3 Ways to Create Rubber Molded Parts with Rubber Molding

Rubber molding is a manufacturing process that creates rubber parts by injecting hot liquid rubber into a metal mold. The process is used to create a variety of custom rubber molded parts in different shapes, sizes, and colors. Rubber molding offers a number of advantages, including cost savings, fast production, and high repeatability. In this article, we’ll discuss three different methods for creating rubber molded parts with rubber molding.

Compression Molding

Compression molding is one of the most popular methods for creating rubber molded parts. In this process, a pre-measured amount of uncured rubber is placed into a heated mold cavity. The mold is then closed and compressed using hydraulic pressure. This pressure forces the rubber to fill the mold cavity and take its shape. After the rubber has cooled and cured, the mold is opened and the part is removed.

The primary benefit of compression molding is that it can produce complex parts with high accuracy. It can also be used to create parts with a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Additionally, it is one of the fastest methods for producing rubber parts, as the entire process can be completed in minutes.

The primary disadvantage of compression molding is that it is limited to low-volume production runs. As the mold must be changed for each run, it is not suitable for larger production runs. Additionally, it is a relatively expensive process, as the molds can be costly to produce.

Injection Molding

Injection molding is another popular method for producing rubber molded parts. In this process, a pre-measured amount of uncured rubber is injected into a heated mold cavity. The mold is then closed and the rubber is allowed to cure. After the rubber has cooled and cured, the mold is opened and the part is removed.

The primary benefit of injection molding is that it can produce large quantities of parts quickly and cheaply. It is also capable of producing complex parts with high accuracy. Additionally, it has a high repeatability, as the same mold can be used for multiple production runs.

The primary disadvantage of injection molding is that it is limited to low-volume production runs. Additionally, it is a relatively expensive process, as the molds can be costly to produce.

Transfer Molding

Transfer molding is a method for producing rubber molded parts. In this process, a pre-measured amount of uncured rubber is placed into a heated chamber. The chamber is then pressurized to force the rubber into a heated mold cavity. The mold is then closed and the rubber is allowed to cure. After the rubber has cooled and cured, the mold is opened and the part is removed.

The primary benefit of transfer molding is that it can produce complex parts with high accuracy. It can also be used to create parts with a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Additionally, it has a high repeatability, as the same mold can be used for multiple production runs.

The primary disadvantage of transfer molding is that it is limited to low-volume production runs. Additionally, it is a relatively expensive process, as the molds can be costly to produce.

Conclusion

Rubber molding is a manufacturing process that creates rubber parts by injecting hot liquid rubber into a metal mold. There are three primary methods for creating rubber molded parts with rubber molding: compression molding, injection molding, and transfer molding. Each method offers its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the right method for your project. With the right approach, you can create high-quality rubber parts quickly and efficiently.