Compression Molding vs Injection Molding: Differences, Advantages and Disadvantages

Aug 9, 2023JE SILICONE

Compression molding and injection molding are most popular manufacturing processes in silicone rubber industry. They are used to create silicone rubber parts, but they are different in terms of their process, applications, and advantages.

Compression Molding Process, Advantages and Disadvantages

Process: In compression molding, a pre-measured amount of raw material (usually a thermosetting resin or composite material) is placed into an open mold cavity. The mold is then closed, and heat and pressure are applied. The material is compressed and takes the shape of the mold as it cures or hardens.

Applicability: Compression molding is well-suited for producing relatively simple and large parts with intricate details, such as electrical insulators, automotive components, and appliance parts. It's often used for materials that are difficult to process with injection molding, such as certain thermosetting plastics and composites.

Advantages:
Suitable for large parts and low-volume production.
Can handle materials that are sensitive to shear forces and high temperatures.
Lower tooling and equipment costs compared to injection molding.

Disadvantages:
Slower cycle times compared to injection molding.
May require post-molding operations for trimming excess material.
Limited to certain types of materials, primarily thermosetting resins.

Injection Molding Process, Advantages and Disadvantages

Process: Injection molding involves injecting molten plastic or other materials into a closed mold under high pressure. Once the material cools and solidifies, the mold is opened, and the finished part is ejected.

Applicability: Injection molding is ideal for producing complex, high-precision parts with consistent quality. It's widely used for manufacturing a broad range of products, including consumer goods, electronics components, medical devices, automotive parts, and more.

Advantages:
High production efficiency and shorter cycle times.
Excellent dimensional accuracy and surface finish.
Suitable for high-volume production.
Minimal or no post-molding operations required.

Disadvantages:
Higher initial tooling and equipment costs compared to compression molding.
May not be suitable for materials that are sensitive to heat or shear forces.
Limited to certain types of materials, primarily thermoplastics.

Choose Compression Molding or Injection Molding?

If you are confused of choosing Compression Molding or Injection Molding,  please don't worry, Here we are giving you a simple method. Compression molding is better suited for larger parts, low-volume production, and materials that are sensitive to heat, while injection molding is more suitable for high-volume production of intricate, precise parts made from thermoplastics. The choice between the two processes depends on factors such as the part's size, complexity, required volume, material properties, and cost considerations.

JEsilicone has 20 years of experience in silicone mold making and custom molded silicone products. We have over 10,000 sucessful silicone mold opening. If you need any products and technical support, please feel free to contact us today! The follow are parts of our successful custom silicone products cases:

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