Compression Moulding Services
- Rapid quoting within 2-3 days
- For moulding silicone rubber parts
- Suitable for high- and low-volume production
Compression Moulding Process
Compression moulding uses heat and pressure to form the product’s final shape. This method employs a heated cavity and vertical press mechanism to effectively construct and maintain the required tooling.
Compression moulding wastes less material than injection moulding, as no runners, sprue, or gates are required to form the part. Consequently, this technique produces an aesthetically and functionally superior surface finish. This makes it the go-to technique for large flat and curved components.
The simplicity of compression moulding machines and low tooling costs make the process an attractive option for functional prototyping and low-volume manufacturing. In addition, compression moulding is the best option for when the part material used is impossible to produce using other moulding techniques and custom composites are fabricated.
Compression Moulding Finishing Options
Standard Finish
No secondary polishing or grinding. The part will have tooling marks.
Custom Finish
Additional processing and finishes on request.
Injection Moulding Finishing Options
SPI Finish
- A1: Diamond – #3 Polishing Grade (high polish)
- A2: Diamond – #6 Polishing Grade (high polish)
- A3: Diamond – #15 Polishing Grade (high polish)
- B1: Grit paper 600 (medium polish)
- B2: Grit paper 400 (medium polish)
- B3: Grit paper 320 (medium-low polish)
- C1: Stone 600 (low polish)
- C2: Stone 400 (low polish)
- C3: Stone 320 (low polish)
- D1: Dry blast glass beed
- D2: Dry blast 240 oxide
- D3: Dry blast 24 oxide
EDM STD Finishing
- VDI 12
- VDI 15
- VDI 18
- VDI 21
- VDI 24
- VDI 27
- VDI 30
- VDI 33
- VDI 36
- VDI 39
- VDI 42
- VDI 45
Why IFIA RIT Is The Right Partner for Your Moulding Projects
Large Capacities
IFIA RIT and its partner network can produce parts and components with high tensile strength and stiffness, as well as other extreme properties. Get your parts from us in just 10–25 days.
No volume too big or small
Compression moulding is suitable for both low and high volume production and can be used for rapid prototyping. At IFIA RIT, we can guide you through each step from prototyping to serial production.
Moulds
CNC machining something we’re well-known for is an excellent choice for more detailed compression moulds. These compression moulds are usually made from machined aluminium or steel.
In-house quality control
Strict in-house QC to ensure your parts are flawless.
Compression Moulding Fundamentals
What is compression moulding?
Compression moulding is one of the most widely used plastic moulding manufacturing techniques. Like injection moulding, compression moulding is an economical, time-tested solution for plastic fabrication.
It involves putting preheated plastic material, usually referred to as charge, on a heated open mould cavity and compressing it to form the final shape of the product.
How does compression moulding work?
- Raw materials include resins in the form of pellets, powder, or preforms. This charge material is usually plastic or composite, and is often preheated and placed into a heated mould cavity.
- The matching half mould or top plug is closed using a hydraulic press.
- This motion creates vertical compression and during this time, the pressure forces the plasticized charge to fill the mould evenly, creating a uniform part structure.
- The mould is kept closed and the high temperature cures the charge material into the final shape and chemistry.
- Once the curing reaction is complete, the upper mould is lifted, and the final product is removed.
Why would you choose compression moulding over injection moulding?
Compression moulding wastes less material than injection moulding, as no runners, sprue, or gates are required to form the part. Consequently, this technique produces an aesthetically as well as a functionally superior surface finish. This makes it the go-to technique for large flat and curved components and for low-production volume.
This technique outperforms others when composite materials are used to give extra stiffness, corrosive resistance, durability, and other special material properties.