ADVANCED PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY FOR IMPROVING THE SURFACE QUALITY OF SRIM COMPONENTS

Parts made by structural reaction injection moulding (SRIM) for applic ations with major visual requirements need a lot of rework, usually as a result of poor surface quality. This causes increased production co sts or even disqualifies SRIM for a particular application. This paper describes strategies for improving the surface quality in SRIM by usi ng an advanced processing technology, that with local input of holding pressure. The concept of a holding pressure unit combines cost-effici ent technology with strong improvements in surface quality. Contrary t o telescopic moulds, it can be used for parts with a complex geometry. The industrial benefit of this technology is shown by the evaluation of coatings (applied under industrial conditions) on SRIM components. The use of this processing technology in combination with non-woven fa brics as surface layers enables dramatic improvements in surface quali ty to be achieved.