Reaction Injection Molding (RIM)

Reaction injection molding (RIM) is a form of injection molding that

brings temperature and ratio-controlled reactant streams together under
high-pressure impringement mixing to form a polymer directly within
the mold.

While current applications are mostly automotive, other uses are

gaining popularity in industrial and consumer products. Polyurethanes
currently dominate commercial production, other materials are
currently in development programs. Particularly, nylon and epoxy.

Reaction Injection Molding (RIM)

# of Relati Relati Pa
Parts Tool ve ve rt
Produc Construc Tool Piece Advanta Limitatio Surface Siz Toleran Applicati
ed tion Cost Cost ges ns Finish e ces ons Materials
50,000 Steel 80%   Dimensi Recyclabi Best of     Door Polyuretha
+ onal lity RIM panels nes
Stability
Undercut Sunshade
Low part s and s
 weight edge Seating
returns structures
Fiber mat
(SRIM) Trimmin SRIM:
or mixed g
fibers required Seating
(RRIM) (trimpres structures
add s or water
strength jet) Door
50,000 Aluminu 60%   Cost   Close to structures
+ m steel
(machined Firewalls
)
Front
10,000 Aluminu 45%   Cost   Close to
body
m (cast) Steel
structures
50,000 Nickel 30%   Cost Tool  
shell changes Radiators
difficult
1000 Kirksite 50%   Cost Tool Porosity Pillars
changes of tool
Lead difficult can cause Interior
time imperfecti trim
ons panels

1000 Epoxy 15%   Cost    

Lead
time