Advantages of Rubber Compression Moulding
If you’ve ever wondered “What is compression moulding?” then we’re here to help! Compression moulding is one of the oldest methods of shaping rubber parts. It is done by using two heated metal plates called plattens which apply a combination of pressure and heat to the rubber, forcing it to fill out a mould’s cavity and into the desired shape.
The compression moulding process is a tried and tested method that produces high-quality parts at a relatively low cost. There are many advantages to shaping rubber using the compression moulding method. Read on to discover why compression moulding might be the right choice for your needs!
What is compression moulding?
Compression moulding is a manufacturing process that uses heat and pressure to mould rubber into specific shapes. This method of rubber compression moulding is simple and economical for producing rubber products in low to medium volumes. Some of the products produced using compression moulding methods are; Seals, Bumpers, Grommets, Anti-vibration pads, tubing and Suction cups.
The compression moulding process starts by preparing the rubber and placing it into the heated mould cavity. The combination of the heat and high pressure causes the rubber to take the shape of the mould. During this process, the rubber undergoes chemical changes, (called curring) Once cured, the moulded parts can be safely removed from the mould.
Advantages of compression moulding
The rubber compression moulding process has many benefits including:
Cost efficiency
Among the three rubber moulding methods (compression, injection, and transfer moulding) compression moulding is often the most cost-effective due to lower tooling costs. The process involves a one-time investment in a mould, leading to lower costs for subsequent production runs. This method doesn’t require specialised equipment or complex tooling,
Therefore, if you need a bespoke part or product made, using a rubber engineering company that utilises compression moulding methods we can help reduce your cost to manufacture.
Versatility
Compression moulding provides a great deal of flexibility, accommodating a range of shapes and sizes. Since compression moulding involves loading the material directly into the mould cavity, it is less restricted by weight constraints allowing for larger quantities of raw material. This makes it suitable for producing larger parts and products with diverse requirements.
Repeatability
Compression moulds are durable providing long-term efficiency. Once the mould is created, you can expect a repeatable process. So if you’re needing a custom rubber product that you need to reorder time and time again, choosing a manufacturer that utilises compression moulding can reduce your overall costs, and speed up your time to manufacture.
Minimal waste
One of the key benefits of compression moulding is its efficiency in material use. Unlike other common methods that require additional tooling features like gates, sprues, or runners, compression moulding uses the exact amount of rubber needed for each part which leads to less material waste, reducing excess scrap and improving material efficiency.
How can Checkmate help?
At Checkmate, we bring extensive knowledge and experience in a wide range of rubber materials and moulding processes, designing and manufacturing bespoke products for the industrial, defence and marine industries. Please get in touch with us to discuss how we can help, we’d love to hear from you!