Compression Molding Composites & Parts

Compression molding is one of the most common closed-molding techniques and is prevalent in the rubber and plastics industries. This process was initially developed to produce parts for metal replacement applications, namely within the automotive sector, for parts such as hoods and fenders, as well as smaller, more intricate parts.

The process starts with uncured material, mostly in the form of sheets, logs, granules, putty-like masses, or preforms, that is often preheated and loaded into an open, heated mold cavity. The heated mold halves are closed and pressure is applied to force the material to fill the mold’s cavities and conform to the shape of the mold. Heat and pressure are maintained to activate the cure system in the compound, and are held until the material has cured. The molding part is cooled and removed from the mold, and the process is ready to begin again. Cycle times are established to reach an optimal level of cure, and depend on the size and thickness of the molding parts. Here is a simple graphic of compression molding.

Compression molding yields composite parts that have the optimal properties possible from a given combination of raw materials. This process produces high strength, complex parts in a wide variety of sizes, and is ideal for efficient fabrication of consistent, quality parts at medium and high volume.  Compression molding is known for excellent part-to-part repeatability and also allows for the manufacturing of parts with intricate features, such as holes, that would otherwise have to be machined post-mold.

There are several advantages of compression molding. First, a broad range of compression molding composites can be utilized in this process. This method often involves tools that are less complex and less costly to construct, resulting in lower costs compared to other molding techniques. Additionally, it generates the least amount of waste, which is advantageous when working with expensive compounds. Lastly, there is typically a short set up time.

Echo Supply’s Component Manufacturing Capabilities

Since 1966, Echo has been partnering with customers to create and supply meaningful solutions for Connecting, Fastening, NVH, and Sealing challenges. The company has designed, engineered, and manufactured thousands of value-added rubber components and assemblies within many industries. Echo’s success with designing and manufacturing complex rubber components stems from its team of in-house design and materials engineers, 3D rapid prototyping, quality management, internal and third-party testing, and supply chain management.

Custom Rubber Molded Parts

Our strength lies in our ability to produce custom rubber molded parts that fit our customers’ specific needs. We can design and create various types of custom rubber masking solutions to ensure an effective masking process to meet most specifications. Why trust your custom rubber part needs to any other company? Echo will be with you through the entire process and ensure the right fit.

Our team can also design and manufacture complex custom rubber OEM components in house! We have the knowledge and expertise to produce high quality, third-party tested parts that are sure to meet the highest standards.

Echo Engineering’s rubber manufacturing capabilities are broad and extend across a variety of methods such as compression molding, in addition to injection molding, extrusion, liquid silicon molding, over molding, and transfer molding. Common rubber materials utilized in Echo’s processes include Silicon, FKM including Viton®, EPDM, HNBR, Natural Rubber, FlouroCarbon, Neoprene (Chloroprene), Vinyl, NBR, UL Yellow Card Materials, NS, and Buna. 

Contact Us Today

Echo Engineering takes the time to understand what role the component plays in a customer’s manufacturing process or product development in order to confidently recommend a solution. Whether a customer is in need of a standard stock component or one that requires customization, the Echo team is equipped to provide what is needed - fast. Contact us today for a custom quote to fit your needs.