W. Michaeli et D. Fleischer, ADVANCED PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY FOR IMPROVING THE SURFACE QUALITY OF SRIM COMPONENTS, Composites. Part A, Applied science and manufacturing, 27(4), 1996, pp. 307-310
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.