{"id":1597,"date":"2015-06-10T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2015-06-10T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fathommfg.com\/blog\/reaction-injection-molding-3d-printing"},"modified":"2015-06-10T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2015-06-10T00:00:00","slug":"reaction-injection-molding-3d-printing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fathommfg.com\/blog\/reaction-injection-molding-3d-printing\/","title":{"rendered":"3D Printed Injection Molds \/\/ Reaction Injection Molding Tool"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Conventional tooling and injection molding<\/a> in a classroom or lab environment presents many challenges\u2014access to highly specialized equipment, time, doctorate-level training, close supervision and more. Using a combination of 3D printing and off-the-shelf parts, Fathom’s Director of Research Carlo Qui\u00f1onez<\/a> envisioned an innovative method of producing silicone rubber parts to improve the speed, ease and cost-effectiveness of the process. To see how he reimagined this procedure using the design freedom of 3D printing technologies and materials, check out the first episode of Fathom’s original web series What Can You Fathom?<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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INTRODUCING REACTION INJECTION MOLDING (RIM) MOLDING By Fathom’s Director of Research<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Reaction injection molding (RIM) is similar to traditional injection molding (IM)<\/a>; the key difference is what is being injected. In conventional IM, a polymer is melted, enabling it to flow into the mold. As the polymer cools, it solidifies in the desired shape. In RIM, the polymer exists as a liquid at room temperature, then solidifies after a chemical reaction occurs inside the mold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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