Compression molding entails the pressing of raw materials, the production technique is used to create fiber-based plastic composites, in-mold thermoset plastics as well as ceramics. Well if you are wondering what the entire molding procedure entails, let me break it down for you, just think about children imprinting their hands on the dough.

The entire molding process utilizes granules instead of solid materials before its subjected to heated molds, this method is used to create solid shape, thin-walls, as well as thick shaped containers.

The positives that come with the compression molding technique include:

• It’s suitable for creating thermoset plastics
• Suitable for generating large, solid and thick-walled sections
• Its recommended for different wall thicknesses as well as parts.

But the entire compression molding process has its fair share of limitation like it’s a bit limited when creating complex and intricate shapes and designs. Its best suited for producing flat shapes such as dinner plates and cutleries.

A quick overview of the compression molding process

At the beginning of the molding procedure, both the mold cavity and materials are heated. Once all the components have hit the required temperature, all the elements are in turn forced onto the mold cavity.

Heat causes the molten materials to expand but this is not the most vital feature of the entire molding technique, the pressure is. When the molten materials are wholly inserted into the beaming hot cavity; the mold cavity is then tightly sealed with a plug.

The sealed materials are then subjected to intense pressure such that all the cracks and crevices are filled. The manufacturer always recommends using pressure ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 pounds per square inch (PSI) of pressure.

A combination of heat and pressure will forcefully eject every object material from the mold cavity. Let the mold cool for a while then remove the solidified product or part from the cavity.

When it comes to compression molding, you can use a wide variety of techniques, but the primary principles will always remain unchanged which is the plastic or heated polymer is forced onto the cavity and subjected under intense pressure.

Advantages that come with compression molding:

Perfect for oversized and large parts: When it comes to the large production of parts and components, compression molding does so with so much ease. The technique allows for quick change-over of molds thus assisting you to have fast and short production runs.

Cost-effective:Compared to other production techniques, compression molding is cost-effective and cheapest production techniques. Owing to its simplicity and seamless operation.