Reaction Injection Molding (RIM)

Reaction injection molding (RIM) is a form of injection molding that

brings temperature and ratio-controlled reactant streams together under
high-pressure impringement mixing to form a polymer directly within the
mold.

While current applications are mostly automotive, other uses are gaining
popularity in industrial and consumer products. Polyurethanes currently
dominate commercial production, other materials are currently in
development programs. Particularly, nylon and epoxy.

Reaction Injection Molding (RIM)

Relative Relative
# of Parts Tool Tool Piece Surface Part
Produced Construction Cost Cost Advantages Limitations Finish Size Tolerances Applications Materials
50,000+ Steel 80% Dimensional Recyclability Best of RIM Door panels Polyurethanes
Stability
Undercuts Sunshades
Low part and edge
weight returns Seating
structures
Fiber mat Trimming
(SRIM) or required SRIM:
mixed fibers (trimpress or
(RRIM) add water jet) Seating
strength structures
50,000+ Aluminum 60% Cost Close to steel
(machined) Door
structures
10,000 Aluminum 45% Cost Close to Steel
(cast)
Firewalls
50,000 Nickel shell 30% Cost Tool changes
difficult Front body
structures
1000 Kirksite 50% Cost Tool changes Porosity of
difficult tool can cause
imperfections Radiators
Lead time
1000 Epoxy 15% Cost Pillars

Lead time Interior trim

panels