How Companies Achieve Precision in the Micro Molding Process
For medical components, aerospace products, and electronic parts, even a fraction of a millimeter can make the difference between success and failure. That’s why micro molding is so common. This process is used to produce small, intricate rubber components. Achieving consistency at such a small scale requires advanced tooling and meticulous process control. Below, we’re exploring how companies achieve accuracy in the micro molding process. Let’s dive in.
Mold Design and Tooling
The foundation of precision micro molding lies in the mold itself. Even the slightest variation in the tooling can cause dimensional inconsistencies in the finished part. The best companies pay attention to details like parting line placement, venting design, and flash control. This helps prevent defects that can compromise part performance.
Material Selection
Choosing the right rubber compound is also important. The most common types of rubber for injection molding are HCR and LSR. High-consistency rubber (HCR) has been a go-to in the manufacturing industry for decades. It can withstand temperature fluctuations from -50℃ to +300℃, and has great aging resistance. As a result, it’s ideal for a variety of applications.
While HCR is common, liquid silicone rubber (LSR) has replaced it in many areas. LSRs have a lower viscosity, which allows them to flow more easily. This makes LSRs a better fit for rubber injection molding. Conversely, HCRs are best for transfer and compression molding. A great micro molding partner will be able to determine the best material for your needs.
Process Control for Rubber Materials
Micro molding operations rely on precise temperature and pressure control to achieve repeatable results. This might include using real-time monitoring systems to validate temperature, cavity pressure, and curing time.
Inspection and Validation
The final step in ensuring quality is inspection and validation. Manufacturers often use advanced inspection technologies like optical measurement systems, coordinate measuring machines (CMM), and laser scanning. These tools can detect small deviations and ensure that every dimension falls within tight tolerances.
The Value of Partnering with a Specialized Rubber Micro Molder
The right rubber manufacturer can help you achieve precision in all your components. For decades, Moldtech has been providing micro rubber molding services for customers in various industries. Whether you’re developing a new product or need to scale quickly, we’re here to help.
Located in Lancaster, NY, we’re a vertically integrated manufacturer with close to 50,000 square feet of production space. This includes cleanroom and climate-controlled workspaces. We design, manufacture, and assemble your parts in-house, giving you maximum control over the process. We offer a range of products, from seals and gaskets to dampers and isolators, and more.
Our parts are trusted by some of the biggest companies in the world. In fact, we’re proud to support customers like Boeing, Bosch, Johnson & Johnson, and the U.S. military. Contact us today to learn how we can help you.