What is thermoset compression and transfer molding?
Thermoset compression molding is typically a manual process that transforms granular material into molded shapes by adding material directly into an open mold cavity and then closing the mold. Thermoset transfer molding is a similar process that involves the extra step of pre-forming a “pill” of material before it is injected into a closed mold through the mold’s runner and gate system. Rebling Plastics has been using both processes since the company’s inception. Thermosets are materials that cure via an irreversible chemical reaction under heat and pressure, rather than cooling to a rigid state as thermoplastic injection molding materials do. This chemical reaction results in a strong highly cross-linked molecular structure and is the reason that thermoset materials have the ability to retain their properties at elevated temperatures. Typical applications are electrical connector housings, automotive ashtrays, cookware appliance handles and knobs. The thermoset compression molding pro
