There ar many types of molding processes for making rubber parts including compression molding, transfer molding. The most common is probably injection molding. Injection molding of rubber is the same as other injection molding processes.

Rubber Injection Molding

A rubber injection molding machine is much the same as a plastic or metal injection molding machine. The proecss is much the same as well. A rubber gum stock is forced into the injection barrel by the stuffing box. The material is injected into the mold via the nozzle at a constant rate. It travels through a system of runners, sprues and gates to fill the cavity of the molds. The rubber is allowed to complete its curing process in the mold before it is removed. 

Liquid Silicone Injection Molding

Two part rubber materials with one containing a catalyst are pumped into a mixer at a consistent ratio. The mixer uniformly mixes the two liquids and any colorant that is added. Next the silicone is forced into the heated cavity of the mold with the curing will take place. Using cold runners, virtually zero material is wasted. Once vulcanization is complete, the part is removed from the mold. In low volume production, this may be done manual. For higher volume, it is automated and ejector pins are used to push out the part from the mold. Because of the low viscosity of the injected silicon, excessive flashing can occur if the mold is not precise.

Solid Rubber Compression Molding

Homogenous uncured rubber preform is headed and placed into a mold. Be heating the rubber, it activates the chemical reaction for the curing process. The mold is closed and pressurized to force the rubber to take its shape. One the curing process is completed, the final part is removed from the mold. The excess material is then removed from the part. 

Rubber Transfer Molding

For this process, the uncured rubber is not placed directly into the mold. Instead, it is placed in a transfer pot above the mold. It is heated and then pushed into the mold using a piston through a runner, sprue and gate system much like you would see in an injection mold. It is allowed to cool in the mold before removal. 

 

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