Understanding Compression Molding Along With Advantages and Disadvantages

To understand compression molding you have to learn the steps involved in using and making the molding. Once you know this you can then better understand the advantages and disadvantages of using compression molding. Just remember this much, factories use compression molding to make plastics and rubber parts. So compression molding is not restricted to just plastics and thermoplastics.
The simplest way to describe the way compression works is that it squishes the chunk of uncured rubber into a pocket that is in the mold. After time, heat, and pressure have been applied, the rubber is cured and shaped. The mold is then opened and the part is removed. Now here are the steps that are involved in this process:

• Step 1: When the process is ready to go, a little bit of uncured rubber is placed in the mold until it fills up all spaces.
• Step 2: Next, the mold is closed and held under a hydraulic pressure system for a while to allow the rubber to cure.
• Step 3: After the rubber is cured and ready to come out, the mold is opened and the part is taken out.

Now you understand the steps involved, here are the advantages and disadvantages of using compression molding:

• Advantages: The advantages are few but well deserved. For one thing using compression molding reduces costs by requiring less molds. This also helps the company save money in the manufacturing process. This is often a great way to produce large parts as well since only one type of mold is needed.
• Disadvantages: In some cases, depending on the part being made, the consistency may not be there. Plus, it can be difficult to control the flash while making the mold. And lastly, not all parts can be made this way.