How Compression Molding Enhance Manufacturing Efficiency

As detailed by Engineering Product Design in their article Types of Compression Moulding, compression molding is a versatile manufacturing process that can be categorized into three primary types: Flash Type, Positive Type, and Semi-Positive Type—each serving specific applications.

  • Flash Type: This is used for flat or shallow parts, such as dashboards and ashtrays. During the molding process, excess material (flash) escapes from the mold and is trimmed off afterward.
  • Positive Type: This method is ideal for high-density parts, as the exact amount of material fills the mold cavity, minimizing waste.
  • Semi-Positive Type: A combination of the flash and positive types, this approach offers versatility for manufacturing a range of part designs.

The compression molding process itself involves several steps:

  1. Material Preparation: The raw material is pre-heated to make it pliable.
  2. Mold Preparation: The mold is heated and lubricated to prevent sticking.
  3. Material Loading: A measured amount of material (“charge”) is placed inside the mold cavity.
  4. Mold Closing: The mold halves close, applying heat and pressure to shape the material.
  5. Curing and Setting: The material sets into the desired shape, after which it is cooled.
  6. Part Ejection: The mold is opened, and the finished part is removed.

Understanding the nuances of each compression molding type and its workflow is crucial for manufacturers looking to optimize production efficiency and material usage.

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Article with all rights reserved, courtesy of engineeringproductdesign.com.