A short guide about Reaction Injection Moulding and how we, at Rapitypes, conduct it.

1. Reaction Injection Moulding www.rapitypes.com

2. What Is It? What is reaction injection moulding (RIM)? In simple terms, RIM is the result of a reaction between isocyanate and polyol, two liquid components, as they are injected into a mould at particularly low pressure. These two components are low-viscosity liquids and mix together as they flow into the mould. The polyurethane is then formed in the tool cavity as the temperature and pressure at the surface of the tool is increased due to the reaction taking place. www.rapitypes.com

3. Types of Material... Nowadays there is a great range of formulations for polyurethane resins for RIM each with their own physical properties dependant on the particular performance requirements. At Rapitypes we have the ability to produce almost anything through RIM moulding. Whether you need flexible elastomer substitutes, foam-core parts or extremely rigid components with thin walls, we have the solution. www.rapitypes.com

4. The finish of the Materials... An increasingly popular option is for our clients to take full advantage of our superiorityin mould painting capability. This allows us to create a high quality paint finish which is chemically bonded to the surface. Alternatively parts can be primed, painted or surface treated to have the appearance of a range of textures such as carbon fibre through the use of graphics. www.rapitypes.com

5. What Is It used for? At Rapitypes we can use RIM to produce very large parts even when the specification is relatively demanding; for example automobile bumpers or medical equipment enclosures. The medical enclosures for example often need to have high flame resistance as they may be used to guard X-ray machines and dental equipment. At Rapitypes we provide polyurethane RIM formulations that meet UL94 flammability ratings of V-0 and 5VA along with resins that have elevated temperature resistance of up to 180°C. www.rapitypes.com

6. Benefits of using RIM? • Low-cost tooling for large parts• Polyurethane moulded parts in 2-5 weeks• Thin walled components (1.5mm)• Short lead-times for large components• Low volume production components• Cosmetic surface finishing• Smooth satin/gloss In-mould coating (Avoids additional cost of post spray painting)• Rigid foam buoyant water proof materials• Encapsulation and over-moulding • Low capital investment.• Short or long runs• Minimum set up www.rapitypes.com

7. For More Information... Visit Us... Rapitypes LimitedRocket StudiosAbbey MeadowLeicester LE4 5DF Or… Email: sales@rapitypes.com Tel: +44 (0) 116 253 6591 www.rapitypes.com