have come a long way from their humble origins as the least efficient way to produce car parts. Today, they are used to combine resins, epoxies, and other liquid substances with solid fabrics. It ensures that the process is streamlined while quickly processing durable car parts. BMW and other major corporations have incorporated wet compression moulding machines into their production lines.
- Benchtop Presses
Smaller benchtop presses are ideal for manufacturing small- to mid-size parts and products. They’re compact, take up less space than large industrial compression machines, and have multiple access points that allow engineers to easily remove processed parts and flash. They can also be incorporated into smaller warehouses or production facilities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important to note that the compression moulding technique is one of the most important types of moulding in the production business right now. Unlike injection moulding, the compression moulding process is massively used in the manufacturing business for huge product and part production. It ensures that the cost and time efficiency is met perfectly without any hindrances.
The multiple types of compression moulding depending on the machines and processes can be very helpful for your brand to cover more ground for the clientele. Moreover, it can also help in making the process easy for your engineers too who are supervising the production closely.
Acme Drinktec Solutions is known for manufacturing of the molds used in single-stage molding machines. Variety of products, such as molds for 70DPH machine, molds for 12M machine, molds for ISBM machine, and so on, are meant for single-stage process that helps in manufacturing larger quantities in one go.
