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Elastomer/Rubber and Thermoset Injection Molding
Efficient Processing of Special Materials
When they think of plastics, most people have packaging products or caps in mind. Thermoplastics are used to produce these items. But the world of plastics offers more than just standard materials. WWith elastomer and thermoset injection moulding you can process silicone, rubber or polyester resins. ENGEL has the injection molding technology solutions for this in its portfolio.
Non-thermoplastic plastics include liquid silicone rubber (LSR), solid silicone (HTV), rubber, and bulk molding compound (BMC). These materials can be processed by injection molding if the machine is designed accordingly. They have one thing in common: temperature control in the machine works differently than in thermoplastic injection molding. The material is cooled in the barrel while the mold is heated. The machine design requirements are therefore different. ENGEL has the right solution for rubber injection molding with its elast machine series.
LSR (liquid silicone rubber) is processed using the LIM (liquid injection molding) method. The silicone is supplied as a homogeneous 2-component material. These two components are provided by special pumps.
Advantages:
The dosing system is fully integrated into the CC300 machine control.
The pressure conditions are monitored by pressure transducers in the feeding system.
The micro-injection unit enables shot weights as low as 0.3 grams.
Products: sealings, straps, switches, pacifiers, masks
Rubber is used in sealing and engine technology. There are many different types, for example ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM) or nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR). They are all processed in the same way.
Advantages:
First in, first out (FIFO) injection units ensure high shot weights and low pressure losses.
The ENGEL elast machines are available as horizontal and vertical versions – for easier accessibility.
The easix articulated robot can be fully integrated into the production cell.
Products: sealings, insulators, dampers
Solid silicone rubbers (HTV) are high-temperature crosslinked and differ from liquid silicones in their molecular structure.
Advantages:
High melt quality because the ENGEL roto feeder (hopper) feeds the material without bubbles.
Multi-component injection molding is possible.
Products: sealings, insulators, electrical components
Take advantage of our expertise, machines, and technologies. We will be happy to advise you on the design of your production cell.
In thermoset injection molding, components with very high mechanical properties can be manufactured. In addition, thermosets are:
Resilient
Abrasion resistant
Heat resistant
Electrically insulating
Chemical resistant
Our injection molding machines can deal with the special properties of thermosets in injection molding. We offer wear-resistant and flexible systems for these challenging materials.
Pellet-based molding compounds and wet polyesters (bulk molding compounds; BMC) are usually reinforced with various fillers. These are, for example, minerals, glass or even carbon fiber. This provides them with high mechanical properties .
Advantages:
The ENGEL roto feeder (hopper) supplies the BMC material.
High-quality material designs for the plasticizing units.
ENGEL offers additional products such as universal injection compression and venting programs, wear-resistant plasticizing units, temperature-controlled nozzles, and corresponding peripheral equipment.
Products: housings, switches, lamps, electronic components, gear parts