In addition to custom molds, Apex Plastics accepts transfer molding and can get your product in production expeditiously and offer various head spacing to accommodate your existing molds.
CAVITIES
8
6
4
2
SPACING
4 x 85mm / 4 x 100mm
3 x 125mm / 3 x 115mm / 3 x 100mm
2 x 125mm / 2 x 140mm / 2 x 180mm
165mm / 125mm / 140mm / 150mm
Transfer molding is one of the numerous ways in which engineers manufacture rubber parts. Transfer Molding is the process of loading a raw material prepared into “pre-forms” into a pot integral to the mold tool. The material is measured and inserted prior to the molding process taking place. Once the mold is closed, this material is then preheated and loaded into the pot.
An integral plunger then compresses the rubber in the pot and is used to push the material through the holes, feed gates or sprues into the product mold cavities, to fill them in the same way as an injection molding would. Transfer molding is a process that provides the accuracy and consistency of injection molding without the requirement for long production runs, or costly full injection tooling. This is an ideal process for forming parts which may require exact positioning inserts to be bonded, intricate parts with lower production requirements and mold designs that contain multiple cavities or can trap air. The moldings provided are far less likely to exhibit knit lines or other defects, creating a much more consistent approach to production. This process is ideal when looking to produce plastic or rubber parts with metal inserts. For example, Transfer molding is an excellent way to create composite seals with insert molding, which then float inside the cavity.
Given that cavities are not reliant upon one another, they are able to move freely rather than being cut directly into the same plate. This helps to absorb variations in tolerances, so the mold will stay consistent.
Various inserts made from plastic and metal can be used to make composite seals and other products, which allow for multi-component sealing solutions, helping reduce overall component count in assemblies and providing a more resilient product.
Transfer molding offers shorter production cycle times than traditional molding techniques, such as compression molding, as the compound preparation and product finishing time is greatly reduced. This means there is less cutting and flash. Cure times are reduced since the rubber enters the mold cavity at a higher and even temperature, and can thus begin to cure more quickly.
