Rapid Injection LRTM Process Can Increase Production

 

Magnum Venus Products, a global manufacturer of fluid motion and production solutions for industrial applications, is launching a new closed-molding process to reduce injection time and increase part production.

 

Aptly named Fast Flow LRTM, the new technology is a combination of MVP’s Flex Molding process and Light Resin Transfer Molding (LRTM) and utilizes collapsible resin channels to speed up resin flow.

 

The process was prompted by the need to meet faster cure times for large parts using high viscosity resins, such as flame retardant materials. Further trials and testing are currently underway with a major automotive manufacturer.

 

 

When using a traditional LRTM mold, the resin flow rate is dependent on the distance between the resin channel and the center of the part during injection. MVP’s Fast Flow LRTM technology utilizes silicone collapsible resin channels developed for the Flex molding process, with a unique channel arrangement that allows the channels to be mounted closer together to reduce the resin flow distance and speed up injection time.

 

This process can inject a 50 square foot part in four minutes using only one injection port, while also providing a good back surface appearance comparable to traditional LRTM. By injecting resin from the center to the border, the part demolds with a perfect appearance, with no visible resin channels, wasted material or excess resin.

 

 

Fast Flow LRTM uses a unique resin channel design with the injection port located in the center of the part. By injecting the part from the center to the border, the part can be finished precisely without trimming.

 

In the Fast Flow LRTM process, the female mold is constructed similarly to the LRTM mold, but the reverse mold is constructed with some key differences. It is made of a silicone skin, includes a foldable resin channel, and is then reinforced with composite material. For this step of the process, MVP has developed a unique solution for bonding the composite material to the silicone. The solid reverse mold provides good backside quality, while the silicone film shows the strength of the produced part.

 

 

MVP has been a long-time leader in closed mold technology for decades with the development of key technologies and accessories that complement its advanced injection equipment. MVP technical support specialists travel the world providing manufacturers with comprehensive training and educational opportunities to learn more about closed molding procedures and techniques.