What is Compression Molding?

Compression molding compresses raw plastic into a heated mold with the final product’s shape. The combination of heat and pressure makes it possible for the plastic to form a new shape by filling out the space inside the mold.

Usually, the mold has two parts, the upper and lower half. The upper mold is movable, while the lower one is stationary. During production, the raw plastic is put on the heated lower mold. The equally heated upper mold is then put on top of the plastic, where it exerts enough pressure to get the plastic into the right form.

The mold stays together long enough to ensure that the heat and pressure will enable the plastic to maintain the integrity of the shape as it forms. This is the curing process.

Once everything cools, the upper mold lifts to reveal the new form of the plastic. This is when the new plastic product is removed from the mold.