Compression Molding

Compression molding uses heated steel tooling in high pressure presses to produce more complex, high volume parts with fast cycle times.
Compression molding is a high volume molding method that yields fast cycle times, high part uniformity, and allows for metal inserts, ribs and bosses to be molded in the part. There are several materials used in the compression molding processes including, sheet molding (SMC), bulk molding (BMC), thick molding (TMC), and wet molding (also known as liquid molding or cold molding). In the compression molding process, the heated matched metal mold set is mounted in a large hydraulic press. A pre-weighed charge of molding compound is loaded into the mold and the press is closed. Under the pressure and temperature of the tool set the material cures rapidly. Subsequent machining and finishing operations are minimal in compression molding so labor costs are reduced.