Learn the Secret to Closed Molding Success

It’s not as mysterious as you think: ““The real secret to closed molding is attention to detail. It’s excruciating, continuous and throughout the process,” says Mike Angerer, president of manufacturer New Boston RTM Inc. “Open molding is very commercially viable because it’s very flexible. It doesn’t take the same accuracy of materials or process, because you’re able to make changes on the fly and there are multiple steps involved where you can make adjustments. With closed molding, it’s a one-shot deal.” On the other hand, closed molding can yield more accurate parts and a cleaner work environment.

Angerer made the transition to closed molding over a period of many years. Fortunately, the learning curve isn’t as high as it used to be, he says. At COMPOSITES+POLYCON, he’ll lead an education session titled How Critical Is Process Control to RTM/ RTM Light? Designed for anyone interested in the process, the session will highlight common problems that manufacturers experience using closed molding, including poor part fill, poor surface quality and losing consistency of shape with molds. 
 
Angerer anticipates greater adoption of closed molding as a result of the economic downturn. “What’s happening is that everybody is looking for something different, so you’re getting industries and people looking at different materials,” he says. “Our industry is looking at anything else we can replace. The challenge is that most of those other materials have a higher degree of innate accuracy to them when you process them. When you stamp a piece of metal, the accuracy is great. When you cut a piece of wood, it’s pretty darn accurate. To get into these other industries, you’re going need a process that’s clean and accurate.”

This session takes place on Thursday, Jan. 15 from 2 p.m. to 2:50 p.m. For more information, click here.