COMPRESSION MOLDING

Compression molding is a medium to high-volume, high-pressure method suitable for molding complex, fiberglass-reinforced plastic parts on a rapid cycle time. There are several types of compression molding including: sheet molding compound (SMC), bulk molding compound (BMC), low pressure molding compound (LPMC) and wet lay-up compression molding.

Compression molding produces fast molding cycles and high part uniformity. The process can be automated. Good part design flexibility and features such as inserts, ribs, bosses, and attachments can be molded in. Good surface finishes are obtainable, contributing to lower part finishing cost. Subsequent trimming and machining operations are minimized in compression molding. Labor costs are typically lower than our other molding processes.

We specialize in making short and small production runs.


Compression Molding

Compression Molding Tools
Compression molding tools consist of heated steel or aluminum molds mounted in high pressure presses. The molds can be in either single or multiple-cavity configurations. The molds are heated to 250-350 degrees F using hot oil or electricity. Provisions for inserts and other refinements are often employed. Matched metal molds are typically more expensive that the FRP open molds.


Tooling