Molding vs casting? Manufacturers in a wide range of industries rely on components created by compression molding and injection molding. Carbon fiber parts can be created using either method, depending on the specifications and tolerances associated with the project. SMI is a leader in the production of carbon fiber parts for the automotive and aerospace industries.
If you’re considering a partner who can provide quality engineering with carbon fiber, you may be wondering about the differences between molding vs casting. This article will highlight both processes and how SMI’s unique capabilities can help your business.
Molding vs Casting
Molding and casting are two parts of the manufacturing process. Therefore, molds require casting for creation. It is a precision engineering sequence used in carbon fiber manufacturing.
Molding
SMI creates components from carbon fiber and other composites to your specifications using composite presses at scale. The molding process starts with a component part, and we produce an impression of it. So, molds depend on the size of the part for the single section or multiple sections.
Compression Molding or Injection Molding
There are two types of molding: compression molding and injection molding. Compression molding is exactly what it sounds like. It uses pressure and heat to conform raw materials into a mold. Injection molding technology forces or injects the raw material into the mold cavity under heat.
Compression molding, low-cost option for high volume production, used for wide ranges of shapes, sizes, and applications. Injection molding is a more precise process that requires less labor.
Casting
Once a mold is created, assemble it and apply the casting material such as carbon fiber. This creates the final component part that is ready for finishing prior to final assembly or manufacturing.
Carbon fiber is a highly durable material and appropriate for many uses. Also, used throughout consumer products such as bicycles and smartphone cases. As well as high-end vertical markets such as automotive and aerospace parts.
SMI produces carbon fiber parts for both decorative and structural purposes. We lead the industry by creating all of our tools and providing exceptional quality assurance at every step of the production process.
Leading the Industry
Understanding the difference between molding vs casting is helpful when selecting a vendor who can provide high-quality results for your business. When you know how the process works, it’s easier to choose a partner who excels in both tooling the necessary molds and casting products with composite materials like carbon fiber.
SMI is a leader in the molding and casting space. Carbon fiber parts are considered the first choice of purchasing agents and engineers due to build to specifications. With a wide range of manufacturing options, including autoclave curing, out of autoclave curing, bladder molding, cast molding, and compression molding, SMI has unrivaled resources and expertise.
So, to learn more about our capabilities, contact us. Therefore, we’ll learn more about your specific requirements and develop a plan to meet your objectives.
