Process Comparison

Below are considerations that must be evaluated when making a molding technology decision for production. There are many factors (design intent, cost, functionality, quality) that need to be balanced when determining the most economic and qualitative method to mold your plastic application.

Your final technology choice will be based on annual volume of parts to be made, part size, tooling investment available, the parts physical properties, design factors needed and available lead times. Contact Thieme Corporation to assist in understanding the advantages, benefits and economics of making the RIM molding choice for your next product application. Thieme will guide you through evaluating RIM for the entire process from part concept to final assembly logistics on your plant floor for your next plastic application.

Process RIM Injection Thermo/Pressure FRP Structural Sheet
Comparison Metric Molding Molding Forming Fiberglass Foam Metal
Low to Medium Annual Production Runs Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Mold Large Parts (Single Shot) Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes
Complex 3-D Geometries Yes Yes Limited Yes Yes Yes
Deep Draws Yes Yes w/ Limits No Yes Yes Yes
Mold In Features (ribs, holes, slots) Yes Yes No W/ Limitations Yes No
Self Supporting Structural Parts Yes No No Yes Yes Yes
Variable Wall Sections In The Same Part Yes No No Yes W/ Limitations Yes Limited (Cost to Machine)
Repeatability/Reliability Yes Yes Limited No Yes Yes
Encapsulation (electronics, metals, plastics) Yes Limited No Limited (Manual) Yes No
Design For Both A & B sides of Part Yes Yes No Yes Yes No
Multiple Material Solutions Yes Yes Limited No Yes No
Hold Tight Tolerances Yes Yes No No Yes Yes
Cost of Tooling $$$ $$$$$ $$ $ $$$$ N/A
Tool Change Ease Good Limited Limited Limited (Manual) Fair N/A
Tool Life Guaranteed for series production Limited Limited No Good N/A
Prototype & Production As One Tool Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Strength to Weight Ratio Yes No No No Avg No
Surface Quality & Paint Yes w/ Limits Needs Paint Yes Yo Y w/ Limits Needs Paint Yes w/ Limits Needs Paint No
Part Consolidation Possibilities Yes Limited No Limited Yes No
Eliminates Glued Inserts , Bosses, Assembly Aides Yes Limited No No Yes No