In the realm of thermosetting plastic part production, compression molding stands as a venerable and widely embraced technique. The process hinges on the utilization of compression molding machines, comprising platens to which the two halves of a mold are affixed. The raw material, christened as a “charge,” forms the basis of this procedure.
The orchestration unfolds as follows:
- A precisely measured charge, whether in liquid, pellet, or powder form, undergoes heating and is subsequently deposited into the lower half of the mold.
- Both mold halves undergo preheating in preparation for the critical step.
- Assisted by a hydraulic system, the mold securely closes, thereby shaping the material to mirror the mold cavity.
- A period of rest follows, enabling polymerization to occur. This process transmutes the raw material into the durable, solid end product.
- Subsequently, the mold is unsealed, and the finished part is extracted.
Materials for Compression Molding: While compression molding primarily caters to thermosetting polymers, its versatility extends to encompass elastomers, certain composites, and a restricted array of thermoplastics.
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