Compression Molding vs. Injection Molding
At Mantec, we design and manufacture a wide range of custom molded foam products to meet the diverse needs of our clients. Mantec has the flexibility to produce such a comprehensive range of structural and padding products thanks to the different techniques we employ, such as compression molding.
A common method used in manufacturing, molding is a process where a liquid material – usually some type of polymer – is added to a mold cavity to create a finished product. Similar to die casting metal, molding requires heating the polymer until it can maintain a liquid state, and then adding it to a mold cavity. As the liquid cools, it takes the shape of the mold to form the desired product.
While molding is a common practice used in manufacturing, there are contrasting techniques – compression modeling versus injection molding. Let’s take a look at how these different techniques compare and examine a few of the benefits they offer.
Compression Molding
Compression molding relies on the use of both pressure and heat to achieve its desired results. During the process, a raw material is placed into a mold cavity where it is then heated. Plugs are then inserted into the top of the mold to pressurize the interior cavity. When the raw material becomes exposed to both pressure and heat, it begins to transform the material inside. This results in the creation of a new product.
Injection Molding
Conversely, injection molding takes advantage of injection technology to inject a raw material directly into a mold cavity. During the process, a screw pulls the material into a hopper where the material is heated. As the material warms, it’s injected into the mold cavity. While heat and pressure are used in both techniques, injection molding moves the material through a screw and a hopper while compression molding uses only the mold cavity.
What Does Compression Molding Offer?
Despite their similarities, the two molding processes offer different benefits to manufacturers. Compression offers a low-cost molding process that offers a great way to produce a large quantity of a product. Compression molding also offers the advantage of being able to create objects in a wide variety of sizes and shapes. It can also produce products with a range of wall sizes and shapes.
What Does Injection Molding Provide?
Despite the advantages associated with compression molding, injection molding still offers plenty of appeal. Injection molding allows for the quick and efficient production of uniform products. This technique enables precise control of both heat and pressure which allows manufacturers to quickly produce many objects of the same size.
Comparing Compression and Injection Molding
So how do these two techniques stack up when compared to each other?
Compression molding offers the ideal solution for manufacturers who require high-volume production. This technique features far fewer post-printing challenges, is more energy-efficient, and significantly reduces material waste.
Injection molding offers an ideal option for production runs that involve complex designs. When multiple sizes runs are required, and when flexibility and color and material are desired, injection molding makes a great choice.
Contact Mantec Today for Your Compression Molding Needs
At Mantec, we have partnered with businesses in the safety, airline, dental, and entertainment industries, among many others, to produce safety products that meet their specific requirements. We offer a full-service manufacturing facility that enables us to create our own patterns, molds, and fixtures, so we can meet whatever challenges your business faces.
If you need customized foam molding services, our team at Mantec can help. Contact our team today to receive your free consultation on what Mantec can do for you.