Mark Jones
Compression moulding is a technique well-established in the manufacturing of rubber products across varied industries. The process involves a raw rubber compound being compressed into a cavity of a moulding tool through heat and pressure, forming the material into the desired shape. Here are the 7 main advantages and disadvantages of compression moulding for the manufacture of varied rubber goods:
As said, compression moulding is a technique that can be applied within many sectors – rail, construction, energy, medical etc. – for varied sealing purposes and in vibration mounts.
The mould cavity in a compression mould needs to be overfilled in order to acquire the right pressure, which creates waste material.
Compression moulding is often a cheaper alternative to some other rubber moulding techniques, since it involves less complex tools and a simple process. So long as the materials used can withstand the required pressures, compression moulding tooling can also implement more cost effective materials, for instance, metals like lower grade steel or aluminium.
Rubber isn’t the best conductor of heat meaning that it takes longer to generate the adequate level of heat for the compression moulding process. As a result, compression moulding is more suited to smaller production requirements as opposed to mass production.
Since compression moulding is a more cost-effective means of rubber moulding, it is valuable for smaller production runs, where lower operational costs are desired.
Although the technique can be used to manufacture complex products, it will depend upon the moulding design and the materials used. In compression moulding the movement of material in the moulding cavity is limited, making it more difficult to get a consistent spread of material in complicated mouldings.
Compression moulding is well-suited to larger rubber mouldings because there is no limit to the weight of raw rubber material that can be used. Other processes such as injection moulding, are less adaptable – in the case of injection moulding the size of the moulding is limited by the volume of the injection barrel needed to fill the mould.
CB Frost is a leading UK manufacturer and supplier of rubber and plastics, using rubber moulding techniques including compression moulding, for a range of applications and in varied materials. To find out more about our services or to speak to us about meeting your bespoke specifications, please contact CB Frost on 0121 773 8494, or email info@cbfrost-rubber.com.
C B Frost & Co is an innovative and highly experienced rubber and plastics manufacturer and converter. Established in 1921 we have earned a reputation for our extensive product range, comprehensive...
