The process of transfer molding is one in which the material which is to be used for carrying out the molding process is first weighed and then poured into the container used for the process of molding.
Process of Transfer Molding :The material used for molding process is generally thermoset plastic. There are different terms which take its place in the process of transfer molding. They are pot, plunger, sprue, ejector pins and so on. Let us see process of transfer molding and each of the above coined terms in detail
In the process of transfer mold the space used for pouring the material used for molding is coined as pot. As first step the material used for the molding process is taken into the process of heating. This heated molten material is then loaded in pot. The mold is kept closed from this step.
The sprue is nothing but channels used in the molding process. As a second step the material present in pot is pushed into sprue by using plunger. It is further passed through a system called as runner system. The process of hardening also coined as curing is further done on the molds. The mold is opened after this stage of curing to get the product out from the system.
In order for the material to be released in a faster rate, the surface of mold is undergone to the process of heating higher than the point of melting. Since the mold would have hardened while opening for getting the finished molds it is essential to implement ejector pins which would help in getting the mold easily after it is being released.
Differenced Between Transfer Molding and Compression Molding : Though the process of transfer molding is same as that of compression molding on the outset there are some general differences in the way the process gets handled in both molding types. The process of transfer molding discussed above clear shows that the process of transfer molding uses a closed mold which is opposite when compared with the compression molding process. Also the cost involved in the process of transfer molding is on the higher side when compared with the compression molding.
Transfer Mold is the short term of transfer molding which is otherwise also termed resin transfer molding. In the transfer molding process the molding process is taken into the process of heating and then gets loaded in pot. In contrast in compression molding container is loaded and then heating is carried out.
Thus in a transfer mold though the cost is expensive it is possible to achieve much higher quality of metal in terms of durability achieved within shorter time span. Also the process of transfer molding involves only low pressure during the process of injection which helps in design flexibility, faster production, less workforce involved and upgraded attributes to be achieved.
The important aspect to be taken care in the process of transfer molding is to provide sufficient ways of air leaving out of system since the process takes place in a closed mould system until ejection of final product.