Rubber Transfer Molding
What is rubber transfer molding
Rubber transfer molding is a manufacturing process used to create rubber parts by transferring pre-measured rubber material from a chamber into a closed mold cavity. The mold is then heated, causing the rubber to flow and fill the cavity. Pressure is applied to ensure complete filling and to compact the rubber. After curing, the mold is opened, and the finished part is removed. This method allows for the production of intricate shapes and is often used for high precision components in industries such as automotive, electronics, and medical devices.
The typically involves the following steps:
1：Preparation of Raw Material:Uncured rubber material, usually in the form of pre-measured blanks or solid strips, is prepared for molding. This material may be preheated to improve flow characteristics.
Uncured rubber material, usually in the form of pre-measured blanks or solid strips, is prepared for molding. This material may be preheated to improve flow characteristics.
2：Loading the Material:The pre-measured rubber material is placed into a heated transfer pot or chamber located above the mold cavity.
The pre-measured rubber material is placed into a heated transfer pot or chamber located above the mold cavity.
3：Closing the Mold:The mold, which consists of two halves, is closed, applying pressure to the rubber material. The mold usually contains a cavity and a sprue or channel leading from the transfer pot to the cavity.
The mold, which consists of two halves, is closed, applying pressure to the rubber material. The mold usually contains a cavity and a sprue or channel leading from the transfer pot to the cavity.
4：Forcing the Material into the Mold:As the mold closes, a plunger or piston applies pressure to the rubber material in the transfer pot. This pressure forces the material through the sprue and into the mold cavity.
As the mold closes, a plunger or piston applies pressure to the rubber material in the transfer pot. This pressure forces the material through the sprue and into the mold cavity.
5：Heating and Curing:Heat is applied to the mold, causing the rubber material to soften and flow to fill the mold cavity. The heat also initiates the curing process, causing the rubber to cross-link and solidify into the desired shape.
Heat is applied to the mold, causing the rubber material to soften and flow to fill the mold cavity. The heat also initiates the curing process, causing the rubber to cross-link and solidify into the desired shape.
6：Cooling:After curing, the mold is allowed to cool down.
After curing, the mold is allowed to cool down.
7：Opening the Mold:Once the rubber has cooled and solidified, the mold is opened, and the finished part is removed.
Once the rubber has cooled and solidified, the mold is opened, and the finished part is removed.
8：Trimming and Finishing:Any excess material, known as flash, may need to be trimmed off from the finished part. Additional finishing processes such as trimming, deburring, or surface treatments may be performed to achieve the desired final product.
Any excess material, known as flash, may need to be trimmed off from the finished part. Additional finishing processes such as trimming, deburring, or surface treatments may be performed to achieve the desired final product.
Transfer molding offers advantages such as the ability to mold intricate shapes with tight tolerances and reduced waste compared to compression molding. It is commonly used for manufacturing rubber parts in various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and electronics.
Custom Nowadvantages
Here are the advantages of rubber transfer molding:
1
Complex Shapes
Capable of producing parts with intricate geometries and fine details, which may be challenging for other molding methods
2
Consistent Quality
Provides good part-to-part consistency and dimensional stability, ensuring uniformity across multiple parts
3
Reduced Flash
Generates less flash (excess rubber) compared to compression molding, reducing the need for post-processing and improving the overall quality of the parts
4
Material Efficiency
Utilizes pre-measured rubber charges, minimizing material waste and improving material efficiency
5
Improved Process Control
Offers better control over the molding parameters, such as pressure and temperature, resulting in higher-quality parts
6
Suitable for Inserts
Ideal for molding rubber around metal or plastic inserts, creating strong, integrated parts that combine different materials
7
Faster Production
More efficient than compression molding, especially for medium to high-volume production runs, reducing cycle times and increasing throughput
8
Lower Tooling Costs
Generally lower tooling costs compared to injection molding, making it cost-effective for medium production volumes and complex parts
Applications
Rubber Transfer Molding For Industry Applications
Automotive
Electronics
Consumer products
Appliances
Medical
Application products
Transfer Rubber Molding Parts
Gaskets
Grips
Grommets
Handle
Vibration Isolation
