Blog > The Different Types of Items That Can Be Encapsulated With RIM

The Different Types of Items That Can Be Encapsulated With RIM

by Rimnetics, posted on Tuesday, April 27, 2021

Reaction injection molding provides many unique design capabilities, and encapsulation is one of the most significant. Reaction injection molding is the only manufacturing process in which components like magnets, threaded inserts, hinges, PCB antennas, and many other items can be directly encapsulated into a plastic part. The Reaction Injection Molding process creates a polyurethane part; polyurethane is a glue-like substance that chemically bonds to the item to be encapsulated. Encapsulation can completely or partially surround the item within the molded part. Some of the most notable benefits of encapsulation include providing protection from harsh environments, preventing theft, IP protection, and facilitating wireless capabilities into the part. To learn about some of the many different types of items that can be encapsulated with RIM, continue reading. 

Circuit Boards

Reaction injection molding provides the unique capability to encapsulate more fragile electronics such as circuit boards. The gentleness of low viscosity of the RIM material that flows into the mold does not damage the sensitive components of the PCB. The RIM material, with its low viscosity and lower temperatures, will not damage the PC’s solder.

Because reaction injection molding takes place at lower temperatures and pressures, designers can encapsulate more fragile items, such as circuit boards, without damaging them in the process. After their installation, these fragile components will have enhanced protection against harsh environmental considerations such as wind, rain, or vibrations.

Antennas

Another fragile item that manufacturers can encapsulate into a part through reaction injection molding is an antenna. RIM allows manufacturers to mold antennas into a part without reducing their functionality. In fact, encapsulating antennas may even improve their radio signal coverage since the area around them is less dense than other insertion methods, such as potting. In doing so, manufacturers can create parts that have superior wireless capabilities.

Batteries

The process of reaction injection molding can also encapsulate batteries without reducing their capacity. Encapsulating batteries has numerous benefits. By creating a protective casing around the battery assembly, the battery will have improved shock and vibration resistance as well as defense against moisture or corrosive agents.

Magnets

Magnets are another of the different types of items that can be encapsulated with RIM. By simply inserting magnets into the reaction injection molding tool they can become readily encapsulated into a part. This capability is very useful in a variety of industries. For example, for medical devices operated in environments where dirt and germs are highly undesirable. Encapsulating magnets into the doors of medical devices to hold them closed means eliminating latches and other connecting mechanisms that have creases and seams where germs and dirt can collect.

Threaded Inserts

Reaction injection molding also facilitates the encapsulation of threaded inserts. When creating a part that requires attachments or assembly, encapsulated threaded inserts allow the end-user to easily attach them. This eliminates manufacturing steps and reduces the number of vendors in the supply chain, both highly desirable ways to reduce total manufacturing costs.

Rimnetics is an industry leader in Reaction Injection Molding To learn more about our mold design services—including encapsulation—contact us today.