Liquid molding (LIM) is a manufacturing process that uses liquid polymers which are then cured in custom-built molds to manufacture complex plastic parts. This process allows for the production of parts with great precision and with features not possible with other molding methods.
How Does the Liquid Injection Molding Process Work?
The Liquid Injection Molding process starts with preparing a liquid monomer or polymer mixture. This liquid mixture contains polymer materials dissolved or dispersed in a carrier solution. Common polymers used include epoxy, polyurethane, silicone, and hybrids. The liquid is then injected into a custom-built mold under high pressure.
The mold contains the inverse shape of the desired part and typically two mold halves come together to close off all cavities. After injection, the mold and part are transferred to an oven where the polymer-containing liquid is cured and hardened through crosslinking polymerization reactions. Once fully cured, the mold opens and the newly formed solid part can be removed.
Key Benefits of Liquid Molding
Complex Part Designs
Liquid Injection Molding allows for the molding of complex plastic parts with intricately detailed features that would be difficult or impossible to form through other plastic molding methods. Under the molding pressure, the liquid polymer can take on very fine intricate details in the mold.
Short Lead Times
Compared to other plastic manufacturing processes that use pre-formed plastic pellets or beads, LIM has shorter lead times since it does not require plastic preparation steps like extrusion. The liquid polymers are already in molding condition right out of the container.
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