Reaction Injection Molding (RIM) Services
Reaction Injection Molding
Reaction Injection Molding
 |
Our reaction injection molding (RIM) operation begins with injecting two combined liquid components into a mold. The resulting reaction of this process brings about the fabrication of a variety of thermoset, plastic parts, ranging from solid elastomers to structural foams. These plastic parts can then be used to build multiple products, such as external body panels, hoods, fenders, bumpers, fascias, roofs, interior body panels, and air deflectors, for the construction, agricultural, mass transit, heavy truck, specialty automotive, and leisure industries.
Our ISO-compliant, low-viscosity RIM services provide parts with a variety of unique product benefits, including Class A surfaces, wall thickness changes, high impact resistance, encapsulation of inserts, and in-mold coatings. We are the second largest company in the world to provide full, in-mold decorating services, and our operations produce the biggest RIM parts available in North America.Contact Romeo RIM, Inc. to learn more about the unique benefits associated with our special reaction injection molding services. Our knowledgeable staff will be happy to answer all your questions. |
RIM Process Explained
Reaction Injection Molding (RIM) is a process where two liquid components are injected into a tool and chemical reaction between the liquids results in a solid plastic part being formed. Materials that can be Reaction Injection
Molded are typically polyurethanes where the two liquids are isocyanate and polyol, or dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) where the two liquids are monomers. Some of the materials used in RIM molding include: solid elastomers, structural foams, reinforced RIM (RRIM), structural RIM (SRIM), Long Fiber Injection (LFI), and DCPD.
Injection and cycle times vary, depending on part size and the RIM system used. A typical RIM system can fill the tool in a few seconds but some systems are designed with a delay in reactivity so that extremely large parts can be molded. Many systems are also designed to accept filler material. This filler material can be used for the purpose of enhancing the mechanical properties or to reduce part cost. RRIM and SRIM systems use these fillers exclusively.
In-Mold Painting
Romeo RIM was among the first RIM companies to commercialize in-mold painting (IMP) during the 1980’s. In-mold painting involves painting the cavity of the tool immediately prior to injecting the RIM material. During the molding process the paint chemically bonds to the RIM material thereby eliminating the possibility of the paint chipping and flaking-off, which can occur with post applied paint. In-mold painted surfaces perform as well, or better, than post painted surfaces because the paint chemically bonds and becomes an integral part of the substrate. The finish of the part can range from low gloss to a high gloss surface. This allows the part to be directly packaged and shipped to the customer for assembly.
One of the largest costs of painting plastic parts is the prepping, painting and finishing process. This not only includes the cost of the paint and labor but also overhead costs of painting equipment, drying ovens, environmental equipment and others. Although, in-mold painting minimizes these costs, the greatest cost savings are achieved by processing efficiencies that eliminating post-mold painting steps such as cleaning, prepping, priming and improving first time run yields.
Portfolio
Reaction Injection Molding Capabilities
 |
| General Capabilities |
Dicyclopentadiene (DCPD)
Reaction Injection Molding (RIM)
Reinforced RIM (RRIM)
Structural (SRIM) |
 |
| |
|
| Advantages |
Wall Thickness Changes
Encapsulation of Inserts
Class A Surfaces |
In-Mold Coating
Acoustic Performance
Part Consolidation | |
|
| |
|
| Industry Focus |
Mass Transit
Agriculture & Construction |
Heavy Truck & Specialty Automotive
Consumer Products | |
|
| |
|
| Current Applications |
Roofs
Interior Panels
Energy Absorbing Bumpers
External Body Panels / Hoods / Air Deflectors |
Fenders
Tractor Fender Deck
Or any other component that requires strength and less weight | |
|
| |
|
| Materials |
Urethane Solid Elastomers
Urethane Structural Foam |
Long Fiber Injection (LFI)
Dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) | |
|
| |
|
| Filler Material |
Wollastonite
Calcium Carbonate |
Mica
Milled Glass Fiber | |
|
| |
|
| Encapsulated Inserts |
Fasteners
Brackets
Steel (Beams / Rods / Plates)
Aluminum Extrusions |
Glass
Electrical (Wiring Harnesses / Components)
PC Boards | |
|
| |
|
| Finishes |
In-Mold Paints
Fabric Skins
Vinyl Skins |
Leather Skins
Texure
High Gloss | |
|
| |
|
| Product Capabilities |
Medium to Large Parts |
|
| |
|
| Shot Size |
Up to 80 lbs |
|
| |
|
| Die C Tear |
350 to 670 pli |
|
| |
|
| Production Volume |
1,000 to 60,000 shots |
|
| |
|
| Additional Services |
Product Development
Prototyping
Serial Production |
Mold Servicing
Tool Design
Assembly | |
|
| |
|
| CAD Software |
SolidWorks 2011
Pro/ENGINEER 4.0 |
|
| |
|
| Industry Standards |
ISO 9001:2004 Certification
ISO 14001 Certified |
Mil-Spec
APTA Member | |
|
RIM material systems can be tailored to meet your specific applications. For additional information regarding the material options available, please reference our Design Guide (PDF-3.10MB).
Back to top
|
Print This Page
