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Reaction Injection Molding

RIM. For when tolerances matter.

High-pressure impingement mixing, closed-mold injection, and controlled exothermic cure. The right process when surface finish, dimensional repeatability, and complex geometry are all non-negotiable.

What makes RIM different

A closed mold changes everything.

In open-cast molding, the polymer reacts at atmospheric pressure — fine for many parts, limiting for others. In reaction injection molding, two streams (polyol blend and isocyanate) are pressurized to 1,500–3,000 psi, forced through a mix head that combines them by impingement, and injected into a closed steel or aluminum tool. The reacting polymer fills complex cavities completely, replicates fine surface detail, and demolds with dimensional consistency that open-casting cannot match.

RIM process parameters

Mix-head typeSelf-cleaning impingement
Mold materialAluminum or steel
Cycle time7 – 8 minutes
Mold temperature130 – 180 °F (temperature-controlled)

Why RIM

Tolerance±0.020 in as molded
Surface finishClass A achievable
Insert-in-placeSupported
Color optionsCustom designed to application
Surface textureSmooth, stipple, leather grain, custom
Mold arrangementsFlexible — single cavity to gang tooling

When RIM is the right answer

Specify RIM when your part has tight dimensional tolerances, a visible Class-A surface, integrated structural features, or inserts that need to be molded in-place. RIM is also the right process for integral-skin parts above a certain size threshold where open-pour cannot deliver consistent skin thickness on large cavities.

Wondering whether your part needs RIM?

Send us the drawing. We'll recommend the right process — honestly.

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