Structural foam molding is a low-pressure injection molding process. Unlike standard high-pressure injection molding, inert gases are introduced into the plastic melt. This acts as a blowing agent and aids the fill and pack-out of the tool.
The process produces parts that have a cellular ‘foam’ core with solid outer surfaces.
Structural foam molding is used to mold large, solid durable parts and products that have high impact resistance and are impervious to the weather. The structural foam molding process is generally geared to higher volume applications.
Structural foam molding is capable of producing parts with complex geometries, tighter tolerances than rotomolding and very high part to part consistency throughout the production.
Gas-assist and multi-nozzle technologies bring even more flexibility to the large platen presses, such as the capability to run multiple tools simultaneously.
Structural foam is used for many products including – consumer, agricultural and commercial vehicles, business and medical equipment, marine, garden and architectural products and in many other industries.