Compression molding is an effective manufacturing process used to form components out of rubber and thermoset elastomers. This processing method uses material preforms to mold rubber into the desired shape and is suitable for low to medium production volumes. Rubber compression molding is versatile and is used to create a range of components, including seals, O-rings, gaskets, grommets, valves, diaphragms, poppet assemblies, plungers, latches, flappers, vacuum cups, boot pads, switches, covers, shells, housings, cases, connectors, and buttons.
How Rubber Compression Molding Works
In compression molding, an uncured rubber profile or preform is carefully positioned into a heated mold typically consisting of a top and bottom plate with half of the part cavity cut into each plate. The mold is then placed into the compression molding press which subjects the mold to high clamping pressure to fill the mold cavity with the preform material. The rubber conforms to the shape of the mold and is cured to produce a molded component. Any excess rubber flows from the cavity via a trim area cut around each cavity. Compared to injection molding, rubber compression molding offers lower mold costs and quick mold changeovers with longer production cycle times.
Applications and Benefits of Rubber Compression Molding
Compression-molded rubber offers several key advantages over other types of rubber molding methods. Some of these benefits include:
- Less expensive tooling compared to rubber injection molding
- Rapid mold changeovers
- Eliminates material runners compared to traditional transfer or injection molding
- Capable of processing most elastomers and cure systems
- Ideal for material requiring longer cure times
- Ideal for rubber over-molding onto substrates i.e. rubber to metal bonding
Compression molded rubber parts are valuable in a range of industries and applications. The manufacturing process is ideal for low- and medium-volume production runs. This process is capable of creating highly precise parts, making it suitable for many complex rubber components, including large and intricate products. The defense, military, and medical industries frequently use this process to produce high-performance products such as O-rings, seals, and gaskets.
Why Partner With RD Rubber?
Finding the right company to manufacture your compression molded rubber parts is key to ensuring high-quality end products. At RD Rubber Technology, we understand our customers’ need for a responsive provider with sufficient capabilities and systems that meet high-quality standards for every application.
Our team of compression molding rubber experts can provide one-on-one service based on your individual needs. To provide consistent quality across our solutions, all of our products are made in the USA and we aim to serve as your local manufacturer.
The RD Rubber Difference
As a local manufacturer, RD Rubber can deliver solutions when you need them. Our domestic supply chain mitigates logistics risks, preventing potential delays and other issues from negatively impacting delivery.
We exceed our customers’ expectations by providing superior product development engineering. Every part we manufacture is critical to our customers’ success. We prioritize communication and work to understand each customer’s unique requirements, which allows us to engineer quality finished parts.
What sets our technology apart is our unrivaled attention to detail, along with our combination of expertise and resources. Through our consistently dependable services, we have helped reduce production lead times and provide customers with engineered quality parts that are manufactured in the USA.
Compliance With the Latest Standards for Quality Assurance
To help make sure each product meets the same standard of quality, we use our ISO 9001:2015 and AS 9100:2016 Certified Quality Management System to keep track of the entire process, from quotation to shipping.
Our commitment to quality is evident through our numerous certifications, which include:
- ISO 9001:2015 Certification
- AS 9100:2016 Certification
- ITA Registration
- Conform to Military Specifications
- MIL-I-45208A
- ANSI Z540-1
- ISA 10012-1 and ISO 3601-3
- GMP Standards
If you would like to learn more about our capabilities and get started on a custom rubber compression molding project with us, contact us today.
