Leading the Way in
Reaction Injection Molding (RIM)
AdvancTEK is at the forefront of Reaction Injection Molding (RIM) technology. Our expertise spans from luxurious, soft-touch interior components to durable, high-impact exterior parts. With three unique RIM systems, we can tailor solutions for a vast array of polyurethane composite applications. Our partnerships across diverse industries have enabled us to turn innovative RIM concepts into reality, ensuring the highest standards of quality and performance.
Reaction Injection Molding – Explained.
Reaction Injection Molding (RIM) is a versatile manufacturing process that combines two reactive components mixed together and injected into a mold under high pressure. As the polymer expands, it fills the mold cavity and cures to form a finished product. This process allows for extensive material customization, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. RIM offers significant design flexibility like injection molding but with a lower tooling investment, making it an attractive option for many projects.
Why Should You Choose Reaction Injection Molding?
- Large, lightweight parts: RIM produces components with a high strength-to-weight ratio, making it ideal for large, lightweight parts.
- Superior acoustic and thermal properties: The material’s inherent properties provide excellent sound absorption and thermal insulation.
- Tunable density and thickness: RIM materials can be adjusted to meet specific application needs from soft-touch to rigid, high-impact characteristics.
- Thermal stability: RIM parts maintain their properties across a wide range of temperatures, ensuring durability in demanding environments.
- B-side features and insert encapsulation: RIM allows for the incorporation of complex geometries and embedded inserts, enhancing functionality and design.
- Cost-effective tooling: With a lower tooling investment than traditional injection molding, RIM is cost-effective for both low and medium-volume production runs.
- Rapid prototyping: Quickly develop and test prototypes, accelerating the product development cycle.
- Complete design freedom: RIM’s flexibility enables innovative designs and complex shapes that are difficult to achieve with other manufacturing processes.
Our Custom RIM Systems
AdvancTEK offers five specialized RIM systems, each tailored to meet specific application requirements:
Vinyl-Clad Rigid (VCR)
Ideal for applications requiring a durable, high-quality surface finish, our VCR system combines the strength of rigid polyurethane with the aesthetic appeal of a vinyl surface. This system is perfect for interior components that must look good and perform under stress.
I-Skin/T-Skin
Our I-Skin and T-Skin systems provide a soft-touch feel with excellent durability. These systems are commonly used in automotive interiors and consumer products where comfort and aesthetics are paramount.
Microcellular Urethane (MCU)
MCU systems offer a fine cellular structure that provides excellent cushioning and impact resistance. This system is ideal for applications such as seating, padding, and protective equipment.
RIM Applications
Reaction Injection Molding is versatile and can be applied to a wide range of industries and products:
- Armrests
- Bumpers & fascias
- Fender liners
- Padding / bumpers for medical carts
- Instrument panels / dashes
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- Medical device covers
BLOGS
Concept to Customer: Optimized Manufacturing Design & Development Services
Design and development are key to success in manufacturing. For several decades, AdvancTEK has guided numerous customers through the development of custom solutions by understanding their visions and expectations. We apply our decades of experience by asking the right questions to assist you in making informed choices for your project. Read our blog to discover more about our design and development services.
AdvancTEK’s Guide to Selecting the Right Plastic Manufacturing Process
The overall cost, quality, and efficiency of your products greatly depends on the type of manufacturing process selected. Each process, from injection molding to thermoforming, offers unique advantages for specific applications. From years of industry experience, AdvancTEK has learned the nitty gritty details of each process, making us experts in determining which one is right for any given project. Read our guide for selecting the right plastic manufacturing process to learn more.
Reaction Injection Molding
Are you searching for the right manufacturing process for your lower-volume production? Reaction Injection Molding (RIM) might just be the perfect compromise if injection molding is too costly for your volume needs and thermoforming can’t meet your design criteria. Read more about the benefits of RIM and our capabilities today.