Page 38 - Plastics News Issue May 2025
P. 38
COMPANY NEWS
Who said compression
moulding is behind us?
sile strength. Parts can also be
more sustainable as bio-based
materials are increasingly be-
ing used. Valued globally at
USD 12.4bn in 2023, the com-
pression moulding market is
projected to double to USD
25.1bn by 2032i.
The compression process
Compression moulding is a
forming method that relies on
heat and pressure to mould
plastic materials. The first step
involves creating a strong, pre-
cise metal tool that is designed
homas Catinat, Operations Manager at
Broanmain Plastics, explores the lasting to the required dimensions and shape.
Tlegacy of compression moulding, includ- A compression moulding machine places partial-
ing the application advantages of this technique. ly heated material into the open, heated mould
cavity. Broanmain offers compression mould-
“For stronger and more wear-resistant parts
produced in lower volumes, compression mould- ing using Bulk Moulding Compound (BMC). This
ing and direct screw transfer (DST) remain ex- composite is a polyester ‘dough’ material that
tremely valid and popular options,” observes is manually put into the tool in pre-measured
Thomas. amounts.
The mould is closed with a top force or plug
For sectors like aerospace, automotive, trans-
port, utilities, marine, electronics and renewable member, and pressure and heat are applied
energy, compression moulding is undergoing a to ensure the material reaches all parts of the
bit of a resurgence. This is mainly attributed to cavity. The part is cured until the material sets
these industries using more advanced compos- into shape. Finally, it’s removed from the tooling
ite materials. where it’s trimmed down. If intricate details are
required, these are often created on a CNC mill.
In many instances, compression moulded
parts are more durable as a result of the ten- DST is a hybrid of compression and injection
38 PLASTICS NEWS May 2025
