Reaction Injection Moulding

Two liquid components, isocyanate and polyol, react to form RIM when injected into a closed mould at low pressure. As these components mix together flowing into the mould, they maintain a low viscosity. The ensuing reaction elevates the temperature and pressure at the tool’s surface, thereby creating the polyurethane part within the tool cavity.

Polyurethane resins for Reaction Injection Moulding have grown into a broad range of formulations with particular physical properties for specific performance requirements. Rapitypes can produce virtually anything from flexible elastomer substitutes, to foam-core parts to extremely rigid, solid and thin-walled components.

Parts can be supplied primed, painted or surface treatedwith graphics to simulate various textures such as carbon fibre. However, our clients are increasingly taking advantage of our in-mould painting capability to get high quality paint finishes which are chemically bonded to the surface of the part.

Rotational RIM, or ‘Roto RIM’ is a unique in-house process for the manufacture of hollow or tubular components which compares very favourably with Blow or Rotational Moulding in low-volume production. You can add bosses and brackets to the components without issue, forming them during the RIM rotation process just as you would in Blow or Rotational moulding.

With considered design, multiple Roto RIM parts can be moulded together as a single part and separated into individual components through post machining. As well as small series production, this system can provide prototype components very quickly for design evaluation prior to commissioning full blow moulding or rotational mould tooling for instance. Roto RIM has been successfully used for production HVAC vents on the EWB Rolls Royce Phantom and washer bottle components for similar automotive use.