LOW-PRES­SURE IN­JEC­TION MOULD­ING

One of the biggest advantages of the RIM process is its ability to produce large plastic components in a single casting. Unlike other manufacturing methods, which are often limited by tool size constraints or high machine requirements, RIM offers high flexibility in terms of part dimensions.

This is particularly beneficial in automotive, medical technology, and mechanical engineering, where large enclosures, housings, or structural components are required. The RIM process allows these parts to be produced with minimal material usage, eliminating the need for complex assembly of multiple components.

In prototyping and small-series production, efficiency and cost-effectiveness are key factors. Traditional plastic processing methods, such as injection molding, often require high tooling investments that only pay off for large production volumes.

The RIM process, on the other hand, enables cost-efficient production even for small and medium batch sizes, because:

• Molds can be made of aluminum or plastic, significantly reducing tooling costs.
• Production time per part is relatively short, especially with High-Pressure RIM.
• Fast curing and easy demolding ensure a continuous production flow.

This efficiency makes the RIM process an ideal solution for companies requiring quickly available parts, whether for pre-series production, testing, or small-batch manufacturing.

Another key advantage of the RIM process is its high design flexibility. Since the material is injected in liquid form, even complex geometries with fine details can be easily achieved.

Additionally, targeted material modifications allow for a wide range of mechanical and thermal properties. Depending on the composition of the polyurethane used, parts can be:

• Flexible or highly rigid
• Extremely lightweight or highly durable
• Resistant to high temperatures or chemicals
• Produced with different surface textures, ranging from high-gloss to structured finishes

Thanks to this versatility, the RIM process can be tailored to a wide range of applications. Color, material hardness, and other properties can be configured according to customer requirements, eliminating the need for additional painting or coating.

Parts produced using the RIM processexhibithigh dimensional accuracy and minimal shrinkage. This is particularly important when precision is required—for example, in enclosures that must fit precisely into an assembly or housings that need to meet tight tolerances.

In the High-Pressure RIM process, the intensive mixing of components ensures a highly uniform material structure, which positively affects the mechanical properties of the final part.

The RIM process has established itself as one of the most efficient methods for producing prototypes and small-series parts. It excels in development processes where speed, flexibility, and cost efficiency are critical.

Since MODELLTECHNIK specializes exclusively in prototyping and small-series production, RIM is a key technology for delivering customized solutions to clients across various industries. But why is it particularly well-suited for these applications?

Prototypes are essential in product development, serving to test form, function, and manufacturability before moving into series production. In this early phase, traditional methods such as injection molding are often not cost-effective due to the high tooling costs.

The RIM process, however, allows for rapid prototyping without the need for expensive injection molding tools. Thanks to the relatively simple and fast tool production, the first functional parts can be available within just a few weeks. This enables companies to significantly shorten their development cycles and bring new products to market faster.

Additionally, RIM prototypes offer high mechanical strength and can withstand real-world conditions. Unlike 3D-printed parts or other additive manufacturing methods, RIM components are often much closer in stability and material properties to final series products. This allows for realistic testing and enables well-founded decisions for further development.

In addition to prototyping, the RIM process is an excellent choice for small-series production. Many applications require limited production runs—whether for specialized machinery, custom vehicle components, or medical technology products.

Since RIM tooling costs are significantly lower than those for injection molding, production remainscost-effective even for small batch sizes. Furthermore, the process allows for quick design modifications, enabling rapid implementation of changes.

Another key advantage is the ability to tailor material properties to meet specific requirements. Depending on theapplication, RIM partscanbe:

• Highly rigid or flexible
• Resistant to chemicals or weather conditions
• Manufacturedwithlightweightproperties
• Customized with unique surface textures or colors

This makes the RIM process particularly attractive for industries that require customized solutions. Instead of relying on standard components, companies can economically produce high-quality, custom plastic parts in small quantities.