Compression molding

Compression molding is a manufacturing method for plastics, suitable for flat or slightly curved parts. Main field of application of this method is the automotive industry where it is used to produce larger components with two-dimensional or simple three-dimensional structure, such as hoods, bumpers, spoilers or tailgates. Both thermoset and thermoplastic materials to be processed.

At the beginning of the process, the molding composition is introduced into the cavity, which is heated. Then the cavity is closed by using a plunger. Due to the pressure, the molding material obtained from the predetermined mold. With thermosetting plastics, the temperature is used to influence the curing process, wherein the thermoplastic melt of the plastic. After cooling, the finished part can be removed from the mold and optionally processed by or.

The molding process is particularly suitable for medium- large quantities, because the tooling costs are generally lower than for example in injection molding. The molding can also be used for the production of fiber composite materials, including for preparing natural fiber-reinforced plastics.