RIM vs. Other Processes

RIM Molding, like other molding and metal fabrication processes, has its niche.  The benefits of RIM Molding are numerous and include:  Low tooling costs and short lead-time, large light-weight parts, high tolerances, parts with handsome design finish, various chemical resistance properties, 94V-0 and HB ratings; various chemical systems to choose from to best suit technical part properties, and over-molding of inserts such as: metal; wood, glass, computer chips, etc. due to RIM's low pressure and low temperature injection process.

RIM Molding is generally most cost effective for companies looking to produce a few hundred to several thousand parts.  However, depending on the part design and characteristics, RIM Manufacturing has produced over one million (1,000,000) parts per year for 10 years for a particular client.

Plastic Injection Molding

RIM Advantages

  • RIM tooling is approximately 70% less expensive
  • Thick, light weight structural parts can be molded without sink
  • Walls can be thick and thin on same part
  • Tolerances approximate to Injection Molding
  • Can mold over metal, glass, wood, wiring, circuit boards, hardware, etc
  • Much better economies for lower volume parts
  • Shorter tooling lead times

Injection Molding Advantages

  • Part cost lower in high volume
  • Plastic part can be colored; no need for paint
  • Finer part detail can be achieved
  • Greater range of material choices

Sheet Metal

RIM Advantages

  • RIM offers much greater design freedom for attractive, sculpted parts
  • Complex or curved parts will be less expensive
  • RIM parts will generally be lighter
  • RIM insulates sound and vibration much better
  • Parts can be painted in-mold
  • Ability to mold soft touch or flexible parts
  • Encapsulation of glass, metal, wood, wiring, circuit boards, hardware, etc
  • Won’t rust and very resistant to corrosion
  • Does not conduct electricity

Sheet Metal Advantages

  • Sheet metal parts can be structurally stronger
  • Sheet metal does not need additional EMI / RFI Shielding
  • Tooling less expensive
  • Simple parts are less expensive

Thermoforming

RIM Advantages

  • RIM offers much greater design freedom
  • Complex parts cost less
  • Higher part tolerances
  • Can combine multiple parts
  • Bosses, ribs, and other 3D features can be molded in
  • Thicker, stronger parts

Thermoforming Advantages

  • Simple parts are less expensive
  • Single color parts do not need paint
  • Tooling generally less expensive

Rotational Molding

RIM Advantages

  • More sophisticated design
  • Higher Tolerances
  • Stronger more durable parts

Rotational Molding Advantages 

  • Hollow part molding

Die Casting

RIM Advantages

  • Lower weight
  • Lower cost
  • More design freedom
  • Parts are not brittle
  • Net shape (no machining)
  • Corrosion resistant

Die Casting Advantages

  • Metal parts